It has already been reported several times that Prop 47 may be affecting crime rates in the state, but the state’s most damning evidence was just recently released. According to the state’s attorney general’s most recent report, the number of violent crimes jumped 10% across California last year, reversing several years of declines.
According to Attorney General Kamala Harris, homicides have increased by 10%, while robberies and aggravated assaults were up more than 8% from 2014 to 2015. Aggravated assaults with a firearm were even higher, with a reported jump of 15.7%. It was also reported that property crimes such as burglary and car theft have increased by 8%.
Harris, who is currently running for the U.S. Senate in anticipation of Boxer’s upcoming retirement, did not comment on the causes of these crime spikes. Many factors could be to blame, ranging from unemployment rates to the police departments being short staffed.
What likely cannot be attributed to Prop 47, however (and some attribute to the political climate and election year), is the fact that hate crimes have increased by a whopping 10.4% in the state. Most of them have been targeted towards Muslims.
Violent Offenses Defined
The Law Offices of David M. Boertje handles a wide range of violent crime cases. While most people think of assault and battery as the main violent crimes, the reality is that there is a long list of possible violent crimes.
California Penal Code § 667.5(c) defines “violent felony” as:
- Murder or voluntary manslaughter;
- Mayhem;
- Rape/spousal rape;
- Sodomy;
- Oral copulation;
- Lewd or lascivious acts;
- Any felony punishable by death or imprisonment (and as a result, any three strikes crime);
- Any robbery (also categorized as a property crime);
- Attempted murder;
- Any felony that inflicts great bodily harm;
- Assault with the intent to commit a specified felony;
- Continuous sexual abuse of a child;
- Carjacking (also categorized as a property crime);
- Extortion;
- Threats to victims or witnesses in a trial;
- First degree burglary;
While violent crimes such as battery can be misdemeanors depending on the circumstances, many of these crimes are tried as felonies. Conviction for committing a violent crime can lead to extremely serious punishments and other consequences and it is recommended you contact a seasoned attorney if you are charged with one.
San Diego Three Strikes and Violent Crimes Lawyer
The Law Offices of David M. Boertje is dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights and freedom, and has successfully represented many defendants, including those facing life imprisonment. We will seek a compromise whenever possible to reduce your charges to avoid three strikes or felony conviction on your record. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, do not hesitate to contact attorney David Boertje today for a free consultation.