San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorneys Explain Violent Crimes

Being accused of a violent crime in San Francisco can have devastating consequences. Violent crimes refer to offenses where the perpetrator uses or threatens force upon a victim. Examples include murder, assault, robbery, rape, and domestic violence. If convicted, you may face years or even life in prison. That’s why having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is crucial.

This article provides an overview of common violent crimes prosecuted in San Francisco, typical defenses, and how a knowledgeable lawyer can defend your rights. We’ll also explain the benefits of hiring a private criminal defense attorney rather than using a public defender.

Common Defenses to Violent Crime Charges

Skilled criminal defense lawyers have many strategies to get violent crime charges reduced or dismissed in San Francisco. Common defenses include:

• Self-defense or defense of others: Using reasonable force to protect yourself or others from harm. The force must match the threat faced.
• False accusations and mistaken identity: When the accusing witness misidentifies you or lies about what happened.
• Mental incompetence: You didn’t understand the consequences of your actions due to mental illness.
• Lack of criminal intent: For murder, you must have intended to kill the victim with malice. Manslaughter lacks malice aforethought.
• Intoxication: Being extremely impaired by alcohol or drugs could negate criminal intent.
• Accident: Killing someone through a true accident typically leads to involuntary manslaughter charges.
• Unlawful police conduct: Seeking to get evidence and confessions suppressed that were obtained illegally.
• Consent: For sex crime allegations, showing the accuser consented to the sexual acts.

An experienced criminal lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to identify and develop these defenses. We have decades of experience getting charges dismissed before trial and winning “not guilty” verdicts for clients accused of violent crimes in San Francisco.

Why Hire a Private Criminal Defense Attorney?

The stakes are high when facing violent felony charges that can ruin your life. While public defenders do their best, they juggle heavy caseloads. Hiring a private San Francisco criminal defense lawyer offers many benefits:

• Better attention and focus: Private attorneys provide undivided attention to your case. Public defenders juggle up to 300 active cases at once^[5].
• Proactive investigation: We immediately start investigating by locating witnesses, visiting crime scenes, and finding exculpatory evidence. Public defenders rarely have resources for extensive independent investigations.
• Negotiation skills: Private lawyers have more leverage negotiating with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. We’re not afraid to take cases to trial if needed.
• Resources: Top private attorneys utilize experts, forensic services, investigators, and other resources as needed to build the strongest defense. Public defenders have limited budgets.
• Experience: Many private criminal lawyers are former prosecutors. We know how the system works on both sides. Public defenders typically have less overall experience.
• Testimonials: Look for excellent client reviews describing positive experiences and case outcomes. Beware lawyers with many negative comments.
• Compatibility: Meet with the lawyer to make sure your personalities mesh. You need an attorney willing to fight aggressively on your behalf.

Do not leave this important decision to chance. Interview several top-rated criminal defense attorneys in San Francisco before choosing who to entrust with your freedom.

What to Expect When Fighting Violent Crime Charges

Defending against violent crime allegations in San Francisco involves many steps. Here is what you can expect:

• Investigation and discovery: Your lawyer will start investigating immediately, while filing discovery motions to obtain the prosecution’s evidence. We’ll utilize private investigators, forensic experts, and other resources to build your defense.
• Pretrial motions: Your attorney may make motions to get evidence thrown out, confessions suppressed, or charges dismissed if there is insufficient evidence.
• Plea negotiations: Your lawyer will negotiate aggressively with the prosecutor to get charges reduced or dismissed through a plea bargain. We’ll avoid pleading unless it’s truly in your best interests.
• Trial preparation: If negotiating a plea deal fails, we’ll fully prepare your case for trial. This includes consulting experts, subpoenaing witnesses, creating exhibits, and crafting trial strategy.
• Jury trial: At trial, your lawyer will argue motions, give opening and closing statements, ruthlessly cross examine witnesses, present evidence, and do whatever it takes to raise reasonable doubt of your guilt.
• Sentencing: If found guilty, your attorney will seek the lightest possible sentence under the circumstances through advocacy and negotiations.

Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your corner can make all the difference between prison and freedom. Do not leave this to chance – contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.