Violent Crimes
Assault and Battery
If you are charged with assault or battery, you may be facing prison time. You need an attorney who is determined and serious about fighting for you, one with the experience and knowledge to succeed. The Law Office of Chance Oberstein aggressively defends individuals throughout California who’ve been charged with assault or battery. We will fight for your rights in the criminal justice system and seek the best possible outcome under the facts of your case.
Generally, assault is the threat of violence, and battery is any violent or unwanted touching. These charges vary by state, and the names of the two crimes are often used interchangeably. In some states, they are not considered separate offenses. Actions such as hitting, kicking, punching or pushing are considered to be assaults. Many other actions such as grabbing or spitting can also lead to these charges. Mr. Oberstein presents a formidable defense to all types of assault and battery charges.
Assaults occur for a variety of reasons. Many assault or battery charges stem from simple fights. In these cases, we will work to show that you were acting in self-defense and are not a violent criminal. Other assaults are gang-related or occur in conjunction with other crimes such as robbery. Assaults of a sexual nature are treated differently by the law. In all cases, we will decisively defend your freedom.
Most states have a variety of assault charges such as aggravated assault or assault in the first degree. Depending on the facts of your case, the state may choose to charge you with a higher-level crime than is necessary. Chance Oberstein will work to get your charges reduced through a variety of pretrial motions. We also fight to get clients the most lenient sentence possible under the circumstances.
Homicide
Homicide, the unlawful killing of another person, is severely punished in our society, with penalties that may lead to a lifetime behind bars. Whether you face murder, manslaughter or another violent crime charge, you deserve an experienced defense attorney who will tirelessly assert your rights in the criminal justice system. At the Law Office of Chance Oberstein, we have both the skill and tenacity to defend people throughout California accused of committing homicide. Based on the facts of your case, we will press for the best possible outcome, whether that’s an acquittal, sentence reduction or plea agreement.
In most instances, killings that are presumed to be willful and premeditated carry the toughest punishments. Accordingly, these cases, often referred to as first-degree murder prosecutions, demand a thorough investigation of the alleged crime and the defendant’s purported actions. Whenever possible, an effective attorney will work to reduce the allegation to a second-degree count or another type of charge where the element of premeditation does not exist. A murder that occurs without forethought or a manslaughter charge where the malice necessary to prove murder cannot be demonstrated carries a more lenient sentence.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, I may be able to offer a defense based on these factors:
Mistaken identity
Justified homicide, as in self-defense
Action taken to protect others
Accidental death committed in the course of a lawful activity
It’s important for defendants in any criminal case to understand that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution and that all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. When we represent you on a murder or manslaughter charge, you can rely on Mr. Oberstein to provide a zealous defense, ensuring your rights are upheld from the moment we take your case.
A homicide investigation can involve the collection and analysis of various types of evidence, including scientific data and witness statements. Because jurors tend to put substantial faith in the reliability and conclusiveness of science, forensic evidence is one of the most powerful tools in a homicide case. When it can bolster our client’s case, we conduct meticulous reviews of evidence such as autopsy records, blood splatter and gunpowder analyses, firearm tests, DNA reports and other hard scientific documents. We can match the state’s experts with highly educated, knowledgeable forensic scientists who provide compelling testimony. Likewise, Mr. Oberstein understands how witnesses can engage in deception or commit honest mistakes, especially when they’re feeling the pressure from powerful government authorities. By conducting an exhaustive investigation of the witnesses and relevant facts using extensive trial experience, Chance Oberstein can forcefully attack false and unsupported statements.
The Law Office of Chance Oberstein knows that nothing less than your freedom is at stake when you face a homicide charge. You can rely on our trial-tested advocacy and knowledge of California law to preserve that freedom.
Violent Crimes Require an Assertive Defense
If you’ve been charged with a violent crime such as assault, battery, murder or manslaughter, you need immediate help from a defense attorney committed to fighting for your rights in the criminal justice system. The Law Office of Chance Oberstein represents clients throughout the State of California facing a range of violent crimes.