Indio Criminal Defense Lawyer
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Our highly skilled criminal defense lawyers, with a wealth of experience in handling serious violent felony crimes, such as murder, attempted murder, and gang-related crimes, at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, CA, are here to provide you with the best legal representation.
California Penal Code 187 PC defines the crime of murder as “the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought.” Under California law, murder is classified as first-degree and second-degree.
First-degree murder includes all premeditated killings, as well as felony murder, where somebody is killed during the commission of a robbery, carjacking, rape, or other serious crime. A conviction for first-degree murder carries 25 years to life in state prison.
Still, there are enhanced penalties, such as life in prison without parole, if the killing involved lying in wait, torture, destructive device, or other special circumstances.
The crime of attempted murder is defined under California Penal Code 664/187. Typically, if you attempt to kill someone, but they don't die, then you will face a violent crime charge of attempted murder.
Notably, a crime is “attempted” when you had a specific intent to complete the act, and you took a deliberate and direct step toward completing it.
Attempted murder is a serious offense carrying substantial time in state prison. For example, a conviction for an attempted first-degree murder charge can lead to a life sentence with the possibility of parole.
Gang violence in Riverside County is a problem that local authorities have paid special attention to, and some laws harshly treat suspected gang members and those who are accused of being involved in gang activity.
Many local, state, and federal enforcement efforts target gang activity and there are increased penalties for gang-related crimes. Other most common violent crimes related to gang activity in Riverside County include the following:
- Penal Code 211 PC – robbery,
- Penal Code 422 PC - criminal threats,
- Penal Code 215 PC – carjacking,
- Penal Code 26100 PC – drive-by shooting,
- Penal Code 136.1 PC – witness intimidation,
- Penal Code 459 PC – burglary,
- Penal Code 518 PC – extortion,
- Penal Code 192(a) PC – voluntary manslaughter,
- Penal Code 243(d) PC – aggravated battery,
- Penal Code 245(a)(1) PC – assault with a deadly weapon,
- Penal Code 245(a)(2) PC – assault with a firearm,
- Penal Code 246 PC – shooting at inhabited dwelling or vehicle,
- Penal Code 653f PC – solicitation to commit murder.
If you are convicted of a gang-related offense, the penalties under the STEP Act at Penal Code Section 186.22 PC are severe and should not be taken lightly.
Participating in a street gang under 186.22(a) PC is a violation of this section and can be punished by up to one year in the county jail or state prison for up to 16 months, two years, or up to three years in certain circumstances.
The gang sentencing enhancement is defined under 186.22(b) PC. This section of the STEP Act allows a judge to add additional prison time if an individual commits a felony associated with a gang. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense, a judge can add two to fifteen additional years to a gang-related conviction and can even impose a life sentence.
Indio Court and Jail
The Riverside County District Attorney's Office is located at 3960 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501, and the phone number is (951) 955-5400.
The Larson Justice Center is located in Riverside County at 46-200 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201, and the phone number is (760) 393-2617.
The Indio Jail, run by the Riverside Sheriff's Department, houses inmates who were arrested and are awaiting their arraignment, as well as convicted defendants who have been sentenced to serve time in jail.
Suppose an inmate is arrested in the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Cathedral City. In that case, they will typically be taken to the Indio Jail or to the Larry D. Smith “Banning” Jail, depending on which is closer to the arrest location.
Criminal cases typically begin with someone being arrested. Unless the crime is serious, or the defendant is a flight risk or threat to public safety, they will be released on bail or their own recognizance.
In most cases, the DA will file formal charges. Then, the defendant is required to appear at their arraignment, a court hearing where the judge reads the charges.
After the defendant is formally charged, the defense attorney and prosecutor will engage in plea negotiations. This process involves discussing potential plea deals, where the defendant might agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence.
Sometimes, prosecutors might be willing to substantially reduce the charges or even dismiss them as part of a plea bargain. If the defendant is convicted of a crime, there are potential avenues to avoid jail time, such as probation. For additional information, contact the Hedding Law Firm, based in Los Angeles, CA.
We serve the surrounding areas of Morena Valley, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Temecula, Perris, Palm Desert, Beaumont, Cathedral City, Eastvale, Hemet, Indio, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Palm Springs, San Jacinto, Blythe, Banning, and Norco.
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