St. Louis Violent Crime Attorney

Arrested for a violent criminal offense in Missouri?

Any crime involving violence can be heavily punished in Missouri. State laws harshly penalize criminal actions that result in harm to others. Many times, violent crimes may be charged as felonies, and prosecutors are likely to seek the maximum penalties when the alleged victim is injured or killed—even if it was unintended.

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we firmly believe that everyone accused of a crime deserves the best legal representation. Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys, Mark Hammer and Nicole Chiravollatti, have more than 30 years of criminal law experience and are committed to protecting your rights. If you need tough negotiators and proven trial lawyers, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Call (314) 334-3807 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

What Is a Violent Crime?

A violent crime is defined as an offense in which a person threatens or uses force upon another person. The violence could be the objective of the crime, such as murder, or it could be the method in which another crime was committed, such as robbery.

Violent crimes could include any of the following:

• Armed Robbery: This is the act of stealing or attempting to steal someone else's property, while using a weapon or something that appears to be a weapon. Persons convicted of armed robbery, also known as aggravated robbery, could face felony charges.
• Assault & Battery: Assault is causing or attempting to cause physical injury or fear of physical harm to another person. This type of offense could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the seriousness of the act. Battery involves intentionally touching someone in a forceful, violent, or offensive way.
• Child Abuse: This is a complicated offense that can include different types of actions involving harm to children. Depending on the circumstances, child abuse can be a misdemeanor or a felony.
• Domestic Violence: This can be any type of physical or emotional abuse that is committed by one family member or household member to another. Offenses include assault, neglect, threats, stalking, or harassment.
• Kidnapping: Kidnapping involves knowingly restraining someone to demand a ransom, use as a hostage, engage in criminal sexual conduct or child sex abuse, take them to another state, or force them into servitude. Kidnapping is a serious felony that can be punished by up to life in prison.
• Manslaughter / Murder: Manslaughter and murder are different legal classifications for the unlawful killing another human being. If the killing was done without planning, then it is classified as manslaughter. If the killing was done with forethought, then it is classified as murder.
• Vehicular Manslaughter: This is defined as the killing of a person while operating a vehicle negligently. Vehicular manslaughter could result from drunk driving or breaking traffic laws.

Penalties for Violent Crimes in Missouri

If you are convicted of a violent crime in Missouri, the consequences may affect you for the rest of your life and cost you your job, your family, your relationships, and even your freedom. Possible penalties of a violent crime conviction include:

• Up to life in prison
• Large criminal fines
• A permanent felony record
• Difficulty getting a job or finding a place to live
• Losing your professional license and your career in medicine, law, teaching, nursing, pharmacy, or other licensed profession
• Immigration visa or green card revocation, citizenship application denial, or deportation (if you’re a non-U.S. citizen)

Hire Experienced Trial Lawyers for Your Defense

If you are facing any one of these charges, be sure to call our St. Louis violent crime lawyers at The Hammer Law Firm, LLC. Violent crimes are often charged with felony penalties, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, and life-changing repercussions.

Our legal team has successfully defended our clients in over 100 criminal jury trials, as well as hundreds of other contested hearings and bench trials. No matter the complexity of your case, we are prepared to stand by you and your family during this arduous process. Time is crucial, so we encourage you to schedule a free case evaluation as soon as possible.

Call (314) 334-3807 or contact us online today to speak with a professional. By contacting our firm, you can begin learning about the specific charges you face and how our legal team can help.