Violent Crimes Defense Attorney in Kennewick, Washington

While laws vary from one state to another, the punishment for violent crimes can be extensive no matter where you live. In Washington, you could face years behind bars, hefty fines, and a wide range of other serious penalties. If you have been arrested or are being investigated for a violent crime, you need skilled and strong legal representation on your side.  

The violent crimes defense attorney at Nicholas George Law Firm PLLC can protect your rights and improve your outcome. Attorney Nicholas George knows how to aggressively defend clients accused of violent crimes in Kennewick, Washington, and throughout Spokane, Franklin County, Walla Walla, and Benton County.  

What Is Considered a “Violent Crime”? 

The National Institute of Justice defines a violent crime as a crime in which the victim is harmed by or threatened with violence. In other words, a violent crime is any crime committed against a person by the use of force or threat of force. Washington courts take violent crime accusations very seriously, which is why anyone facing these charges should consider hiring a defense attorney to help them handle the matter and mitigate the potentially devastating effects of a conviction.  

Types of Violent Crimes in Washington 

There are several types of violent crimes in the state of Washington. Some of them include: 

1. Assault and battery. Historically, assault and battery were considered two separate crimes. Nowadays, Washington law treats both assault and battery as one offense: assault. Assault is defined as unlawful touching that would offend an ordinary person. Unlawful touching can take the form of punching, striking, cutting, or other types of contact. Contrary to popular belief, assault does not necessarily need to result in physical injuries for you to be charged with assault.  

2. Homicide. Washington law defines homicide as the killing of another person. Homicide is broken down into two categories: murder and manslaughter. Murder occurs when someone kills another person with malice aforethought, which basically means that you intend to kill someone and then do so. Manslaughter is the killing of someone without premeditation. A common example of manslaughter is causing a car accident that results in someone’s death.  

3. Domestic violence. Under Washington law, the term “domestic violence” refers to inflicting bodily injury or physical harm or causing someone to fear bodily injury or physical harm between members of the same family or household.  

Regardless of the charges, penalties can be very steep. You might want to consider reaching out to a violent crimes defense attorney in Kennewick, Washington, who would explain the charges pending against you and advise on all your available defense options.   

Possible Penalties 

When a person is convicted of a violent crime, they can face the following penalties: 

• Jail/prison time 

• Probation 

• Fines 

• Community service 

• Mandatory anger management classes 

• Substance abuse treatment 

The severity of penalties depends on the nature and circumstances of the offense, whether the victim was injured, whether a weapon was used, and the defendant’s criminal record. In most cases, violent crimes are charged as felonies in the state of Washington. Having a conviction for a violent crime on your record can negatively affect your future in terms of finding employment and housing as well as obtaining a professional license and government benefits.  

Because possible penalties for a violent crime conviction can be severe and potentially life-altering, it is a good idea to contact an attorney who can provide a strong defense against the charges. 

Possible Defenses When Facing Charges for Violent Crimes 

The defenses available to you when facing charges for a violent crime depend on the circumstances of your case. Some of the possible defenses to a violent crime charge include but are not limited to: 

• Duress. If you have evidence to prove that you were forced to commit the violent crime out of an immediate fear of injury, it can be used as part of your “duress” defense.  

• Self-defense or defense of others. If you used physical harm to repel an unlawful attack or imminent threat of attack against you or others, you cannot be convicted.  

• Entrapment. You cannot be convicted if you were induced by law enforcement to commit a violent crime that you would not have otherwise committed.  

• Constitutional violations. If you can prove that your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest or investigation of your case, you can use it as a defense.  

• Alibi. If you were elsewhere at the time the alleged crime took place, you can use it as a defense to avoid a conviction.  

After your arrest, the prosecution will begin building their case against you. In this situation, you should not delay seeking legal counsel. The sooner you begin working with an attorney, the stronger your case will be.