Syracuse & Central New York Violent Crimes Defense Attorney

Defendants convicted of murder, assault, robbery, or other violent crimes face severe penalties in New York. Violent crimes include the use of force or violence against another person without their consent. Because New York law imposes severe penalties on defendants convicted of such offenses, it is crucial to consult an experienced violent crimes attorney. 

At CDH Law PLLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys fight hard for our client’s rights. We’ve skillfully secured dismissals and not-guilty verdicts for many New York defendants. Don’t delay in seeking skilled legal representation. Contact our Syracuse criminal defense law firm today to schedule your initial consultation. 

Violent Crimes in New York 

Under New York criminal law, some violent crimes are class A felonies, the most serious felony class. Conviction of a class A felony can result in a lifetime prison sentence with no possibility of parole. The following types of crimes are violent crimes in New York:

  • Murder
  • Homicide
  • Manslaughter
  • Forcible Rape
  • Assault

Murder in the First Degree

Murder is among the most egregious violent crimes because it permanently robs another person of his or her life. Accordingly, defendants convicted of murder in the first degree will usually receive a sentence of a lifetime in jail with no possibility of parole. Murder in the first degree is a class A-I violent felony in New York. The prosecution must prove the following elements to convict a defendant of murder in the first degree:

  • The defendant had the necessary intent to cause another person’s death
  • The defendant must be at least 18 years old at the time of the crime, and
  • One of the additional factors listed in the statute occurred 

Some of the additional factors that raise a second-degree murder to murder in the first degree include the following:

  • The victim has a specific identity such as a judge or a police officer 
  • The defendant killed someone while committing a felony
  • The defendant caused the victim to die under torture
  • The defendant committed a terrorist attack when the murder occurred
  • The defendant murders while serving a life sentence for another crime

New York Assault Defense Attorney

New York criminal law categorizes some assaults as a violent crime. An assault happens when a suspect causes offensive physical conduct or physical harm with another person. Receiving a conviction for assault can have serious negative repercussions. The New York criminal code categorizes different types of assault as follows:

  • Assault
  • Vehicular Assault
  • Aggravated vehicular assault
  • Gang assault 
  • Aggravated assault (upon a police officer or a child)
  • Sexual Assault

New York prosecutors are often aggressive in bringing assault charges against defendants. The penalties for an assault conviction depend on the category of assault. Assault in the first degree is a class B felony. Defendants convicted of assault in the first degree face a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

Defenses to Violent Crimes in New York

Defendants convicted of violent crimes in New York face severe consequences. Criminal defendants must put forth a compelling defense at trial. Self-defense is a legally recognized defense of violent crimes under New York law. For example, in some cases, an assault charge arises out of a physical altercation between two or more people. Determining the fault of one or more of the people involved in the fight can be difficult. Defendants succeed in claiming that they committed the alleged assault in self-defense will increase the likelihood that they will receive a “not guilty” verdict. 

At CDH Law PLLC, our attorneys have years of experience successfully defending clients against violent crime charges. After evaluating the facts of our clients’ cases, we determine a compelling legal defense strategy, tailored to the circumstances of their unique case. We are a results-oriented law firm made up of former prosecutors. Our skilled attorneys know how to represent our clients vigorously. 

Sentencing Guidelines for Violent Crimes in New York

New York law requires judges to enter a determinate amount of prison time upon conviction of a violent felony. When a judge sentences a defendant for a non-violent crime, the parole board can influence the prison sentence. However, defendants convicted of violent crimes must serve the fixed amount of years required by the judge’s sentence. 

Contact Our Criminal Defense Law Firm

Due to the strict sentencing guidelines for violent crimes, defendants charged with violent crimes must reach out to a skilled New York criminal defense attorney. If you’re facing a criminal charge for rape, assault, robbery, murder, or another violent crime, we can help. We treat each of our client’s criminal cases with the attention it deserves. Our skilled Syracuse criminal defense attorneys use our skills as former police officers, prosecutors, and military service members to assertively represent our clients. Contact CDH Law PLLC to schedule your initial consultation today.