269-626-2296Kalamazoo Violent Crime Attorneys
Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law Are Respected in the Legal Community
Violent crime charges are some of the most serious criminal charges a person can face. Sentencing often includes lengthy prison sentences, and a conviction can haunt you forever. While you will face immediate hardship in the form of jail or prison sentences and fines, the long-term effects can be surprising. Prosecutors pursue violent crime cases aggressively, and they often push for maximum sentencing penalties. Once they have you in their sights, they usually won’t stop until they get a conviction. Because of this, you need to work with a trusted lawyer, like ours at Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law.
Backed by 150 years of combined experience, our Kalamazoo violent crime defense lawyers are aggressive and dedicated to their clients. As a practice, we are firmly rooted in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We take a detail-oriented, intellectual approach, and we cannot be intimidated by the prosecution. When you need reputable, strong legal representation, look to us.
If you were charged with a violent crime, you need a strong advocate in court. For help with your case, call us at 269-626-2296 or contact us online.
What Penalties Do Violent Crimes Carry?
Due to their serious nature, violent crimes often have elevated penalties. A crime is classified as violent when there is either actual physical violence or the threat of physical violence. Even if you never touch the other person, you may find yourself facing these more serious charges if they accuse you of threatening them with violence. Therefore, it is vitally important to take your charges seriously and work with an experienced attorney like ours in Kalamazoo.
If you are convicted of a violent crime, you may face:
- Years to life in prison
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Permanent loss of individual rights
- Permanent criminal record
- Difficulty finding work or employment
- A ruined reputation in your community
Most violent crimes are charged as felonies, and a felony conviction can destroy your life. The presence of a felony conviction on your record can result in the loss of your job or professional licensing. It can also complicate other legal matters, such as child custody and other aspects of family law. This is why you need an aggressive defense strategy. It is never a good idea to represent yourself in these matters, even if you believe your innocence is self-evident. You need to secure trusted legal representation as soon as possible.
What Should You Do If You Are Accused of a Violent Crime You Didn’t Commit?
There are many reasons a person may be accused of a crime they didn’t commit, but the result of a conviction is always the same. Prison or jail sentences, fines, loss of reputation and professional licenses, and a future of struggling to pass criminal background checks. If you don’t act quickly in the face of false accusations, you could face life-altering consequences.
The most important thing you should do is invoke your right to remain silent. Do not speak with police, prosecutors, or any other law enforcement agency without first talking to your attorney. In the process of trying to defend yourself, you may say the wrong thing and have your words twisted or misunderstood, and used against you in the future.
You should take time to find and preserve evidence that supports your innocence; this can be messages, GPS records, security footage, witness information, or a strong alibi. Never contact your accuser, even if you think it will help. It will almost always backfire and cause more problems.
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are arrested, or as soon as you believe you are being investigated for a crime, significantly increases your odds of a fair and favorable outcome. At Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law, we know how to handle false allegations. We will investigate the facts of your case, challenge the credibility of your accuser, and build an aggressive defense that uncovers the truth and protects your rights. Don’t hesitate to call 269-626-2296 for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Do You Need a Kalamazoo Violent Crimes Attorney?
Many violent crimes happen in the heat of the moment, without premeditation. When situations escalate, people can get hurt, and you may find yourself facing violent crime charges unexpectedly. Additionally, these cases can easily devolve into one person’s word over another’s. Too often, people are wrongfully accused and charged with crimes they did not commit.
Furthermore, these cases are often mismanaged by law enforcement and prosecutors. When this happens, personal rights are violated, and innocent people suffer. Additionally, it has been noted that prosecutors, the courts, and juries can be biased against those accused of a violent crime. At Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law, we believe that everyone deserves justice and competent, committed legal counsel, no matter what.
Our attorneys can handle all violent crimes cases, including:
- Assault and Battery: Unlawful physical contact or the threat of harm without consent.
- Assault With Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm: A felony charge for assaults likely to cause serious injuries, even without the use of a weapon.
- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon: Also known as felonious assault, this involves threatening or attacking someone with a weapon.
- Domestic Violence: Assault or abuse committed against a spouse, partner, or household member. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
- Gang violence: Typically involves certain violent crime cases that are committed for the benefit, or in association with a gang.
- Homicide (Murder): Includes first-degree murder and second-degree murder.
- Manslaughter: A lesser charge than murder, but still serious. Includes accidental deaths, crimes of passion, or gross negligence.
- Rape and Sexual Assault: Also called criminal sexual conduct in Michigan. Involves non-consensual sexual contact or penetration, especially when force or coercion is used.
We Serve Clients in Southwest Michigan, Including Kalamazoo, Calhoun, St. Joseph, & Van Buren Counties
At Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law, we know that this is one of the most stressful, scary times in your life. Every aspect of your case is important, and we stand by our clients every step of the way, from filing necessary pre-trial motions to litigating in court. We fight hard, and we don’t back down. Over the decades, we have built a reputation for delivering creative, skilled legal defense services. We have a proven track record of success and a high rate of acquittals. When you need dedicated support from a professional legal team with your best interests at heart, we are here.
Call 269-626-2296 or fill out our contact form online to schedule a free consultation with one of our Kalamazoo violent crime lawyers.