Violent Crime Defense Attorney in Merced, CA

The "Three Strikes" Law & Its Impact

California's "Three Strikes" law is one of the most severe sentencing statutes in the nation. It dramatically increases prison sentences for individuals previously convicted of a serious or violent felony. This law makes the stakes of any new charge incredibly high, as a conviction today could have a massive impact on your freedom for the rest of your life. Understanding its mechanics is key to grasping the seriousness of your situation.

The Second Strike

If you have one prior "strike" conviction on your record, and you are convicted of any new felony (even a non-violent, non-serious offense), the standard sentence for that new crime is automatically doubled.

The Third Strike

If you have two or more prior strike convictions, and you are convicted of a new serious or violent felony, the law mandates a state prison sentence of 25 years to life.

Because of these severe sentencing enhancements, avoiding a strike conviction is the first priority in any violent crime case. 

At Law Office of Christopher Loethen, I build every defense with these long-term implications in mind. My focus is not only on the immediate outcome of your case but also on protecting your future from the immense reach of the Three Strikes law.

Building a Defense Against Violent Crime Charges

Defending against a violent crime charge requires a proactive, meticulous, and relentless approach. The prosecution has significant resources at its disposal. My job is to counter their case by conducting a thorough investigation and building a case that challenges their evidence at every turn.

At Law Office of Christopher Loethen, my defense process is built on several key actions:

• Independent investigation. I do not simply rely on the police reports. My process involves going to the alleged crime scene, finding and interviewing all potential witnesses (not just those listed by the police), and uncovering any evidence law enforcement may have missed or ignored.
• Challenging forensic and physical evidence. I scrutinize the prosecution's forensic evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics. I examine how this evidence was collected, stored, and analyzed to identify any procedural errors or contamination that could render it unreliable.
• Questioning eyewitness testimony. Eyewitness identification is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. I challenge the reliability of any identification by investigating the circumstances under which it was made and cross-examining the witness to expose any inconsistencies or biases.
• Asserting affirmative defenses. When the facts support it, I will build a case based on an affirmative defense. This could be that you acted in self-defense or defense of others, were a victim of mistaken identity, or lacked the required criminal intent for the charge.

At Law Office of Christopher Loethen, I prepare every case for trial. This comprehensive preparation puts you in the strongest possible position to negotiate for a dismissal or reduction of charges, or to fight for an acquittal in the courtroom.

I founded Law Office of Christopher Loethen to provide accessible, high-quality representation for those facing challenging legal situations. I offer free consultations so you can understand the fight ahead without financial pressure. 

With 24/7 availability and virtual meetings, you can get the help you need when you need it most. Schedule a complimentary case consultation with a violent crime attorney in Merced today by calling (209) 546-6192 or contacting me online.