If you have been accused of committing a violent crime, you may wonder what that accusation means legally. In this article, you will learn what violent crimes are, 5 key things you need to know about violent crimes, and what you can do if you have been charged with a violent crime.

Violent Crimes Vs. White Collar Crimes

Like the name suggests, violent crimes often involve greater physical harm than white collar crimes. White collar crimes are different from violent crimes in that they are not physically hurting somebody and are done for financial gain. Violent crimes are felonies. A violent crime is exactly what it sounds like; essentially it is where a perpetrator intentionally uses violence or a threat of violence against a victim.

Defining Violent Crimes 

There are typically four crimes defined as violent crimes:

• Murder and homicide. Homicide is where a person kills another person. Murder is a form of homicide and is the action of a sane person killing another person unjustly and intentionally. 
• Rape, which is a form of sexual assault in which one party forces sexual intercourse without the consent of the other person. 
• Robbery, which unlike simple theft often involves harming another person and is violent, as mentioned in our article on white collar crimes. 
• Aggravated assault, which is where an individual attacks another person with a weapon or with the intention to cause severe bodily injury.

#1. Violent Crimes Have Declined Overall

According to a report conducted by the Pew Research Center, a key research Center in the United States, violent crimes have declined since the 1990s. The reasons that violent crimes have declined are complex but include aspects such as economic growth, an aging demographic, and the decrease in use of mind-altering substances like crack and alcohol.

#2 Homicides Have Increased

While violent crimes have decreased overall, homicides have increased since late last year. Researchers suggest that this rise is due to things like increased gun violence. This includes cities all across the United States from Baltimore, Oakland, Chicago, and Minneapolis. 

So, while violent crimes have decreased overall, during the COVID-19 and post-pandemic time, there has been an uptick in certain types of crimes such as homicide. 

If you’ve been accused of homicide, then I, Zachary C. Holbrook, can help you in many ways including helping you understand the route to take to defense, how different laws can impact your case, and how to protect yourself from a guilty verdict and harsher penalties. More information on the benefits of my law firm supporting you is shared later in this article. 

#3 Violent Crimes Are Seen As More Serious Socially And Legally

When people discuss the difference between white collar and violent crimes (also called blue-collar crimes), violent crimes are typically spoken about with hushed tones because of their severity. 

As an expert in the legal field, I have found that social views on crimes sometimes shape the law. So, when it comes to violent crimes vs. white collar crimes,  white collar crimes do not usually involve direct physical harm so are typically viewed as less serious than violent crimes. But if you have lost wealth or other forms of valuable property to fraud, then you are aware that harm is more complex than purely physical pain and suffering. 

At Zachary C. Holbrook, P.C., I keep an eye out for you on how social and legal views are shaping your case. I believe that understanding social and legal perspectives can greatly help your case. 

#4. Violent Crimes Require a Strong Understanding of the Law

As with all legal issues, having an expert that understands the law is important for helping you and your family. That is because, as mentioned previously, violent crimes are often treated harsher legally than white collar crimes. 

Without a strong understanding of the laws surrounding you and your case, if you are accused of violent crimes, then you are at risk of not understanding much of the legal jargon describing your case, having a guilty verdict suggested at your expense, and worse punishments being placed upon you without your knowledge or understanding.

#5. With The Right Support, You Can Avoid Many Issues. 

Having a strong expert supporting you has many benefits. Some of those benefits include:

• Save your time. By saving time, you can also save money since legal representation is often more costly the longer it is needed. 
• Learn how to navigate the legal system and the processes associated with it including what laws apply to you and what paperwork is required. 
• Protect yourself and your interests. This is very important since some legal experts will not consider you and all your needs. 
• Have a specialist in the areas that you need the most. Choosing the right representation that can help you with your specific case is important. I, Zachary Holbrook, am a criminal defense lawyer and have experience protecting individuals accused of violent crimes.

Get the Right Support with Zachary C. Holbrook, P.C.

Instead of having an expert that ignores you and your interests, at my law firm, I focus on what you need and how to help you achieve your goals. Whether it is protecting you from a guilty verdict or from harsher penalties, I analyze all angles ranging from the most basic legal terms that apply to your case, to the most complex legal and social biases that are shaping your case. 

My firm will give you the help that you need. Let me be the help you or your loved one desperately needs. Contact me today with any questions or for a free case review.

https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2010/crime-in-the-u.s.-2010/violent-crime -is for the four types of violent crimes