Mayhem Criminal Charges - Penal Code 203 & 205
The crime of mayhem has something to do with somebody committing a criminal act against another person or persons, and that criminal act creates some body disfigurement. In other words,
if you punch somebody in the face and it causes them not to be able to open their eye anymore, that would be a body disfigurement, and you could potentially be charged with the crime of mayhem.
Usually, where I see it, though, is where people are doing dangerous things — hitting somebody with a machete, firing a weapon at somebody — something that you reasonably should know is going to cause either death or some sort of severe bodily disfigurement.
As you might guess, punishment for mayhem is severe, and it's a strike and is very difficult to get off your criminal record if you get convicted of a mayhem charge in Los Angeles, California. Mayhem charges are described under California Penal Code Section 203 and California Penal Code Section 205.
What we do is invite you to come in for a consultation. During this meeting, we will thoroughly review all the facts and details related to your case with our experienced criminal defense lawyers. If the prosecutors have the evidence against you, we will explore the possibility of negotiating for a lesser charge. If you have a defense to the crime, we will strategize how to best defend you in a jury trial.
Strategy for Lesser Charges
But, if you don't have a defense and they have witnesses and evidence to prove that you're guilty of a crime at least, then the question becomes, should it be mayhem, or should it be a different crime?
It's important to note that while you may be charged with mayhem, there's also the potential for other related or lesser crimes to be brought against you. The specific charges will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, offering some potential for a less severe outcome.
Our first step will be to evaluate your case and determine whether you wish to contest the charges against you.
If you choose not to contest the charges, we will evaluate the potential consequences of a mayhem case. These could include severe penalties such as imprisonment and a permanent strike on your record, which could have long-term implications for your future.
In some cases, you may be required to pay the victim for any out-of-pocket expenses they incur as a result of the events that led to the charges. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this could involve a considerable restitution payment. Our team will help you understand and navigate this aspect of your case.
It's important to note that mayhem charges, while serious, are rare. Cases involving severe disfigurement often lead to more serious charges like murder. Remember, you are not alone in facing this situation.
So, pick up the phone if you've got a mayhem charge pending against you in one of the Los Angeles County courthouses. We'll sit down and go over everything. We'll map out a strategy that best suits your case, puts you in the best position, and gets you out of the criminal justice system as quickly as possible.
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