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Violent Crimes Defense Attorney in Pomona

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Violent Crimes Defense Attorney in Pomona, California

Facing violent crime charges in Pomona, California is one of the most serious legal situations you can encounter. These allegations carry devastating consequences including lengthy prison sentences, lifetime criminal records, loss of fundamental rights, mandatory sex offender registration in some cases, and immigration consequences that can permanently separate you from your family. Whether you’ve been charged with assault, battery, robbery, homicide, sexual assault, or any other violent offense, the stakes couldn’t be higher—your freedom, your future, and your family’s wellbeing hang in the balance.

At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we understand that violent crime charges often don’t tell the full story. Self-defense situations, false accusations, mistaken identity, exaggerated claims, and cases where context matters significantly are unfortunately common in violent crime prosecutions. We also recognize that many people facing these charges have never been in serious trouble before and are terrified about what lies ahead.

Our experienced criminal defense team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against violent crime charges throughout Los Angeles County, including at the Pomona Courthouse Superior Court. We know the local judges, prosecutors, specialized units handling violent crimes, and the court procedures that govern these complex cases. From assault and battery to attempted murder, from gang-related charges to domestic violence with great bodily injury enhancements, we provide the aggressive, strategic representation you need during this critical time.

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Understanding Violent Crimes Under California Law

California law encompasses numerous offenses classified as violent crimes, each carrying specific legal elements prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt and severe penalties upon conviction.

Categories of Violent Crimes

  • Assault and Battery Offenses: California distinguishes between assault (attempted battery or threat of harm) and battery (actual harmful or offensive touching). According to the California Department of Justice[1], these offenses range from simple assault and battery misdemeanors to aggravated assaults with deadly weapons or causing great bodily injury.
  • Simple Assault (Penal Code Section 240): An unlawful attempt, coupled with present ability, to commit a violent injury on another person. No actual contact is required—only the attempt.
  • Simple Battery (Penal Code Section 242): Any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon another person, even if no injury results.
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code Section 245(a)(1)): Assault committed with any weapon or means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. This includes firearms, knives, bottles, vehicles, or even hands and feet in certain circumstances.
  • Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury (Penal Code Section 243(d)): Battery resulting in serious injuries requiring medical treatment or causing significant impairment.
  • Assault on a Peace Officer (Penal Code Section 245(c)): Assault committed against police officers, firefighters, EMTs, or other protected public safety personnel, carrying enhanced penalties.

Homicide Offenses

California law recognizes several categories of homicide, each with distinct legal standards:

  • Murder (Penal Code Sections 187-189): The unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. First-degree murder involves premeditation, lying in wait, torture, or killing during specified felonies (felony murder rule). Second-degree murder encompasses all other murders with malice aforethought.
  • Voluntary Manslaughter (Penal Code Section 192(a)): Killing upon sudden quarrel or heat of passion, or based on unreasonable but honest belief in the need for self-defense.
  • Involuntary Manslaughter (Penal Code Section 192(b)): Unintentional killing during commission of unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or during commission of lawful act done in an unlawful manner.
  • Vehicular Manslaughter (Penal Code Section 192(c)): Unintentional killing while driving, involving negligence, gross negligence, or unlawful conduct.
  • Attempted Murder (Penal Code Sections 187/664): Taking direct steps toward killing someone with intent to kill, even if the attempt fails.

According to data from the California Courts[2], homicide cases represent some of the most complex and heavily litigated criminal prosecutions in the state.

Sexual Assault Crimes

  • Rape (Penal Code Section 261): Non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished through force, fear, threats, or when the victim is unable to consent due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or mental incapacity.
  • Sexual Battery (Penal Code Section 243.4): Touching intimate parts of another person for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse, when the touching is against the victim’s will.
  • Lewd Acts with a Minor (Penal Code Section 288): Touching a child under 14 years old with sexual intent, or touching a child aged 14-15 when the perpetrator is at least 10 years older.
  • Oral Copulation or Sodomy by Force (Penal Code Sections 286, 287, 289): Non-consensual oral sex, sodomy, or sexual penetration with foreign objects accomplished through force or fear.

Robbery and Carjacking

  • Robbery (Penal Code Section 211): Taking personal property from another’s possession or immediate presence, against their will, through force or fear. Always charged as a felony and classified as a violent crime.
  • Carjacking (Penal Code Section 215): Taking a vehicle from another person’s possession or immediate presence, against their will, with intent to temporarily or permanently deprive them of possession, accomplished through force or fear.

