Quincy Violent Crimes Attorney

Violent crimes are crimes in which the offender used or threatened to use violent force on another person. The FBI's Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Program lists four offenses as falling under the violent crimes category: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault.

Nationally, violent crimes reported by law enforcement was down last year, decreasing by 4 percent in 2011 when compared to 2010, according to the FBI's Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report. This decrease is part of an ever larger downward trend since violent crimes in the nation dropped by 13.2 percent from 2006 to 2010. That does not, however, make an arrest for a violent crime any less real for individuals today.

Violent crimes are some of the most serious offenses a person could be accused of, which means they lead to some of the most serious penalties. Those convicted of these types of crimes can end up spending years in prison—up to life terms—or even the death penalty. Sometimes, a violent crime will lead to the physical harm, or even death, of another person.

When you are facing charges for crimes of violence, you will need professional legal assistance. A skilled and experienced Quincy criminal defense lawyer will be able to assess the details of your case and identify aspects that could benefit you and your defense strategy. You will need an attorney who can help you make sure that your rights are being protected during your criminal proceedings.

Murder and Manslaughter

Murder is the unlawful and deliberate killing of another person. There are multiple factors that qualify a murder as being in the first degree under Massachusetts law. It is classified in the first degree when the murder is committed with "deliberately premeditated malice afterthought," when it is committed with "extreme atrocity or cruelty," or when it is committed during the execution of another crime that is punishable with death or life imprisonment, according to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, §1.

Other types of murder fall under the second-degree category. Individuals convicted of first-degree murder could receive the death penalty. Some individuals convicted with first-degree murder, along with those convicted of second-degree murder, could be sentenced to life in prison.

If someone is suspected of unintentionally kills another person, the offender could be charged and convicted of manslaughter. This offense can be considered voluntary or involuntary, which will depend on whether the offender's actions that caused the killing reflected a disregard for the safety of others.

In Massachusetts, a manslaughter conviction is punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years, or confinement in a jail or a house of correction for up to two-and-a-half years, according to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, §13. The person convicted of the crime could also be ordered to pay a fine of up to $1,000.

Forcible Rape

A person commits forcible rape when he or she has sexual intercourse, including unnatural intercourse with another individual against that person's will by using force or the threat of force. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, §22, a rape conviction is punishable by a state prison term of up to 20 years in prison. A second or subsequent rape, or the rape of a child, can result in harsher penalties—up to life in prison.

Robbery

Someone who steals money or property from another person with the use of force or a weapon commits a robbery. Armed robbery—or robbery with the use of a dangerous weapon—is punishable in Massachusetts by a sentence of any number of years in prison, including a possible life sentence, according to the state's General Laws Chapter 265, §17.

Those committing armed robbery while masked or disguised must not receive less than five years in prison. The same requirement goes for those committing the crime using a firearm, shotgun, rifle, machine gun or assault weapon. Subsequent offenders are subject to harsher penalties. Unarmed robbery is also punishable by a prison sentence of any number of years, including life.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault occurs when someone attacks another person. Aggravated assault occurs when the attack is committed for the purpose of causing severe physical injury. Assaults committed with the use of a weapon could make bring the assault to the "aggravated" level.

The state of Massachusetts lists various types of assault, which can produce different levels of punishment. There is assault with the intent to murder or maim, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a family or household member and more. All of these can lead to jail or prison time.

Contacting an Attorney

There is a lot at risk if you are charged with a violent crime. Don't try to handle your case alone. If you are located in the greater South Shore area including Hingham, Weymouth, Plymouth and Braintree, our criminal defense law firm Flanagan & Associates might be able to help you lower your chances of a conviction.

Our firm can provide you with a free consultation and case evaluation. Don't hesitate to contact me today!