California crime rates spiked in 2022, with violent crime rates up 6.1% since the previous year, property crimes up 6.2%, and robberies by 10.2%. From a statement made by California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, violent crimes continue to “devastate” communities in California with gun violence in particular causing a “major threat to public safety.” Among the top criminal charges in California, gun violence is prevalent, along with driving under the influence, drug crimes, and violent crimes such as rape, murder, and assault. In terms of criminal offenses and defending charges, there are options. Hiring a criminal defense attorney could help in certain cases and bring justice and rest to those who need it.
DUI Offense (Vehicle Code Section 23152)
The legal blood alcohol limit in every state (except Utah) is .08%. If you are at or above that level, you are considered driving while intoxicated (penal code 502) and no other evidence is needed to prove the assumption. However, if the measurement is below, there is still a chance you can be charged with a drunk driving offense. This would be an appropriate time to hire an attorney, because further evidence would need to be provided in order to be convicted of this offense. A DUI attorney would help build a case and prove your innocence.
Drug Crimes
During a standard year in California, drug crime rates are 10.73 per 1,000 residents. Drug crimes in California are divided into sections, according to their severity. Drug possession (CA Health and Safety Code Section 11350) has less of a penalty as opposed to selling drugs and has much harsher punishments, including imprisonment. If you have been wrongfully accused or may have a substance abuse problem that requires treatment, hiring an attorney may be helpful. According to Psychology Today, five percent of the US population suffers from drug use disorder, and 50% of inmates also fit this criteria. Getting an attorney that can defend and help you seek treatment could change your life.
Violent Crimes (Penal Code 667.5)
The good news is that despite common perceptions, violent crimes rates in the US have dropped since previous years, says NBC News. This includes a 13% decline in murders, a 6% decline in general violent crimes, and a 4% decline in property crimes. However, crimes in California involving firearms have increased, says LA Times. Crimes such as homicides and property-related crimes have the highest use of guns, says the article, despite the state having the strongest gun safety laws in the country. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer could help have your side of the story be represented, says ABA Journal. Building a client-lawyer relationship and having a professional on your side is paramount, where the attorney has been referred to as a “zealous advocate.”
California Expert Criminal Defense Attorney in Burbank, Calabasas, Ventura County, Santa Barbara, Kern County and Beyond
Being charged with criminal offenses is serious, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. Making sure you have the right defense against your case is paramount, and hiring a criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference. Lead Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, Saam Borhani can help you if you were charged with any of the following:
Domestic Crimes – PC 273.5, PC 243(e)(1), PC 368, PC 646.9, PC 273a, PC 136.1, PC 422
Drug Offenses – HS 11350, HS 11351, HS 1352, HS 11377, HS 11364, HS 11358, HS 11359, HS 11379.6, HS 11378
DUI (alcohol and drugs) – VC 23152, VC 23140, VC 23153, VC 23536, VC 23550, VC 23554, VC 23578, VC 13352, VC 23109
Sex Crimes – PC 261, PC 261.5, PC 288, PC 261.5, PC 288a, PC 261.6, PC 290
Theft Crimes – PC 484, PC 488, PC 490.2, PC 496, PC 490.5
Violent Crimes – PC 187, PC 203, PC 207, PC 207, PC 245, PC 273.5
White Collar Crimes – PC 484, PC 487, PC 502, PC 186.11, PC 532, PC 532a, PC 503, PC 537
Prostitution – PC 647(b), PC 266h, PC 653.22, PC 653.23, PC 315
Assault – PC 240, PC 241, PC 242, PC 245, PC 243
Burglary – PC 459, PC 460, PC 464, PC 466, PC 667, PC 1192.7
Embezzlement – PC 503
Fraud – PC 484, PC 487, PC 532, PC 529, PC 532f, PC 550
Homicide – PC 187, PC 189, PC 192, PC 193, PC 192, PC 199
Kidnapping – PC 207, PC 208, PC 209, PC 210
Robbery – PC 211, PC 212.5, PC 213, PC 215, PC 211a
Cybercrimes – PC 502, PC 530.5, PC 502.7, PC 484e, PC, 502.01
Conspiracy – PC 182, PC 184, PC 183, PC 184.1
Vandalism – PC 594, PC 640.5, PC 594.3, PC 594.1, PC 594.7, PC 594.9
Weapons Offenses – PC 25850, PC 29800, PC 25400, PC 245, PC 12020, PC 25850, PC 626.9, PC 25800, PC 417
Identity Theft – PC 530
Arson – PC 451, PC 452, PC 453
Money Laundering – PC 186.9, PC 186.10, PC 186.11, PC 186.22, PC 186.60, PC 186.9a
A good criminal defense attorney can help build a solid case in order to minimize penalties, jail time increasing the chances of favorable outcomes.
Sources:
forbes.com
policecodes.net
crimegrade.org
psychologytoday.com
latimes.com
openai.com