Other Violent Crimes

  • Kidnapping (Penal Code Section 207): Moving another person a substantial distance without their consent, using force or fear.
  • Mayhem (Penal Code Section 203): Unlawfully and maliciously depriving someone of a body part or disabling, disfiguring, or rendering useless a body part or organ.
  • Criminal Threats (Penal Code Section 422): Threatening to kill or seriously injure someone, causing them sustained fear, when the threat is unequivocal and specific.
  • Gang-Related Violent Crimes: Various offenses committed for the benefit of criminal street gangs, carrying substantial sentence enhancements under Penal Code Section 186.22.
  • Elder Abuse (Penal Code Section 368): Physical abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of adults 65 years or older, or dependent adults.
  • Child Abuse (Penal Code Section 273d): Inflicting cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or injury upon a child.

Penalties for Violent Crime Convictions in Pomona

Violent crime convictions carry some of the harshest penalties in California’s criminal justice system, with consequences that extend far beyond prison time.

Assault and Battery Penalties

Simple Assault: Misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and fines up to $1,000.

  • Simple Battery: Misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,000.
  • Assault with Deadly Weapon: Felony punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison. When committed with a firearm, sentences increase to three, six, or nine years.
  • Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury: Can be charged as misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) or felony (two, three, or four years in prison).
  • Assault on Peace Officer: Felony carrying prison terms of 16 months, two years, or three years; when using a deadly weapon, sentences increase to three to five years.

Homicide Penalties

  • First-Degree Murder: Mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. Special circumstances (multiple murders, murder during rape/robbery/burglary, murder for financial gain, murder of peace officers) can result in life without possibility of parole or, potentially, the death penalty.
  • Second-Degree Murder: Sentence of 15 years to life in state prison.
  • Voluntary Manslaughter: Three, six, or eleven years in state prison.
  • Involuntary Manslaughter: Two, three, or four years in state prison.
  • Attempted Murder: Life in state prison with possibility of parole. When premeditated and deliberate, defendants must serve at least 7-9 years before parole eligibility.

Sexual Assault Penalties

  • Rape: Three, six, or eight years in state prison. When the victim is a minor, sentences significantly increase.
  • Sexual Battery: Misdemeanor charges carry up to one year in jail; felony charges carry two, three, or four years in prison.
  • Lewd Acts with a Minor: Three, six, or eight years in state prison when the child is under 14; when force is used, sentences increase to five, eight, or ten years.
  • Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: Most sexual assault convictions require lifetime registration under California’s Penal Code Section 290, with tiered registration requirements depending on the offense. The California Megan’s Law website[3] provides information about sex offender registration consequences.

Robbery and Carjacking Penalties

  • Robbery: Second-degree robbery carries two, three, or five years in state prison. First-degree robbery (home invasion, driver/passenger of transportation, ATM robberies) carries three, four, or six years.
  • Carjacking: Three, five, or nine years in state prison, with additional enhancements if weapons were used or victims injured.

Sentence Enhancements

California law provides numerous enhancements that add years to base sentences:

  • Great Bodily Injury Enhancement (PC 12022.7): Adds three to six years for personally inflicting great bodily injury on victims during violent crimes.
  • Use of Firearm (PC 12022.5, 12022.53): Personal use of a firearm adds three to ten years; personally discharging a firearm adds 20 years; personally discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury or death adds 25 years to life under the “10-20-Life” law.
  • Gang Enhancement (PC 186.22): Committing violent felonies for the benefit of criminal street gangs adds two to ten years, or 15 years to life for specified violent felonies.
  • Prior Serious Felony Convictions: Under California’s Three Strikes Law, prior serious or violent felony convictions (“strikes”) significantly increase sentences. A second strike doubles the base sentence; a third strike results in 25 years to life imprisonment.
  • Hate Crime Enhancement (PC 422.75): Committing violent crimes motivated by victim’s race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or disability adds one to three years.

