Violent Crime Attorney

Obviously, violent crime is a broad legal term that covers many different offenses. There is a variety of crimes that are of a violent nature. According to the state, a first-degree crime is the most serious charge. Some violent crimes of the first degree include murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault. People who are convicted of first-degree criminal charges face jail time between 10 years and life. Murder and homicide, the most serious crimes, face the higher end of the sentencing guidelines.

In some cases, a regular crime has the potential to escalate to a violent crime charge. For example, a simple assault case has the ability to become aggravated assault. People who are convicted of a simple assault charge face 6 months in jail and fines up to $1000. Though this charge is dire enough, it does not compare to what you would face if you used a weapon in the same fight. The once simple assault charge changes to an aggravated assault charge which constitutes 5-10 years in prison, $150,000 in fines, and the possible application of the No Early Release Act. In New Jersey, the No Early Release Act states that you must serve 85% of your sentence before you are considered eligible for parole. Accordingly, the use of a weapon or infliction of a serious injury can change a simple robbery and sexual assault case into armed robbery and aggravated sexual assault.