The law comes down harshly on any crime where violence is involved. As a society, we are taught to believe victims. But all too often, cases involving violent crimes are not cut and dry. Police and prosecutors rush to make an arrest and put a case together. They want to close the case, convict, and move on.

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we often find that people charged with violent crimes are being treated unfairly. Victims and witnesses may be mistaken or lying. Law enforcement may cut corners on an investigation. And the charges may be too harsh for what actually happened.

If you’ve been arrested on a violent crime charge, know that there are many defenses available to you. Our Los Angeles violent crimes defense attorney has the experience to uncover what went wrong in a case and fight for the best possible outcome for you.

The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling serve the following areas: Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Century City, Los Angeles Airport, Marina Del Rey, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Valencia, and West Los Angeles. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation with seasoned criminal defense attorney Justin E. Sterling.

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Why Choose Our Los Angeles Criminal Defense Law Firm to Handle Your Case?

Criminal defense attorney Justin E. Sterling and our team of expert investigators have a proven track record of success in violent crime cases. Our clients benefit from our extensive experience, deep-rooted local connections, and personalized approach to cases.

More than two decades of criminal trial experience
Successful verdicts in over 70 jury trials in courts throughout California
Experience handling a wide range of violent crime cases, from murder to domestic violence
In-house investigative team made up of former senior law enforcement professionals
Local knowledge and strong relationships with Los Angeles courts and law enforcement agencies
Intentionally limited caseload to ensure each client gets the attention they need
Personal representation from founder Justin E. Sterling and 24/7 access to counsel

What Is Considered a Violent Crime?

Violent crimes are those in which a person inflicts or threatens to inflict bodily harm on another person. Many crimes many be considered violent offenses under California law. Unfortunately, prosecutors will fight to maximize charges and penalties even in cases that do not warrant it. That’s why it is crucial to work with a Los Angeles defense attorney who has a successful track record of winning these types of cases at trial.

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we have extensive experience defending clients against cases involving:

Murder (Penal Code 187)

is “the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.”

Manslaughter (Penal Code 192)

is “the unlawful killing of a human being without malice.” There are three kinds of manslaughter: voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, and vehicular manslaughter.

Robbery (Penal Code 211)

is “the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.”

Weapons charges

can include a variety of offenses, such as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and brandishing a firearm.

Domestic violence (Penal Code 273.5)

occurs when a person “willfully inflicts corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition” on a spouse or former spouse, cohabitant or former cohabitant, fiancé or fiancée, someone the offender has dated, or the mother or father of the offender’s child.

Child abuse (Penal Code 273a and 273d)

occurs when a person causes, inflicts, or permits a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering.

False Imprisonment (Penal Code 236)

is “the unlawful violation of the personal liberty of another.”

Stalking (Penal Code 646.9)

occurs when a person “willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly” follows or harasses another person and threatens the victim or his or her family.

Kidnapping (Penal Code 207)

occurs when a person “forcibly, or by any other means of instilling fear,” steals, takes, holds, detains, or arrests another person. Kidnapping of children may not involve physical force or fear, rather it could involve the child being persuaded or lured to go with a person.

Sex crimes

can include rape, aggravated sexual assault, oral copulation by force, child molestation, and other offenses.

Assault and battery (Penal Code 240 and 242)

are two different crimes. An assault is “an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury” to someone. A battery is “any willful and unlawful use of force or violence” against someone.

Assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code 245)

may involve firearms or other instruments likely to cause severe injuries.

Arson (Penal Code 251)

occurs when a person “willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned” or “aids, counsels, or procures the burning of, any structure, forest land, or property.”

Carjacking (Penal Code 215)

involves taking a vehicle by force or fear when the driver or a passenger is present.

Criminal threats (Penal Code 422)

occur when a person “willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury.” It does not matter whether the person intends to follow through on the threat.

Battery on a police officer (Penal Code 243b)

is a charge that can be applied to situations involving more than just law enforcement officers. This can be the case when battery involves a firefighter, emergency medical technician, lifeguard, security officer, process server, code enforcement officer, animal control officer, etc.

Mayhem (Penal Code 203)

occurs when a person “unlawfully and maliciously deprives a human being of a member of his body, or disables, disfigures, or renders it useless, or cuts or disables the tongue, or puts out an eye, or slits the nose, ear, or lip.”

Elder abuse (Penal Code 368)

occurs when a person causes, permits, or inflicts great bodily harm or death on an elder or dependent adult.

Torture (Penal Code 206)

occurs when a person intentionally causes “cruel or extreme pain and suffering for the purpose of revenge, extortion, persuasion, or for any sadistic purpose.”