According to statistics from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office[4], violent crime prosecutions are among the most aggressively pursued cases, with specialized units dedicated to prosecuting murders, sexual assaults, gang crimes, and other serious violent offenses.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond incarceration, violent crime convictions create severe collateral consequences:

  • Immigration Deportation: For non-citizens, virtually all violent crime convictions are deportable offenses under federal immigration law. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services[5] considers violent crimes as aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude, resulting in mandatory deportation even for lawful permanent residents.
  • Loss of Firearm Rights: Felony convictions result in lifetime prohibition from owning or possessing firearms under both California and federal law.
  • Loss of Voting Rights: While incarcerated, you cannot vote in California elections. Voting rights are restored upon release.
  • Employment Barriers: Violent crime convictions create nearly insurmountable employment barriers, with most employers refusing to hire individuals with violent criminal histories.
  • Professional Licensing: State licensing boards can deny, suspend, or revoke professional licenses. The California Department of Consumer Affairs[6] oversees numerous boards that consider violent crime convictions in licensing decisions.
  • Housing Difficulties: Landlords routinely deny applications from individuals with violent crime convictions, and public housing authorities may permanently ban such individuals.
  • Parental Rights: Child custody and visitation rights are severely restricted following violent crime convictions, particularly when crimes involved domestic violence or child victims.
  • Federal Benefits: Eligibility for federal student loans, public assistance, and other benefits may be restricted or eliminated.

The Violent Crime Prosecution Process in Pomona

Understanding the process following violent crime arrests in Pomona helps you make informed decisions and protect your rights at each critical stage.

Investigation and Arrest

Violent crime investigations in Pomona are conducted by the Pomona Police Department[7], with serious cases often involving specialized detective units. Depending on the offense, investigations may also involve:

  • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
  • California Department of Justice
  • Federal agencies (FBI, ATF) for certain cases involving organized crime, gang violence, or civil rights violations
  • Evidence Collection: Law enforcement gathers extensive evidence including:
    • Crime scene photographs and forensic evidence
    • DNA samples, blood spatter analysis, ballistics evidence
    • Witness statements and victim interviews
    • Surveillance footage from businesses, residences, or public areas
    • Cell phone records, GPS data, and digital evidence
    • Medical records documenting injuries
    • Autopsy reports in homicide cases
    • Expert analysis from forensic pathologists, DNA analysts, or ballistics experts
  • Arrest: Violent crime arrests may occur at the scene, following investigation and warrant issuance, or through surrender arrangements negotiated by attorneys.

Booking and Detention

After arrest, booking at the Pomona Police Department or Los Angeles County jail facilities includes:

  • Recording personal information and criminal history
  • Taking fingerprints, photographs, and DNA samples
  • Conducting background checks
  • Medical screening
  • Classification for housing assignment
  • Bail: Violent crime charges typically involve high bail amounts or no-bail holds, particularly for:
    • Murder and attempted murder charges
    • Cases involving serious injury to victims
    • Defendants with prior violent crime convictions
    • Cases where defendants pose flight risks or public safety threats

According to the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles[8], bail schedules for violent crimes reflect the serious nature of these offenses and public safety concerns.

Arraignment

First court appearances at the Pomona Courthouse Superior Court at 400 Civic Center Plaza occur within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). During arraignment:

  • Formal charges are presented
  • You enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
  • Bail is reviewed and argued
  • Protective orders may be issued
  • Preliminary hearing dates are set for felonies
  • Trial dates or further proceedings are scheduled

Preliminary Hearing

For felony violent crime charges, preliminary hearings serve as “probable cause” hearings where prosecutors must demonstrate sufficient evidence that a crime occurred and you likely committed it. This lower evidentiary standard requires less proof than trial guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

We use preliminary hearings to:

  • Cross-examine prosecution witnesses and lock in their testimony
  • Assess the strength of the prosecution’s case
  • Identify weaknesses in evidence
  • Preserve testimony for trial impeachment
  • Argue for charge reductions or dismissals

Pre-Trial Proceedings

Between arraignment and trial, numerous critical proceedings occur:

  • Discovery: Receiving all evidence prosecutors intend to use, including police reports, witness statements, expert reports, forensic evidence, and exculpatory evidence (evidence favorable to the defense).
  • Motion Practice: Filing strategic motions including:
    • Motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
    • Pitchess motions to obtain police officer personnel records
    • Motions to dismiss based on insufficient evidence
    • Motions to exclude prejudicial evidence
    • Motions for separate trials when multiple defendants are charged
    • Motions challenging gang enhancements or other allegations
  • Plea Negotiations: Negotiating with prosecutors to:
    • Reduce charges to less serious offenses
    • Dismiss enhancements that add years to sentences
    • Obtain alternatives to maximum prison sentences
    • Protect immigration status for non-citizens
    • Resolve cases without trial when appropriate
  • Expert Witness Retention: Retaining experts including:
    • Forensic pathologists to challenge cause of death determinations
    • DNA experts to challenge genetic evidence
    • Ballistics experts to analyze firearm evidence
    • Psychologists to address mental health defenses
    • Use of force experts in self-defense cases
    • Gang experts to challenge gang allegations

