Charleston Violent Crime Lawyer

Charleston Violent Crime Attorney

While the very thought of facing any kind of criminal offense charge in West Virginia can make you feel alone and uncertain, violent crimes can bring about severe legal penalties, and it is wise to seek the counsel and care of a Charleston, WV violent crime lawyer. You deserve a defense attorney who understands the legal landscape of the Kanawha County court system and can use that understanding to protect your rights and future freedoms.

At Meadows Law PLLC, we provide you with a defense strategy that perfectly fits the needs of your case and the circumstances surrounding the charges you are dealing with. We approach each case with personalized detail, fully believing that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to criminal defense. For years, we have been working to defend those most in need and are ready to be by your side, no matter what your needs may be.

Common Kinds of Violent Crime Charges in Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia, serves as the state’s capital, boasting the gold-domed state capitol building. This city, unfortunately, is no stranger to crime; yet, every day, people suffer from false accusations or make simple mistakes that lead to disproportionate charges. Though Type 1 crimes have been down in recent years, including those of a violent nature, arrests are still made every day.

Violent crimes are typically those that include some kind of threat or the use of physical force against a person or item of property. These crimes are viewed as particularly heinous, and the penalties you could face if convicted are severe. The most common offenses classified as violent in nature in Charleston include:

• Kidnapping. This charge can occur when an individual has allegedly abducted, taken, or held captive another individual. Additional charges can be incurred should the case also include evidence of any kind of physical violence done against the victim, such as sexual assault or bodily harm. Kidnapping charges are serious, and you need an attorney who understands the gravity of the situation you are facing.
• Sexual assault. In Charleston, sexual assault can include a wide range of offenses. These offenses include unwanted touching, attempted rape, the act of rape itself, or the forceful sexual penetration of a victim, and the act of forcing another to perform unwanted sexual acts. In 2019, the rate of sexual assault was around 1 per 100,000 residents.
• Domestic violence. These charges usually arise out of situations of abuse or violence between family members or individuals who reside together. Domestic violence can turn criminal when these acts include sexual assault against a victim, intentionally or even carelessly causing harm to another, or using physical and verbal threats against the alleged victim to create fear.
• Murder. West Virginia currently sees a homicide rate of 6.2 per 100,000 residents. Murder charges can arise when an individual allegedly has caused the death of another, either with the intention of doing so or by an act of negligence. It is vital to have an attorney’s representation in a murder or homicide case, as a wrongful charge can have severe consequences that will alter the entire course of your future.
• Manslaughter. In a manslaughter case, though an individual has died due to the offender’s alleged actions, there was no evidence of malicious intent that caused the death. Instead, the alleged killing might have arisen from a heated argument with a loved one, otherwise known as a crime of passion. These charges can also arise from negligent behavior.

Penalties Associated With Violent Crime Charges

When you are faced with a violent crime charge in Charleston, it is important to understand the potential penalties you might be sentenced to if convicted. These consequences will ultimately depend on the severity of the alleged offense, if the offender has a prior criminal history, or whether or not deadly weapons were involved. The most common penalties associated with Charleston violent crime charges include:

• Incarceration. A prison or jail sentence for a convicted violent crime can last anywhere from a few months to life in prison, depending on the nature of the offense itself.
• Probation. The state or federal court system may decide to offer you probation with extremely strict conditions and limits instead of incarceration in certain cases.
• Fines. Hefty fines are quite common in cases of violent crimes, which can see you suffering from a significant financial burden if successfully convicted by the state.
• Restitution payments. If the victim of a violent crime has suffered any kind of financial loss or damage, the alleged offender may be required to compensate them through payments of restitution.

FAQs

Q: What Are Some Common Defenses for a Violent Crime in West Virginia?

A: Depending on the nature of the crime you have been charged with, there are several common defenses that can be used in your case. These defenses can include that you were simply acting in self-defense or in the defense of another, that you have an alibi for the time and location of the alleged crime, that you were acting under duress or coercion, or that you lacked the intent to commit the alleged crime.

Q: Can You Be Charged with a Violent Crime Even if No One Was Hurt in West Virginia?

A: Yes, you can still be charged with a violent crime even if no one is physically harmed. If you brandish a weapon, threaten acts of physical harm, or take part in an action that creates fear or offers the potential for harm to occur to a victim, you may still be charged.

Q: What Determines the Penalties I Might Face for a Violent Crime Conviction?

A: There are several factors that can help determine the penalties an individual might face if they are convicted of a violent crime. These factors can include whether any weapons were involved in the alleged criminal act, the age of the victim, such as in the case of child abuse or sexual assault, and in certain cases, the relationship the victim shared with the offender.

Q: What Should I Do if I Have Been Accused of a Violent Crime?

A: If you find yourself accused of a violent crime in Charleston, West Virginia, you need to seek the legal representation of a criminal defense attorney immediately. When arrested, remain calm and cooperative but do not, under any circumstances, discuss the case with law enforcement officers until your attorney has arrived.

Protect Your Future Today and Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been charged with a violent crime in Charleston, you need to hire a violent crime lawyer as soon as possible. Swift action can make all the difference in these cases, especially when facing serious penalties like jail or prison time. At Meadows Law PLLC, we are here to fight for you. Contact our offices today to learn more about our defense services and to schedule your free consultation.