Richmond Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing criminal charges can be confusing, frightening, and overwhelming. A criminal conviction can completely derail your career and impact your future for years to come, even long after the case comes to a close. While nearly everyone understands the serious nature of criminal allegations, few people understand what they should do if they have been charged with a crime. First and foremost, we recommend contacting a criminal defense law firm like The Nieves Law Firm to determine what options are available to you and learn more about the potential penalties you are facing.

At The Nieves Law Firm, we are committed to helping people minimize the impact of a criminal charge and will work with you to build a customized defense strategy tailored to your case. Our Richmond criminal defense lawyers have defended clients from a large number of criminal offenses, and we have been successful in our efforts to both secure favorable plea agreements and fight our clients’ charges at trial. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation and take the next steps towards resolving your legal issue. En Español

Types of Crimes

In California, crimes are divided into three different categories:

Felonies

The most serious type of offense, felony crimes carry substantial penalties. An individual convicted of a felony in Richmond could be incarcerated in a county jail or state prison facility and be forced to pay tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of fines depending on the offense. Examples of felony offenses include, but are not limited to:

• PC 187: Murder
• PC 664/187: Attempted Murder
• PC 211: Robbery
• PC 215: Carjacking
• PC 207: Kidnapping
• PC 203: Mayhem
• PC 261: Rape
• PC 288: Lewd Conduct with a minor

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies but still serious offenses thant can have an impact on your personal and professional life. Misdemeanors are typically punishable by up to one year in the county jail and fines up to $1,000. Common examples of misdemeanors include, but are not limited to:

• VC 2800.1(a): Evading Police in a Vehicle
• VC 23103: Reckless Driving
• VC 23152(a)/(b): DUI – Driving Under the Influence
• PC 148(a)(1): Resisting Arrest
• PC 240: Assault
• PC 242: Battery
• PC 243(e)(1): Domestic Battery
• PC 484: Petty Theft
• PC 602: Trespassing
• PC 647(b): Solicitation (Prostitution)
• PC 647(f): Public Intoxication
• PC 647(j0(4): Revenge Porn
• PC 653m: Annoying Phone calls

Infractions

The least severe offense, infractions are not punishable by jail sentences. Individuals who are charged with an infraction are often forced to pay a small fine. A common example of an infraction in Richmond is a speeding ticket.

At The Nieves Law Firm, we help individuals facing both felony and misdemeanor charges. If you were charged with a felony or misdemeanor, contact our Richmond criminal defense lawyers to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the options available to you.

Common Types of Crimes in Richmond

At The Nieves Law Firm, we represent individuals facing a wide array of criminal charges. Some of the most common charges we defend people against include:

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes include a variety of crimes that are sexual in nature, including but not limited to sexual abuse, rape, sexual battery, and lewd conduct.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence crimes are crimes committed against an intimate partner. Common examples of domestic violence include domestic battery, inflicting corporal (bodily) injury on an intimate partner, child abuse, and child endangerment.

Gun Crimes

A large number of criminal activities that involve a gun can be categorized as gun crimes or firearm crimes. Some common examples include carrying a concealed weapon without a license, illegally discharging a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited party, assault with a deadly weapon, and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Fraud

Fraud crimes involve the use of deceit to take something of value from another person for personal gain. Examples of fraud in Richmond include insurance fraud, forgery, and worker’s compensation fraud.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

DUI offenses occur when an individual operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or drives with a blood alcohol content at or above the legal limit of .08%.

Assault

Assault occurs when an individual acts in a manner that could likely result in the application of physical force on another person and at the time of the offense the accused had the ability to commit the act. Assault crimes include, but are not limited to:

• PC 240: Simple assault
• PC 245(a)(1) Assault with a deadly weapon
• PC 245(a)(2) Assault with a firearm
• PC 245(a)(4) Assault with force likely to result in gross bodily injury
• PC 245(d)(1) Assault on a peace officer or firefighter

Attempted Murder

Attempted murder is charged when an individual has an intent to kill and takes a direct step towards killing another person. Attempted murder can either be in the first degree or second degree. First degree attempted murder is punishable by life in prison while second degree murder (murder that was not premeditated or deliberate) is punishable by up to 9 years in state prison.

Drug Crimes

Individuals can be charged with a drug crime for a number of different offenses that involve drugs or narcotics. Some common examples include drug manufacturing, drug transportation, drug possession, and drug possession for sale.

Gang Crimes

Gang crimes are used to describe criminal offenses committed by gang members to promote a felony or crimes that are committed for the benefit of a gan. Individuals convicted of gang crimes will face enhanced penalties for the original crime ranging from one year in county jail to life in prison.

Theft

Individuals can face theft charges for taking money or personal property from another person without their consent. Some examples of theft include:

• • PC 459 Burglary
  • PC 459.5 Shoplifting
  • PC 484 Petty theft
  • PC 496 Receiving stolen property
  • PC 211 Robbery
  • PC 215 Carjacking

If you are facing criminal allegations for any of the crimes listed above or any crime not listed, our team is here to help. Contact a Richmond criminal defense attorney at The Nieves Law Firm to schedule a free consultation and determine your best course of action moving forward.

Contact Experienced Richmond Criminal Attorneys

If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to understand the serious nature of these offenses, and the impact they can have on your life. At The Nieves Law Firm, we are dedicated to taking the “criminal” out of criminal defense. If you are facing criminal charges, we can help. Contact a Richmond criminal defense lawyer on our team today to schedule a free thirty-minute consultation.