Trial

Violent crime trials are complex, high-stakes proceedings involving:

  • Jury Selection: Carefully selecting jurors through voir dire questioning to identify biases and select jurors receptive to defense theories.
  • Opening Statements: Presenting our narrative of events and outlining evidence we’ll present.
  • Prosecution Case: Cross-examining prosecution witnesses, challenging physical evidence, exposing inconsistencies, and demonstrating reasonable doubt.
  • Defense Case: Presenting evidence including alibi witnesses, expert testimony, character evidence, self-defense evidence, or other defenses.
  • Closing Arguments: Arguing why evidence fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and why jurors must acquit.
  • Jury Deliberation and Verdict: Jurors deliberate privately and vote on guilt or innocence.
  • Sentencing: If convicted, separate sentencing hearings determine specific penalties within statutory ranges.

Pomona’s Violent Crime Context

Pomona, located in eastern Los Angeles County with approximately 151,000 residents according to the U.S. Census Bureau[9], faces unique violent crime challenges shaped by its demographics, economic conditions, and proximity to major transportation corridors.

Demographics and Community Profile

Pomona’s diverse population is approximately 71% Latino, with significant immigrant communities where language barriers, cultural factors, and fear of law enforcement can complicate violent crime investigations and prosecutions.

Economic challenges affect crime rates. With approximately 20% of residents living below the poverty line according to census data—significantly higher than California’s state average—economic stress contributes to conditions associated with increased violent crime.

Gang Activity and Violence

Pomona has historically experienced gang-related violence, with multiple criminal street gangs operating within city boundaries. Gang-related violent crimes receive enhanced prosecution attention and carry severe sentence enhancements.

The California Department of Justice[1] tracks gang-related crime statistics statewide, showing that gang violence remains a concern in urban areas including Pomona.

Local Law Enforcement Response

The Pomona Police Department employs specialized units addressing violent crime:

  • Gang enforcement teams
  • Homicide detectives
  • Sexual assault investigators
  • Domestic violence units
  • Specialized weapons and tactics teams

The department coordinates with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and federal agencies on major violent crime investigations.

Areas of Concern

Certain Pomona neighborhoods experience higher violent crime rates than others. The Pomona Police Department focuses resources on areas with elevated rates of assault, robbery, gang violence, and shootings.

Public safety initiatives involve community policing, crime prevention programs, and partnerships with community organizations addressing root causes of violence including poverty, substance abuse, lack of opportunity, and gang involvement.

Common Defenses to Violent Crime Charges

At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we’ve successfully defended countless clients against violent crime charges using sophisticated defense strategies tailored to each case’s unique facts.

Self-Defense and Defense of Others

California law recognizes your right to use reasonable force to protect yourself or others from imminent harm. Self-defense is a complete defense to violent crime charges when:

  • You reasonably believed you or someone else was in imminent danger of suffering bodily injury or being touched unlawfully
  • You reasonably believed immediate use of force was necessary to defend against that danger
  • You used no more force than was reasonably necessary

We present evidence demonstrating:

  • The alleged victim was the aggressor
  • You faced genuine threats requiring defensive action
  • Your response was proportionate to the threat
  • You had no opportunity to safely retreat (though California doesn’t require retreat before using self-defense)

Lack of Intent

Many violent crimes require specific intent to cause harm. We can demonstrate:

  • You didn’t intend to hurt anyone
  • Any harm resulted from accident or negligence, not intent
  • You lacked the mental state required for conviction

For example, assault requires intent to commit battery—accidental contact doesn’t satisfy this element.

False Accusations

False accusations occur frequently in violent crime cases, motivated by:

  • Relationship conflicts or revenge
  • Child custody disputes
  • Insurance fraud or financial gain
  • Mental illness or personality disorders
  • Witness mistakes or lies

We investigate accusers’ credibility, motives, inconsistencies, and evidence contradicting their claims.

Mistaken Identity

Mistaken identity is common when:

  • Witnesses saw perpetrators briefly or in poor conditions
  • Crimes occurred at night or in chaotic circumstances
  • Identification procedures were suggestive
  • Witnesses make cross-racial identifications (shown to be less reliable)

We challenge identifications through expert testimony, alibi evidence, and demonstration of suggestive procedures.

