Benton Violent Crime Lawyer

The mere accusation of a violent crime can have serious implications for your personal and professional life. Violent crimes tend to result in harsh sentences. If you were recently charged with committing a violent crime, you can rely on the services of a Benton violent crime lawyer. With the right legal representation and strategy, you may be able to reduce the penalties you are facing.

Common Types of Violent Crimes in Benton

Violent crimes involve the use of force or the credible threat of use of force. Victims of these types of crimes can be severely injured or mentally traumatized by their interaction with the defendant. Many violent crimes are prosecuted as felonies.

• Murder: Murder is a form of homicide and involves the unlawful killing of another person with intent or through reckless disregard for human life. This is typically classified into degrees based on intent and circumstances.
• Aggravated assault: This violent crime involves a serious physical attack on another person that involves the use of a deadly weapon or results in serious bodily injury. This can also include threats of violence coupled with the apparent ability to carry out those threats.
• Robbery: Robbery involves the forceful and unlawful taking of property from another person or their immediate presence by intimidation, physical violence, or threat of violence. It involves the element of theft combined with the use or threat of force.
• Sexual Assault: Rape is a non-consensual sexual act that can range from unwanted touching to forced sexual intercourse. These crimes are characterized by the lack of consent and the use or threat of force.
• Kidnapping: The unlawful and intentional abduction or confinement of another person against their will, often involving movement or confinement for ransom, asportation, or other criminal purposes, is considered kidnapping.

These are only the most common types of violent crimes. Violence can play a role in many crimes and is often added as an aggravating factor that can increase the severity of the criminal charge someone is facing, as well as the potential penalties.

Defense Strategies for Violent Crime Accusations

Depending on the circumstances of your case, your criminal defense attorney can use evidence to show that you did not commit the crime, that no crime was committed, or there are mitigating circumstances that warrant a reduction in charges.

If you are accused of committing domestic violence, for example, your attorney can look at your past relationship with the victim. Romantic relationships are often fraught with disagreements, and an argument can quickly become heated, with both sides making regrettable decisions.

If your ex is motivated by a desire to ruin your reputation, that could weaken the prosecution’s case. If the physical altercation involved acts of physical assault by both parties, that could also help your case.

Self-defense could be used as a defense against allegations that you committed aggravated assault. If you feared for your life or for the safety of those around you, that would undermine the prosecution’s argument that you acted with criminal intent. Any act of self-defense should be proportional to the perceived threat posed by someone else.

Sexual assault cases can be the result of mistaken identity. If you have an alibi witness, that can show that you were not at the location of the attack when the crime occurred.

How Can a Benton Defense Attorney Help Me?

The job of a Benton defense attorney is to explore every possibility of having your charges dropped or reduced. Even when the charges stick, having an attorney can greatly reduce the chances that you face the steepest penalties applicable under the law.

If you are facing a felony, you could face harsher sentences if you are convicted. Your attorney can demonstrate the important role you play as a productive citizen in court. When the right arguments are presented, you may be able to accept a deal where you are placed on probation in lieu of going to jail or prison.

If the evidence shows that you did not commit the crime but the prosecution refuses to drop charges, your attorney can take the case before a judge or jury. Most criminal cases are settled outside of a trial through a plea bargain agreement.

Your attorney can negotiate a favorable agreement on your behalf. Your lawyer can counsel you on whether to accept a plea bargain or not.

FAQs

Q: What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Arkansas?

A: In Arkansas, violent crimes include offenses such as murder, aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and kidnapping. These crimes involve the use of force, threat of force, or actions that cause physical harm or injury to another person. They are prosecuted as serious offenses with significant legal consequences upon conviction.

Q: Is Assault a Felony in Arkansas?

A: Assault is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Arkansas. If the accused used a deadly weapon, the more serious offense of aggravated assault can become a felony. When multiple crimes are committed at once, that can also lead to more serious crime classifications. Your attorney can work to reduce the severity of the charges you are facing.

Q: How Long Do You Go to Jail for Aggravated Assault in Arkansas?

A: Aggravated assault is classified as a Class D felony in Arkansas, which can result in a prison sentence of up to six years and fines of up to $10,000 upon conviction. The specific penalties may vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal history. Aggravated assault typically involves the use of a weapon.

Q: How Serious Is a Class C Felony in Arkansas?

A: A Class C felony is a serious offense that can lead to a prison sentence. Anyone convicted of a Class C felony may be fined up to $10,000. Convicted felons in Arkansas may lose certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, hold public office, serve on a jury, or possess firearms.

Schedule Your Benton Violent Crime Consultation Today

Any criminal charge for a violent offense should be taken seriously. Prosecutors often seek steep penalties for defendants who are accused of committing a violent offense.

Having legal representation in your case can greatly increase the chances that you resolve your case with favorable outcomes. Lemley Law Partners has helped many clients reduce the penalties they face following an arrest for a violent crime. To schedule your consultation with one of our attorneys, contact our office today.