Orange County Assault Defense Lawyers

Most types of assault are "strike" offenses for the purposes of California's three-strikes law. The law defines a strike as any serious or violent felony. That includes any felony in which the defendant used a firearm; any felony that results in great bodily harm to a victim; and any felony punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. The law also lists specific California assault crimes, including:

• Assault with the intent to commit robbery
• Assault with the intent to commit mayhem (torture)
• Assault with the intent to commit many types of sexual assault
• Assault on a peace officer or certain state employees
• Assault with a deadly weapon by an inmate
• Assault by someone sentenced to life in prison on a non-inmate

As you can see, this includes charges related to both physical and sexual assault.

The good news is that the California Assault Defense Lawyers at Wallin & Klarich are very experienced in defending clients from serious assault charges. In many cases, an assault charge comes after a fight that could just as easily have been called self-defense. If we can prove this to a court or a prosecutor, we can substantially weaken the case against our client. In other cases, the defense turns on the definition of "assault" under California law, which requires both an attempt and an ability to harm someone. And if the charge is assault with intent to commit another crime, the prosecution must prove the client's intentions, which is not always easy.

However, because so many types of assault are "strike" crimes, it is very important to talk to a defense attorney as soon as possible after you are charged. A first strike conviction puts you at serious risk of increased jail time in any later conviction; a second or third could send you to prison for decades, or even life, regardless of the crime. The three-strikes law also ties judges' hands, so they cannot show mercy in sentencing even when the situation clearly merits it. The earlier that Wallin & Klarich can take your case, the more chances we have to prevent this kind of injustice, through negotiations with prosecutors and a skilled and thorough defense on the merits of your case.

At Wallin & Klarich, we approach each case as if we are defending a member of one of our own families. After more than 30 years as criminal defense attorneys in Southern California, we understand how upsetting and stressful a criminal charge is for our clients and their loved ones. That's why we are committed to always being available to you -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every day of the year. We also offer offices throughout the region, from San Diego to the Inland Empire and the Central Coast, so we can be where you need us most. And thanks to our three decades of experience, we have an intimate knowledge of the law and the courts that will hear your case.

For a free evaluation of your Southern California Assault Case, call Wallin & Klarich today at 1-888-287-3485 or fill out our case evaluation form online.

At Wallin & Klarich, we approach every case with the belief that the person we're defending could easily be one of our own family members. We've seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-287-3485 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.