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Sacramento & Placer County Violent Crime & Homicide Attorney

What is a Violent Crime and how is it punished in California?

In California, the penalties for violent crimes are harsh because they usually result in an injured person, and sometimes death.  Violent crimes include any crime in which the offender uses or threatens the use of violent force on the victim, with or without a weapon.  If you have been charged with a violent crime, whether you are guilty or not, you need to contact a lawyer immediately.

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The seriousness of these crimes will result in very serious penalties if convicted.  You could spend many years in prison and could even receive a life sentence.   A conviction of this kind can create significant obstacles for your future and have a negative impact on your family.

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One of the greatest dangers associated with violent crime charges relates to California's three strikes law. (See Penal Code 667.5 and 1192.7).  If a defendant is convicted of a violent felony offense, he or she may receive a permanent "strike" on his or her record.  A second strike will result in double the normal penalties, and a third strike may result in 25 years to life in prison.  Many violent crimes, including robbery, manslaughter, murder, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon, are "strikeable" offenses.

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Under Penal Code section 667.5(c), the following crimes are violent felonies: 

  • Murder

  • Attempted murder, and voluntary manslaughter;

  • Mayhem; 

  • Forced sex acts or sex acts with a minor or a dependent person;

  • All felonies punishable by death or life in prison;

  • Most felonies that result in great bodily injury to a victim; 

  • Robbery; 

  • Arson;

  • Malicious detonation of destructive devices or explosives with intent or that causes the death, mayhem, or great bodily injury to another; 

  • Assault with intent to commit a forced sex act on another or a sex act on a minor;

  • Assault with a firearm on a peace officer or firefighter; 

  • Kidnapping;

  • Extortion or criminal threats done for the benefit of a street gang;

  • Carjacking;

  • First degree burglary when another person (other than accomplice) was present;

  • Possession, use, or production of weapons of mass destruction.

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Murder and Manslaughter

Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Yolo Counties Violent crime and homicide criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Wood

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One of the most serious violent crimes is homicide.  There are several types of homicide, ranging from manslaughter to capital murder. 

Types of crimes involving homicide include:

  • 1st degree Murder:

A homicide committed intentionally with premeditation or malice aforethought.

  • 2nd degree Murder:

​The killing of another person that is willful but not deliberate or premeditated. In other words, an intentional act that wasn’t planned ahead of time.

  • Voluntary Manslaughter:

The intentional killing of a human being, when the defendant had no prior intent to kill.

  • Involuntary Manslaughter:

The unintentional killing of a human being.

  • Vehicular Manslaughter:

A death that is unintentional and is the result of reckless driving, such as DUI.

Call Attorney Jeff Wood for Immediate Legal Assistance.

Considering the harsh consequences of a violent crime conviction, attorney Jeff Wood places a strong focus on the defense of these offenses.  If you have been accused of any violent crime, you need experienced and proven legal counsel – and you need it right away. The sooner Jeff Wood can get to work on your case, the better your chances are for a positive outcome.  Mr. Wood can meet with you in a free initial consultation to discuss your exact situation and can then advise you on your options and the best defense strategy for your case.  The sooner you call for a confidential review, the sooner a defense can be mounted.

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