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5 Types Of Violent Crime Charges When You Need A Lawyer

Types Of Violent Crime Charges

Published on April 26th, 2023

Violent crime charges are serious offenses that you can face, leading to imprisonment, hefty fines, or a criminal record accompanying you for the rest of your life.

It is, therefore, essential to immediately seek the services of an experienced defense attorney if you face them.

In today’s post, you will learn more about the different types of violent crime charges that require a lawyer and the potential conviction consequences.

1. Murder

Murder, whether it involves an intentional or premeditated killing with hatred afterthought, is the gravest violent crime charge.

The defendant must have been “lying in wait” for the victim or planned the killing before to constitute premeditation for this crime.

For instance, a person who waits behind a hedge to attack a neighbor or a spouse who deliberately poisons the other spouse’s drink commits premeditated murder.

Notably, although most states classify murder into first and second-degree, some states have different categories for it. Therefore, it helps to review your state’s penal code or seek the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer.

2. Assault

Assault is the intentional act of causing fear of immediate harm. In general, it criminalizes the harm’s threat without requiring actual harm.

It is sometimes referred to as “attempted battery.” As the perpetrator, you must have intended to instill fear or acted in an expressively dangerous way.

To constitute assault, an act in the persistence of the threat of harm is necessary.

This act can take various forms, such as approaching with raised fists, intimidating with a weapon, or attempting to push someone into a crowded street. One must direct a specific act toward the victim for it to qualify as assault.

3. Battery

Regarding battery charge, an individual intentionally makes harmful or offensive physical contact with another person without their consent following an assault.

Battery and assault go hand in hand because assault is the threat of harm, and battery is the actual act of harm.

To establish a battery crime charge, the perpetrator must intend to carry out the act of harm, with any harmful or offensive physical contact sufficing. Examples of battery charges include pouring hot water or spitting on someone.

4. Manslaughter

Manslaughter is a violent crime charge that does not involve premeditation, deliberation, or malice aforethought. It refers to an intentional killing in the “heat of passion” due to provocation.

In law, when the killing is sufficiently provoked, it lowers the criminal charges from murder to manslaughter.

However, the provocation must be significant enough to justify the killing, or the defendant could face second-degree murder charges.

5. Robbery

Robbery is a type of theft involving taking someone’s property through force or threat and is also called stealing by threat or intimidation.

The law labels it a serious crime due to the potential for injury or the danger of injury.

Robbery consists of four essential components: taking another person’s property, either from their person or in their presence, through violence, intimidation, or threats, and depriving the victim of their belongings permanently.