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Common Defenses in Violent Crime Cases

Police and prosecutors will act like they have an airtight case against you, but that doesn’t mean they do. There are many ways to fight violent crime charges when you have an aggressive defense attorney on your side. Some of the defenses that could come into play in your case include:

There was a mix-up somewhere along the way, and it is a case of mistaken identity.
There was a false accusation of violence.
What happened was an accident with no intent behind it.
You were acting in self-defense.
Police misconduct was involved, such as the illegal seizure of evidence.
The police did not read your Miranda Rights.

Violent Crimes Defense Options

When Los Angeles violent crime attorney Justin E. Sterling takes your case, he will immediately begin investigating what happened to identify all possible defenses. Our goal is to expose all the holes in the prosecution’s case. We then use these weaknesses to fight for the charges against you to be dropped or reduced.

What Are Common Penalties for Violent Crimes?

The penalties for a violent crime conviction vary depending on the specific charges. Most of these crimes are classified as felonies, which means the penalties can be extremely harsh. If you are convicted of a violent crime, you could be facing:

Up to life in prison
Thousand of dollars in fines
Restrictive probation terms upon release

Even after a sentence is complete, there are still life-altering consequences from a conviction. These could include:

Loss of the right to own a firearm
Loss of employment and housing opportunities
Loss of custody of children or loss of visitation rights

If a conviction is unavoidable, attorney Justin E. Sterling has extensive experience negotiating favorable plea deals and fighting for the minimum possible sentence.

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Understanding California’s Three-Strikes Law

California’s Three-Strikes Law affects anyone who is facing a second or third conviction for a serious or violent felony.

For a second conviction, the defendant faces a doubled prison term.
For a third conviction, the defendant faces 25 years to life in prison

The Three-Strikes Law applies no matter how much time has passed between convictions. If you have been convicted of a felony in the past and are facing a new charge, speak with attorney Justin E. Sterling immediately about your options.

Tips for Protecting Your Rights After an Arrest

Although it may feel like your rights have been stripped from you during and after an arrest, you do have the power to contribute to your defense.

Stay polite with law enforcement. Even if they are being rough or rude, try to keep your cool.
Remain silent. It is OK to give the officers your name, address, and basic contact information. But do not answer any questions about what happened. The only thing you should say is, “I want to speak to an attorney.”
Do not sign anything or try to negotiate anything without a lawyer. Even when law enforcement and prosecutors act like they are trying to help you, they are not.
Watch what you say in any phone calls. Law enforcement will monitor your calls to family and friends.
Write down everything you can remember about the arrest. This includes the names and badge numbers for the officers involved, as well as contact information for any witnesses, if you have it.
Save any recordings you made during the arrest.
If you were injured during the arrest, ask for treatment at the jail and take photos of your injuries.
Talk to a trusted California violent crime attorney as soon as possible about your options. There are many ways an attorney can work to fight your case, even before you have formally been charged. The sooner you have someone in your corner, the better.

Steps After Arrest CA

Our Clients Say It Best

I met Mr. Sterling over 2 years ago when he represented my brother in a very serious case. I attended all court hearings and met with Mr. Sterling numerous times during the course of the case. I am happy to write this recommendation of Mr. Sterling because he is a gifted lawyer who can help. Experienced, knowledgeable, and he actually cares. In court he was aggressive and effective. My family and I basically credit Mr. Sterling with saving my brothers life. The case went to trial and he was acquitted of the most serious charges. If you are looking for a responsive lawyer who has the ability to get results, I would not look beyond this attorney. Mr. Sterling loves what he does, which is pretty evident in the level of service he provides.

- Former Client

Justin is an aggressive lawyer who is committed to his clients. I knew Justin when he was coming up in the Public Defender’s Office and have witnessed him cross-examine police officers as well as give a closing argument. He is excellent. Justin is at the top of his game and it has been a pleasure to watch him establish himself as a dedicated and effective lawyer with a solid reputation within the Los Angeles legal community.

- I.W., Attorney at Law

Mr. Sterling is a compassionate attorney and person. He goes the extra mile for his clients. He has done so for me on more than one occasion.

- P.S., Former Client

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How a Los Angeles Violent Crime Defense Attorney Can Help You

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we have an outstanding track record of success representing defendants in violent crime cases. Seasoned Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Justin E. Sterling has taken these cases to trial and won, as well as negotiated for outright dismissal of charges.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may fight for:

Dismissal of the charges against you
Acquittal at trial
Reduction to lesser charges
Minimum possible sentence

To learn how our law firm can help, please contact us today for a free and confidential case review. Justin E. Sterling will meet with you directly to answer your questions and map out a plan for your defense.