Insufficient Evidence

Prosecutors must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. We create reasonable doubt by:

  • Highlighting gaps in evidence
  • Demonstrating alternative explanations
  • Exposing witness unreliability
  • Challenging forensic evidence
  • Demonstrating investigative failures

Alibi

Alibi evidence proves you were elsewhere when crimes occurred. We gather:

  • Witness testimony placing you at different locations
  • Cell phone GPS and location data
  • Credit card transactions or ATM usage
  • Surveillance footage from other locations
  • Employment records or time cards
  • Social media posts with timestamps and location tags

Mental Health Defenses

Mental illness can provide complete or partial defenses:

Insanity Defense: You cannot be convicted if you were legally insane when committing the act—meaning you couldn’t understand the nature of your actions or distinguish right from wrong due to mental disease or defect.

Diminished Capacity: While no longer a complete defense in California, evidence of mental impairment can negate specific intent required for certain crimes, potentially reducing charges.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

We scrutinize investigations for constitutional violations:

  • Illegal searches and seizures
  • Miranda violations during custodial interrogations
  • Denial of right to counsel
  • Coerced confessions
  • Witness identification procedures violating due process

Evidence obtained through constitutional violations can be suppressed, often resulting in case dismissals.

Accident

When harm resulted from accident without intent or criminal negligence, no crime occurred. We demonstrate:

  • Circumstances showing accidental causation
  • Lack of criminal intent or recklessness
  • Evidence supporting accident theory

Consent (Limited Application)

In very limited circumstances, consent may be a defense to assault or battery charges—for example, consensual physical contact during sports or other lawful activities.

Provocation (Reducing Charges)

While not a complete defense, evidence that you were provoked can reduce murder charges to manslaughter, demonstrating you acted in heat of passion upon adequate provocation.

Special Considerations in Violent Crime Cases

Gang Allegations and Enhancements

Gang-related violent crime charges carry sentence enhancements adding 2-15 years or more to prison sentences. We challenge gang allegations by:

  • Disputing gang membership or association
  • Demonstrating crimes weren’t committed for gang benefit
  • Challenging gang expert testimony
  • Presenting evidence of departure from gang lifestyle

Hate Crime Enhancements

Hate crime allegations require proof that crimes were motivated by victims’ protected characteristics. We challenge:

  • Evidence of discriminatory motive
  • Prosecution’s characterization of events
  • Alternative explanations for conduct

DNA and Forensic Evidence

Modern violent crime prosecutions heavily rely on forensic evidence. We challenge:

  • DNA collection and testing procedures
  • Chain of custody issues
  • Contamination possibilities
  • Expert interpretation of results
  • Alternative explanations for DNA presence

Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable. Research shows numerous factors affect accuracy:

  • Stress and trauma during crimes
  • Weapon focus effect
  • Cross-racial identification difficulties
  • Memory decay over time
  • Suggestive identification procedures

We present expert testimony about eyewitness unreliability and challenge identification procedures.

Surveillance Video Evidence

Video evidence requires careful analysis:

  • Video quality and clarity
  • Ability to identify defendants from footage
  • Whether footage has been edited or altered
  • Time stamps and authenticity
  • Whether footage actually shows what prosecution claims

Immigration Consequences of Violent Crime Convictions

For non-citizens facing violent crime charges in Pomona, immigration consequences are often more severe than criminal penalties.

Aggravated Felonies

Under federal immigration law, many violent crimes qualify as “aggravated felonies” resulting in:

  • Mandatory deportation with no relief available
  • Permanent inadmissibility to the United States
  • Ineligibility for asylum or cancellation of removal
  • Expedited removal proceedings

Violent crimes classified as aggravated felonies include:

  • Murder, rape, and sexual abuse of minors
  • Robbery and burglary with one-year sentences
  • Crimes of violence with one-year sentences
  • Kidnapping, child pornography
  • Firearms trafficking

Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude

Most violent crimes are considered crimes involving moral turpitude, making you deportable if:

  • Convicted of one crime involving moral turpitude committed within five years of admission with a possible sentence of one year or more
  • Convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude at any time

Domestic Violence Crimes

Domestic violence convictions are separately deportable under federal law, regardless of whether they qualify as aggravated felonies.

Protecting Immigration Status

At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we coordinate with immigration attorneys to:

  • Structure plea agreements avoiding deportable convictions when possible
  • Fight cases more aggressively when plea deals carry immigration consequences
  • Seek post-conviction relief when available
  • Advise clients fully about immigration implications before accepting any resolution

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security[10], criminal convictions are leading causes of deportation for both undocumented immigrants and lawful permanent residents.

