Last Updated on: 17th October 2023, 10:57 pm

Brooklyn Violent Crimes Lawyers: Your Best Defense Against Serious Charges

If you or a loved one have been arrested for a violent crime in Brooklyn, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Violent crimes like murder, assault, robbery, and sex offenses carry severe penalties in New York. With the stakes so high, you need someone who knows the ins and outs of Brooklyn courts and violent crimes prosecutions. The right lawyer can argue for reduced charges or even get your case dismissed altogether. This article will give you an overview of violent crimes defense in Brooklyn and how a knowledgeable lawyer can help.

Common Violent Crimes in Brooklyn

Some of the most common violent crimes seen in Brooklyn criminal courts are:

• Murder and manslaughter
• Assault and battery
• Domestic violence
• Sex offenses like rape and sexual assault
• Robbery and burglary
• Weapons charges

Brooklyn has seen its share of high-profile violent crimes over the years. Just look at cases like the 2019 ax attack on an Asian family in Sunset Park. Or the fatal 2019 shooting at a Brownsville block party.

While violent crime has declined overall, Brooklyn still sees thousands of assault, sex offense, and robbery arrests every year. In 2020, there were over 1,500 felony assaults reported in the 76th precinct alone. Over 850 robberies took place in the 79th precinct.

Defending against violent crime charges in Brooklyn requires an attorney experienced with the courts, judges, and district attorneys. The stakes are high, with long prison sentences on the line. Having the right lawyer in your corner could make all the difference.

Why You Need an Aggressive Brooklyn Violent Crimes Lawyer

Violent crime charges must be taken seriously, with no room for mistakes in your defense. An aggressive lawyer will immediately start investigating the prosecution’s case and building your defense. Here are some key ways a Brooklyn violent crimes lawyer can fight for you:

• Identify weaknesses – Your lawyer will scrutinize police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence and more to identify inconsistencies, procedural mistakes, credibility issues and other opportunities to undermine the prosecution’s case.
• Challenge overreaching charges – Prosecutors often “overcharge” violent crime cases in hopes of pressuring defendants into a plea bargain. An experienced attorney knows what charges are reasonable and will fight to get inflated charges dropped or reduced.
• Develop an alternative theory – There are always at least two sides to a criminal case. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation and build a theory of innocence or an alternative sequence of events to contradict the prosecution’s version.
• Negotiate with the DA – Well-connected Brooklyn lawyers who regularly handle violent crime cases often have a good working relationship with the District Attorney’s office. They can negotiate reduced charges or dismissal of enhancements in appropriate cases.
• File suppression motions – If there are issues with the search or arrest, or your rights were violated, your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence or statements obtained illegally.
• Present expert witnesses – Forensic experts, crime scene analysts, and other specialists can be used to debunk the prosecution’s scientific evidence or contradict their version of events.
• Advocate at sentencing – Even if a trial ends in conviction, an experienced attorney’s advocacy at sentencing can result in less jail time and other consequences.

Having a former Brooklyn prosecutor or public defender on your side lets you benefit from their insider knowledge and connections. They know the judges, the ADAs, and the system as a whole.

Fighting Specific Violent Crime Charges in Brooklyn

Certain violent crimes require specialized defense strategies and expertise. Here are some Brooklyn violent crimes and how an attorney fights them:

Murder and Manslaughter Charges

First and second degree murder charges must be met with the strongest possible defense. An aggressive lawyer will examine the investigation for sloppy police work, challenge the medical examiner’s conclusions, and develop alternate theories on the cause of death. They may argue provocation or self-defense. For manslaughter charges, they may dispute recklessness or negligence. Sentencing advocacy could mean the difference between 25 years to life versus just 5-15 years.

Assault and Battery

With assault and battery, a lot depends on the extent of injury and use of weapons. An experienced attorney will leverage their relationships with prosecutors to get first-degree assault charges reduced. They will dispute intent to cause physical injury. With domestic violence charges, they may argue self-defense against the first aggressor. Sentencing advocacy can help avoid long prison terms.

Sex Offenses

Sex crimes carry a huge stigma, but an aggressive lawyer will still vigorously defend your rights. They can dispute consent issues in acquaintance rape cases. In child sex abuse cases, they may argue reasonable doubt based on contradictions in the child’s account. And they can often negotiate plea bargains to lesser charges like unlawful sexual contact versus rape. This avoids sex offender registration requirements.

Robbery and Burglary

Robbery and burglary charges can be challenged by contesting the use or threat of force. Your lawyer may argue you had no weapon and did not harm or threaten the victim. In burglary cases, they may dispute your intent to commit a crime once unlawfully entering the premises. And for any theft-related charge, they can argue you had permission or claim of right to the property.

Weapons Charges

Police and prosecutors pursue weapons charges aggressively in Brooklyn. But an experienced lawyer knows how to get illegal gun possession and other weapons charges dismissed. They will scrutinize the search or seizure of your person or property to identify any 4th Amendment violations. And they can negotiate plea deals to avoid mandatory minimum sentences.

Why Choose a Local Brooklyn Violent Crimes Lawyer?

When facing violent felony charges, you need someone who knows Brooklyn criminal courts inside and out. A local attorney has many advantages:

• Experience with Brooklyn judges, prosecutors, and court procedures
• Relationships with court staff and District Attorney’s office
• Knowledge of the juries and their tendencies
• Familiarity with Brooklyn jails, prisons, probation, etc.
• Convenience for court appearances and meetings

Don’t leave your defense in violent crime cases to chance. Brooklyn violent crimes lawyers have successfully defended thousands of clients against serious allegations. They have the skills and determination to build the most compelling case for dismissal, acquittal or minimized consequences. If you or a loved one are facing violent crime charges in Brooklyn, contact a local attorney today.

References

2019 Brooklyn Ax Attack

2019 Brownsville Block Party Shooting

76th Precinct 2020 Crime Stats

79th Precinct 2020 Crime Stats