Kansas City Violent Crimes Lawyer
Skilled Defense Against Charges Of Assault & Other Violent Crimes
The Benjamin Law Firm, LLC defends clients accused of various offenses, including violent crimes. While we understand the number of violent crimes reported to law enforcement has remained steady over the past decade, any allegation of a violent crime carries serious penalties and consequences, including possible jail or prison time.
We have extensive experience representing clients charged with assault, domestic violence, armed robbery, unlawful firearm possession, murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, and other violent offenses. We have the knowledge and resources to provide aggressive legal strategies to protect your rights and obtain the best possible outcome.
Our skilled defense attorneys understand that many violent crimes are based on false or exaggerated allegations, and we will commit our time and resources to find creative defenses to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed altogether.
Representing Individuals Accused Of ‘Crimes Against The Person’
Assault and similar offenses fall under the category of crimes against the person. These typically involve violence, the threat of violence or the forcible restriction of someone’s freedom/autonomy. Examples include:
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Battery and aggravated battery
- Domestic violence
- Robbery and armed robbery
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault
- Forcible rape
- False imprisonment
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Murder and manslaughter
Common Defenses Against Violent Crime Charges
Facing violent crime charges can be daunting, but one can use several common defenses. It’s crucial to remember that there are limits to these defenses, of course, but they at least provide a starting point in many cases. Our attorneys will take the time to hear your side of the story and help you pursue the most appropriate defense strategy available.
Here are some common defenses against violent crime charges.
Self-Defense
This is one of the most commonly used defenses in violent crime cases. The defendant must show they were under imminent threat of bodily harm or death and that they used an appropriate level of force to defend themselves. The defense team must provide compelling evidence to prove the defendant’s perception of danger and the necessity of their actions.
Defense of Others
Like self-defense, this defense strategy entails demonstrating that the defendant’s actions were necessary to protect another person from imminent harm. Again, the perceived threat and level of response will be vital components in this defense.
Defense of Property
If a violent crime was committed while defending one’s property, it might be possible to use this as a defense. However, the legality of this defense varies widely by jurisdiction. Some places allow a person to use reasonable force to protect their property. In contrast, others might require that the property crime being committed poses a direct threat to the person’s safety.
Mistaken Identity
With this defense, the defendant argues they did not commit the crime. In these cases, law enforcement officer’s actions and the accuracy of their identification processes may be scrutinized. An experienced defense attorney will often work to expose any flaws or biases in the identification process.
Alibi
An alibi involves showing that the accused was somewhere else when the crime occurred, making it impossible for them to have committed it. This defense often involves providing witnesses or other evidence, such as surveillance footage, that supports the defendant’s claim.
Duress or Coercion
This defense applies when the defendant was forced or threatened into committing the crime by someone else. The defense must show that the threat was of immediate danger and that the defendant had no viable option but to commit the crime.
Free Consultations Available — Contact Us Today
The Benjamin Law Firm, LLC is in Belton and serves clients throughout the Kansas City metro area. If you are facing criminal charges, why not discuss them in a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers? To get started, call us at 816-846-2219 or send us an email.