Mayhem Defense

Closely related to assault and battery, mayhem is a more serious criminal offense and involves causing permanent injury, disfigurement, dismemberment or disablement to the victim. Another difference between the two offenses is that while assault and battery charges focus primarily on the nature of force used against a victim, mayhem focuses on the nature of the injury. At The Justice Firm, our Los Angeles mayhem defense attorneys know the serious criminal penalties those convicted face. Our top priority is to protect clients' freedom and legal rights, helping to avoid a conviction and the serious consequences that may result.

Until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, anyone arrested or charged with the crime of mayhem is innocent. Prosecutors bear the burden of proof or evidence which clearly indicates a defendant's guilt. In order for you to be found guilty, there are three elements which must be proven by the prosecutor. These elements or facts include:

• That you inflicted physical force on another person in an unlawful manner,
• That the force used on that person resulted in disfiguring or disabling injury or renders a portion of the body useless, and
• That you inflicted that force maliciously

It is vital you choose a capable Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who will work vigorously in your defense. There are a variety of defense strategies which may be effective in preventing a conviction. Some of those commonly used include:

It was an accident, and not done in a malicious manner. If the victim sustains a disabling or disfiguring injury as a result of an accident, you cannot be found guilty of mayhem.

You acted in defense of yourself or others. Any individual who inflicts a disfiguring or disabling injury while attempting to defend him- or herself or others in a reasonable manner may not be found guilty of mayhem.

What if the evidence against you supports a conviction? In these situations, your Los Angeles mayhem defense attorney will work to have the charge reduced, so that criminal penalties are less damaging. It may also be to your benefit to plead guilty to assault or battery.

If convicted, the criminal penalties for mayhem include fines of up to $10,000, two, four, or eight years in prison, and formal probation. It is important to note that your sentence may be enhanced or increased depending on certain factors such as the victim's age and whether the victim is deaf, blind, a paraplegic or quadriplegic, or is developmentally disabled. Under these circumstances, one or two years will be added to your prison term for each violation.

Whether you are under investigation for mayhem or have been arrested or charged, it is imperative you take action right away. The sooner work can begin on your case, the more effective your defense will be, as critical information and evidence tend to get lost or forgotten over time. For unsurpassed legal guidance and representation, contact The Justice Firm now at 310-914-2444.