The Council on Criminal Justice has reported a notable 17% drop in murders in the first half of 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024 among the 30 cities that provided the data.

The number of stolen cars is 25% lower, and there have been 21% fewer gun assaults than in the previous year. Similar trends are observed for robberies, burglaries (both domestic and commercial), shoplifting, and notably, aggravated sexual assaults. All of these crimes experienced double-digit decreases.

According to violent crime lawyer Cesar Arbelaez, violent crimes are those where physical force is either used or threatened against another person. The gravity of these offenses lies in the fact that they directly affect the lives and health of people. Each violent incident calls for a specific, all-encompassing, and, primarily, well-elaborated legal defense strategy.

Now, let’s take a look at defense lawyers and their powerful influence on the case’s verdict.

Understanding the Types of Violent Crimes

To get a good understanding of violent crimes, one has to realize the different types encompassed by this general term. The most frequent of all violent crimes are homicide, assault, robbery, and domestic violence.

Each instance of the crime comes with special consequences and legal matters. The nature of the process allows the parties involved to feel either physically or mentally engaged and somewhat prepared. To illustrate, "homicide" is the term used when someone is killed, whereas an "assault" is a much broader word, as it can include either inflicting injury or threatening a person with violence.

Robbery is seen simply as the wrongful taking by either force or threat of force of the property of another. Domestic violence is quite a complex networking issue wherein power and control are very frequently disputed.

Knowing how to distinguish the various types of violent crimes can help in handling this troublesome matter.

Common Defense Strategies for Homicide Charges

Homicide accusations are some of the gravest one can face. The defense strategies associated with this type of case are normally an important factor in the outcome of the trial. The defense is usually based on several strategies that the defense counsel might employ.

The first defensible position is to present a case calling into question the evidence on which the prosecution relies, i.e., its reliability and credibility. The second type of defense offered is called an alibi," meaning that the person sets out to establish that he was somewhere else during the time in which the incident occurred.

Some defendants could argue the act was accidental or unintentional. Your lawyer might raise the issue of your state of mind at the time and perhaps contend that you had diminished capacity. 

It is important to realize that no two cases are alike and these tactics might give you a sense of connection and strength as you confront this tough path.

According to The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, whether the charge you face involves robbery, assault, homicide, or another offense, a violent crimes lawyer is your ideal defense against the serious criminal penalties you may receive.

Self-Defense Claims in Assault Cases

Usually, it is taught that self-defense is an open justification for all. Yet there is so much legal nuance in assault cases that the issue may sometimes become very complicated. During a fight, the claim of self-defense entails setting forth evidence to show that an individual truly believed that immediate danger was about to befall him or her.

Judges usually want to see proof that your reaction was reasonable and matched the level of threat you faced. Such situations can be problematic since your actions may not be the only criteria on which you are judged. The opinions of those around you could also play a role.

Then again, the "duty to retreat" law could be applicable based on your state's laws. This necessitates your thorough understanding of such intricacies, as they could make or break your case and decide your legal standing in society.

The Role of Mental Health in Violent Crime Defenses

Mental health issues can considerably complicate legal defenses, though most people connect violent crime with very clear motives. If you or a loved one is charged with a violent crime, then it is important to know how mental health plays a part in the defense of the case.

Courts are more and more willing to admit that mental disorders can change people’s actions. A defense that is well prepared might include psychological tests to show how the mental issue affected the person’s actions. 

Raising mental health as the cornerstone of your defense does not intend to justify what transpired but rather, it is to acknowledge the complexity of human actions. By uncovering these problems, it is possible to have a conversation. A fruitful understanding of the situation may lead to a reduction in the severity of the accusation or consideration of alternative judicial options.

In a few words, it is about having a judicial system that actually serves mentally ill individuals and treats them seriously right from the onset of the case.

Impact of Prior Criminal History on Defense Approaches

Your previous criminal record can be a significant factor in deciding which direction to take for the defense when charged with a violent crime. A criminal record may lead the prosecutors to view you as a repeater who netted them a less favorable deal and, consequently, be even less inclined to make an offer on a favorable basis. 

Your attorney is likely to focus on highlighting any positive changes you have made since your past offenses. They will not only focus on your attempts at rehabilitation but also on community support. 

A defendant may benefit from a clean slate and the defense attorneys may even petition for either a lighter sentence or outright dismissal of the case. 

In the end, taking into account the impact of one's past on the current case is necessary for the building of an effective defense that will win over both the jury and the judge.