If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime in Los Angeles County, the decisions you make in the first days after arrest can shape the outcome of your entire case. A violent crimes lawyer in California who understands how prosecutors build these cases — and how to challenge them — can make the difference between a felony conviction and a favorable resolution. KN Law Firm, APLC, led by Attorney Chris Nalchadjian, defends clients throughout Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Van Nuys, and Los Angeles against the full range of violent felony charges.
Violent crime allegations move fast. Prosecutors often file charges within days of arrest, and bail can be set high or denied outright depending on the offense. Having a violent offense attorney engaged early — before charges are even filed, if possible — gives you the best chance to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.
Types of Violent Crime Cases We Handle
Violent crimes cover a broad category of offenses, each with its own elements, penalties, and defense considerations. Our firm regularly defends clients against charges including:
- Murder — charges filed under PC 187 — Murder, including first-degree, second-degree, and felony murder theories
- Manslaughter — voluntary and involuntary manslaughter charges under PC 192 — Manslaughter
- Attempted murder — charged under PC 664/187 — Attempted Murder
- Kidnapping — charges under PC 207 — Kidnapping
- Mayhem — charges involving permanent disfigurement or disability under PC 203 — Mayhem
- Carjacking — charged under PC 215 — Carjacking
Many of these charges overlap with other serious offenses. If your case involves a firearm, it may also implicate our California weapons crimes defense practice. If it arose from a domestic dispute, it may fall under our domestic violence defense team as well. We coordinate across these practice areas so nothing about your case is handled in isolation.
Understanding the Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction
California treats violent felonies among the most serious offenses on the books. Depending on the specific charge, a conviction can carry state prison sentences ranging from several years to life, substantial fines, mandatory restitution, and a permanent strike on your record under California’s Three Strikes Law. A strike conviction does not just affect the current case — it can double or triple the sentence for any future felony conviction. Our California’s Three Strikes Law Explained post breaks down how strike enhancements work in more detail.
Beyond incarceration, a violent crime conviction can affect employment, housing, immigration status, and the right to own a firearm. Because the stakes are this high, we treat every violent crime case as if it were the most important case in the office — because to our client, it is.
Facing charges right now? Do not wait to speak with an attorney. Call KN Law Firm at (888) 950-0011 for a free, confidential consultation before you make any statement to law enforcement.
Why Choose KN Law Firm for Your Violent Crime Defense
Attorney Chris Nalchadjian is admitted to practice before the California State Bar, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. That dual state-and-federal experience matters in violent crime cases, since some charges can be prosecuted federally depending on the circumstances — carjacking involving interstate elements, for example, can sometimes draw federal attention alongside state charges.
Our firm appears regularly in Glendale Superior Court, Burbank Superior Court, Pasadena Superior Court, and Los Angeles Superior Court, giving us direct familiarity with the judges, prosecutors, and procedures you will encounter. We also serve clients in English and Spanish, so language is never a barrier to understanding your case or your rights.
Common Defenses in Violent Crime Cases
Every violent crime case is different, but defenses often center on challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent, identity, or the sequence of events. Self-defense, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, and challenges to witness credibility are all commonly raised depending on the facts. For a deeper look at how murder and manslaughter charges differ — and why that distinction matters for your defense — see our article on Murder vs Manslaughter: What’s the Difference?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a violent crime in California?
California law treats a range of offenses as violent crimes, including murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, kidnapping, mayhem, and carjacking. Many of these offenses are also classified as strike offenses, which increases penalties for repeat offenders.
What should I do if I am charged with a violent crime?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and avoid speaking with law enforcement without legal representation present. Early involvement of an attorney can affect how the case is charged, investigated, and ultimately resolved.
Are violent crime charges always felonies?
Most violent crimes in California are charged as felonies, though some can be charged as misdemeanors or wobblers depending on the facts. Felony violent crime convictions can also count as strikes, significantly increasing sentencing exposure for any future offense.
Can violent crime charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends on the evidence, the circumstances of the arrest, and the strength of available defenses such as self-defense, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence of intent. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate the case and negotiate with prosecutors or challenge the evidence at trial.
Does KN Law Firm handle both state and federal violent crime cases?
Yes. KN Law Firm represents clients in California state courts, including Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and Los Angeles Superior Courts, as well as federal cases in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Speak With a Violent Crimes Defense Attorney Today
A violent crime charge is not a conviction. With the right defense strategy, there may be more options available than you realize — from challenging the evidence to negotiating a reduced charge. KN Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations 24/7 in English and Spanish. Call (888) 950-0011 or contact our Glendale office today to discuss your case.
Facing Violent Crime Charges in California?
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