Are You Facing Charges For Serious And Violent Felonies In Riverside County?

California’s Penal Code and the California Legislature define crimes, set penalties and outline procedures for criminal prosecutions. These laws are subject to constant changes due to legislative revisions and appellate court case law. Each crime in the Penal Code has an accompanying legal definition and a description of its elements. Some penalties are mandatory on conviction. Other penalties are up to the judge’s discretion (decision-making within a judge’s limited authority.) The prosecution must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt to make the charge stick.

Kenneth J. Kahn has been a criminal defense attorney for 18 years, with the previous 17 years of experience as a prosecutor. He opened his law firm to defend you and prevent, reduce and dismiss wrongful charges. He aggressively defends the rights of his clients throughout Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Mr. Kahn has been on both sides of the courtroom involving cases for a full range of crimes, including:

• Murder: The unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. California law distinguishes between first-degree murder – premeditated – and second-degree murder, which is not premeditated.
• Rape: This is a serious crime involving nonconsensual sexual intercourse achieved through force, threat or incapacitation. There are specific statutes addressing various forms of sexual assault.
• Arson: The willful and malicious setting of fire to property. In California, arson can be charged as a felony, especially if it endangers human life or causes significant property damage.
• Child abuse: This encompasses physical, emotional or sexual harm inflicted upon a child. California has strict laws and mandatory reporting requirements to protect children from abuse and neglect.
• False imprisonment: This crime involves unlawfully restraining or confining another person without their consent. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances and whether weapons were involved.
• Robbery: This is taking property from someone else’s possession directly, using force or intimidation. It is punishable by severe penalties in California.

This is not an exhaustive list, of course. At the Law Offices of Kenneth J. Kahn, P.C., no matter the offense, clients get respect, dignity and Mr. Kahn’s full attention to resolve their case with their future interest at the forefront.

Potential Defenses For Violent Crime Charges

At the Law Offices of Kenneth J. Kahn, P.C., Mr. Kahn’s aim is to be sure his clients get the successful defense they have a right to receive. There are many potential defenses for each type of crime. Here is an example of just a few:

• Self-defense or defense of others: You may have committed the alleged crime while trying to protect yourself or others from immediate harm or danger.
• Lack of intent: If you had no intent or did not mean to commit the violent act, you could challenge one of the crime’s elements.
• Insanity: You were unable to understand the nature of your actions or distinguish right from wrong due to a severe mental disorder.
• Mistaken identity: Evidence, such as alibis or challenging eyewitness testimony, can prove that you were not involved in the crime.
• Coercion or duress: Someone forced you to commit the crime under threat of immediate harm or death, and you had no reasonable opportunity to escape the situation.
• Burglary: Entering someone else’s property (home, car, truck, business) without their permission. Burglary can be a felony or misdemeanor.

Answering Common Questions About Felony Charges

What is the difference between a serious felony and a violent felony in California?

In California, a serious felony generally includes crimes that are severe but may not involve physical harm to another person, such as burglary or certain types of fraud. Violent felonies, on the other hand, specifically involve the use of force or violence against another person, such as murder, rape or robbery.

How can an attorney help me if I am faced with charges for a violent crime?

A criminal defense attorney should ensure you understand the charges against you and skillfully present your side of the story in court. Your representation may include investigating all angles of your arrest and whether any of your constitutional rights were violated. An effective criminal defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors, challenge the evidence, and work to reduce the charges against you or minimize harsh penalties.

What are the consequences of a violent crime conviction in California?

The consequences for a violent crime conviction in California can be severe. They may include a lengthy prison sentence, a hefty fine, probation and a permanent criminal record. Convictions for violent felonies can also eliminate future employment opportunities and housing and worsen other aspects of your life.

Contact Kenneth J. Kahn For A Consultation

Send an online inquiry or call the Law Offices of Kenneth J. Kahn, P.C., in Riverside at 951-618-8953 for a consultation.