Why Choose Tu Defensor Criminalista

When facing violent crime charges threatening decades in prison, choosing the right attorney can determine whether you spend your life incarcerated or successfully fight charges and preserve your freedom.

  • Extensive Trial Experience: We’ve successfully defended numerous violent crime cases including murders, attempted murders, robberies, sexual assaults, and aggravated assaults. We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when that serves your interests.
  • Local Knowledge: Our familiarity with Pomona judges, prosecutors, specialized violent crime units, and court procedures gives us strategic advantages in negotiating and litigating cases.
  • Proven Results: Our track record includes acquittals, dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea agreements in serious violent crime cases.
  • Comprehensive Investigation: We invest significant resources investigating cases, retaining experts, analyzing forensic evidence, and building strong defenses.
  • Personalized Attention: You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who understand what you’re facing and fight tirelessly for your freedom.
  • Bilingual Services: Complete legal services in English and Spanish ensure clear communication.
  • Immigration Expertise: We understand immigration consequences and work to protect non-citizens from deportation.
  • Available 24/7: Violent crime arrests require immediate response. We’re available any time, day or night.

What to Do If You’re Arrested for a Violent Crime

Remain Silent

Exercise your right to remain silent immediately. Do not:

  • Explain what happened
  • Try to convince officers of your innocence
  • Answer any questions without an attorney
  • Make statements you think will help—they won’t

Request an Attorney

State clearly: “I want an attorney and will not answer questions without one.” Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately.

Do Not Consent to Searches

Clearly state you do not consent to searches of your person, vehicle, home, or property unless officers have a warrant.

Document Everything

Write down everything you remember as soon as possible.

Preserve Evidence

Save anything supporting your defense including communications, receipts, or other documents.

Do Not Contact Victims or Witnesses

Any contact can result in additional charges and harm your defense.

Frequently Asked Questions – Violent Crimes

What should I do if I acted in self-defense?

Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately. Self-defense is a complete defense, but you need experienced representation to present evidence effectively and protect your rights.

Can violent crime charges be reduced?

Yes. We frequently negotiate charge reductions—for example, from attempted murder to assault with a deadly weapon, or from robbery to theft. Reductions significantly decrease potential sentences.

Will I go to prison if convicted?

Not always. Some violent crime convictions allow probation instead of prison, particularly for first-time offenders with strong mitigation. However, many violent crimes carry mandatory prison sentences.

How long do violent crime cases take?

Complex violent crime cases often take 12-24 months or longer from arrest to resolution, particularly if they go to trial.

Can I get bail for violent crime charges?

Depends on the specific charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Murder charges often involve no bail, while lesser violent crimes may allow high bail amounts.

What if I’m falsely accused?

False accusations occur frequently. We investigate thoroughly, expose inconsistencies, challenge accuser credibility, and present evidence proving your innocence.

How do gang enhancements work?

Gang enhancements add 2-15 years to sentences for crimes committed for gang benefit. We challenge gang allegations by disputing membership and demonstrating crimes weren’t gang-related.

Can violent crime convictions be expunged?

Some violent crime misdemeanors may be expungable after completing probation. Serious violent felonies generally cannot be expunged under California law.

What if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

Contact us immediately. Violent crime convictions carry severe immigration consequences including mandatory deportation. We work to protect your immigration status.

How much does a violent crime defense attorney cost?

Fees vary based on case complexity and charges. Contact us for a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and our fees transparently.

Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista for Pomona Violent Crimes Defense

Service areasProudly Serving Pomona and Los Angeles County
LanguagesEnglish & Spanish (Hablamos Español)
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Remember:

  • Request DMV hearing within 10 days of arrest
  • Don’t talk to police without attorney
  • Don’t plead guilty without exploring defenses
  • Free consultation – call now

Sources

  1. California Department of Justice (oag.ca.gov)
  2. California Courts (courts.ca.gov)
  3. California Megan’s Law website (meganslaw.ca.gov)
  4. Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (da.lacounty.gov)
  5. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (uscis.gov)
  6. California Department of Consumer Affairs (dca.ca.gov)
  7. Pomona Police Department (pomonaca.gov)
  8. Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (lacourt.org)
  9. U.S. Census Bureau (census.gov)
  10. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
  11. City of Pomona Police Department (pomonaca.gov)
  12. California Legislative Information (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)

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