Violent Crimes and Hiring a DC Criminal Defense Lawyer

Violent Crimes and Hiring a DC Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a violent crime is scary. It can feel like your whole world is crashing down. The government says you did something wrong, and now they wanna lock you up. That’s a terrifying thought.

But don’t panic. You have rights. And there are good people out there — criminal defense lawyers — who can help you. Keep reading to learn more about violent crimes, your rights, and how a DC criminal defense lawyer can fight for you.

What are violent crimes?

Violent crimes are offenses where the perpetrator uses or threatens to use force. Some examples of violent crimes include:

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Assault
• Battery
• Rape
• Robbery
• Kidnapping
• Carjacking

As you can see, violent crimes cover a wide range of offenses. From homicides to beatings to sexual assaults. If it involves violence or threats of violence, it’s likely considered a violent crime.

The penalties for violent crimes are severe. We’re talking years or even decades behind bars. That’s because these offenses are seen as especially egregious in the eyes of the law.

What rights do I have if accused of a violent crime?

The Bill of Rights protects all Americans, even those accused of terrible crimes. You still have rights like:

• The right to remain silent. You don’t have to say anything to the police that could incriminate you. Invoke your right to remain silent!
• The right to an attorney. If you can’t afford one, the court will appoint a public defender.
• The right to trial by an impartial jury.
• The right to confront your accusers. You get to cross-examine any witnesses.
• The presumption of innocence. You’re innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

These rights exist to prevent abuses of power and ensure fairness. Don’t let the police or prosecutors bully you or trick you into giving up your rights!

Why do I need a criminal defense lawyer?

Trying to navigate the criminal justice system alone is scary. The deck is stacked against you. The cops, the district attorneys — they do this every day. You need someone on your side who knows the system and will fight tooth and nail for you. That’s why you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

A good lawyer will:

• Conduct their own investigation to find holes in the prosecutor’s case
• File motions to get evidence thrown out if it was obtained illegally
• Negotiate with the DA for reduced charges or a better plea deal
• Mount an aggressive defense at trial if necessary
• Present mitigating factors at sentencing to reduce your punishment

Lawyers have spent years learning how to defend people accused of crimes. Let them put their skills to work for you.

How do I find the right DC criminal defense lawyer for me?

Not all lawyers are created equal. You want someone who knows DC courts and laws inside and out. Ask friends for recommendations. Search online reviews. Visit DC Bar’s lawyer directory. Call the DC Public Defender Service and ask who they respect.

Look for these traits in a lawyer:

• Extensive experience defending violent crime cases
• A track record of good results for past clients
• Someone who will fight aggressively but also listen to you
• A lawyer with resources to thoroughly investigate your case
• Someone you feel comfortable talking to and entrusting with your life

Defense lawyers offer free consultations, so meet with a few options before deciding. Go with your gut – who makes you feel most confident in their abilities?

What defenses could my lawyer use?

There are many approaches a skilled lawyer could take to defend you against violent crime charges:

• Self-defense – Arguing you only used force to protect yourself from harm (DC Code § 22–405)
• Insanity – You couldn’t understand right from wrong or control your actions (DC Code § 24–501)
• Mistaken identity – The witnesses who identified you are wrong
• False accusations – The alleged victim is lying and setting you up
• Intoxication – You were too impaired to form criminal intent
• Duress – You were forced to commit the crime under threat

An experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate which defenses could get your charges dismissed or reduced.

What will this cost me?

Hiring a private criminal defense lawyer can get expensive. Rates may start around $200/hour and go up from there. Simple cases could cost $5,000-$10,000. Serious felonies could cost $25,000 or more. Get fee estimates up front so you know what to expect.

If you can’t afford a lawyer, don’t panic. The court will appoint a public defender to represent you for free. They’re paid by the government and handle many cases each year. A public defender may not have as much time to devote to your case, but they still have an obligation to provide you with a competent defense.

I’m scared. What are my chances here?

It’s normal to feel scared when facing violent crime charges. The penalties are so high. But don’t lose hope. With an experienced DC criminal defense lawyer in your corner, fighting for you, there are always options. The case may get dismissed, charges reduced, or punishment minimized. It ain’t over till it’s over!

Stay strong and know you have rights. Don’t say anything to police without your lawyer. Trust them to handle the legal stuff while you focus on your family and keeping your spirits up. This will be a tough road but you don’t have to walk it alone. We’re rooting for you!

The Bottom Line

Being accused of a violent crime feels devastating but you still have rights. Don’t go through this alone. Hire an aggressive DC criminal defense lawyer to be your guide and fighter. Interview lawyers to find one you connect with and trust. With their legal expertise plus defenses like self-defense or mistaken identity, you have a fighting chance. Don’t lose hope. Keep believing in yourself.

Sources

• DC Code § 22–405 – Self-defense
• DC Code § 24–501 – Insanity defense
• DC Bar lawyer directory