Bridgeport Violent Crime Lawyer

Bridgeport Violent Crime Attorney

A violent crime charge, no matter the circumstances, is a serious situation with potentially life-altering consequences. Facing these charges can leave many West Virginians feeling overwhelmed. A Bridgeport violent crime lawyer can assist you with your case, helping craft your defense in this difficult period.

About Us

Our team at Crowe Law, LLC, has spent years representing the people of Bridgeport and the greater Northeast West Virginia area in their violent crime cases. Our founder, Patrick Crowe, graduated from West Virginia University and established our firm in Morgantown to continue working with the local community. He has the experience and knowledge to make a positive impact on your case.

Overview of Violent Crime in Bridgeport, West Virginia

In West Virginia, violent crimes include a wide range of offenses established under West Virginia Code Chapter 61, Article 2 Crimes Against the Person. Our state has a lower-than-average violent crime rate, with 249 cases per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 359 per 100,000.

For Bridgeport citizens, misdemeanor violent crime cases are generally handled by the Harrison County Magistrate Court, while felony cases are handled by the Harrison County Circuit Court. Both are located in Clarksburg and neighbor each other.

Types of Cases We Handle

It is important to hire an attorney familiar with Bridgeport’s violent crime laws. At Crowe Law, LLC, we are prepared to advocate for you against any violent crime charges. The following are some of the violent crime cases we handle:

Assault & Battery

Assault is defined as the unlawful attempt to inflict a violent injury on another person. Assault charges range in severity. Simple assault is a misdemeanor, with the potential of six months in jail and a fine of up to $100. Assault is escalated to a felony if there is malicious intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill the other person. Malicious assault has the potential of 1-5 years in prison and a $500 maximum fine.

Battery is a separate crime from assault that is often included in the same violent crime case. Where assault focuses on attempt, battery is characterized as any unlawful, intentional physical contact with another person. Non-malicious battery is a misdemeanor with the potential for up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $500. If it is malicious, the case is a felony with a potential imprisonment of 2-10 years.

Robbery

The penalties for Robbery in West Virginia depend on what was attempted and what occurred. An attempt to commit robbery using the fear of bodily injury with a non-lethal weapon is a robbery in the second degree, with a 5-18 year prison sentence. Robbery with a deadly weapon or physical attacks is a first-degree robbery with a minimum of 10 years in a correctional facility.

Manslaughter

In West Virginia, there are involuntary and voluntary manslaughter charges, each carrying different penalties. Involuntary is the lesser crime, and involves the unintentional killing of another person. It is a misdemeanor with a one-year maximum jail sentence and a $1000 fine.

Voluntary manslaughter is the intentional killing of a person with mitigating circumstances and no premeditation. Punishments include a minimum of three years imprisonment with no parole, up to fifteen years.

Murder

Murder is defined either as a premeditated killing or a killing that occurred while committing another felony, such as robbery, arson, or breaking and entering. Second-degree murder is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 30 years. The first ten are mandatory, with no chance of parole. A conviction of murder in the first degree is life in prison.

Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer

Any violent crime charge, from assault to murder, can carry serious consequences. If you are facing similar accusations, hire a violent crime lawyer to assist you with your case. Your Bridgeport violent crime attorney can review the evidence, locate supporting witnesses, and assist you in establishing a strong defense.

If you are certain of your guilt, your Bridgeport violent crime lawyer can work with the prosecution to find a plea bargain that works for you. Having an experienced attorney for negotiations can improve the terms, potentially leading to less prison time, smaller fines, and a conviction for a lower severity crime.

FAQs

What Is Considered a Violent Crime in West Virginia?

What is considered a violent crime in West Virginia does not have a single definition. The crimes that generally fall under the purview of violent crime include cases where physical or violent force is used or attempted on another. Common examples include assault, battery, violent robbery, manslaughter, and murder. Your attorney can establish whether the charges you face are considered violent if you are confused.

How Much Does a Violent Crime Lawyer Cost in West Virginia?

How much your violent crime lawyer costs depends on the severity of your charges, the case’s complexity, and how many work hours it requires. An assault accusation with no prior convictions can cost less than a homicide case that goes to trial. Another contributing factor is the billing structure, which often involves a combination of hourly rates and a retainer fee. Your violent crime attorney can provide an estimate of your total expenses.

How Long Do Violent Crimes Stay on Your Record in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, any violent crime conviction is likely to remain on your record for the rest of your life. If your case is dismissed, dropped, or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible to have it removed. If you were convicted as a juvenile, the records can be sealed, depending on the nature of the offense.

How Long Do Violent Crime Cases Take in West Virginia?

How long your violent crime case may take can be affected by a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the case, court workload, and nature of the charges. A battery case with an admission of guilt can be shorter than a murder trial, which often involves an extensive review of evidence and witnesses. Your violent crime lawyer can use the details of your case to provide a rough timeline for your case.

Speak With a Bridgeport Violence Crime Attorney Today

Contact us today for a consultation, where we can learn your side of the story and begin discussing your potential legal options. You may also visit our Morgantown office, located on Fortress Boulevard, right off of Mon-Fayette Expressway near Cheat Lake.