Violent Crimes
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About Violent Crimes

St. Louis Violent Crime Lawyer

In the United States, a violent crime refers to any crime in which the offender uses or threatens to use violent force against the victim. This can involve crimes in which the violent act was the main objective as in assault or murder, or it can involve crimes where violence was merely a means to an end as with robbery. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), violent offenses in the United States include the crimes of: 1) aggravated assault, 2) rape, 3) armed robbery, 4) kidnapping, and 5) murder.

Under Chapter 565, Offenses Against the Person, Section 565.050 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, a person commits the crime of aggravated assault in the first degree when he or she attempts to kill or knowingly causes or attempts to inflict serious bodily injury on another person. Assault in the first degree is a Class B felony offense unless the actor inflicts serious bodily injury on the victim, in which case it is classified as a Class A felony.

The act of rape is covered under Chapter 566, Sexual Offenses, Section 566.030 which states: a person commits the crime of forcible rape when they have sexual intercourse with another by use of forcible compulsion; this includes administering a substance which renders the victim physically or mentally impaired so they are incapable of giving informed consent to consensual intercourse. Forcible rape or an attempt to commit forcible rape is a felony offense punishable by a minimum prison term of 5 years unless during the course of the rape the actor inflicted serious physical injury or displayed a deadly weapon, or engaged in deviate sexual intercourse with more than one person, in which case the actor is subject to 15 years to life imprisonment.

Armed Robbery, Kidnapping & Rape Offenses

Armed robbery is covered under Chapter 569, Robbery, Arson, Burglary and Related Offenses, Section 569.020. A person commits robbery in the first degree when he forcibly steals the property of another and in the course: 1) cause serious physical injury to another person, 2) uses or threatens the immediate use of a dangerous instrument or weapon against the victim, or 3) displays or threatens to use a deadly weapon or deadly instrument. Armed robbery, or robbery in the first degree is a Class A felony offense in Missouri.

Kidnapping is covered under Section 565.110 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Under § 565.110, a person is guilty of kidnapping when he or she unlawfully removes another person without his or her consent from where he or she was found, or when the actor confines another without his or her consent for a substantial period of time. Therefore, one can be found guilty of kidnapping when they lock someone in a room for extended periods of time, or tie them to a bed for extended periods of time or remove them from one place against their will and forcefully transport them by vehicle to another location. Kidnapping offenses include:

  • Holding the victim for ransom or reward; or
  • Using the person as a human shield or a hostage; or
  • Interfering with any governmental or political function; or
  • Facilitating the commission of a felony offense or the flight after committing a felony;
  • Inflicting physical injury to the victim or terrorizing them.

Kidnapping is a Class A felony offense; however, in some circumstances it classifies as a Class B felony offense.

First Degree & Second Degree Murder

First degree murder is covered under Chapter 565, Offenses Against the Person, Section 565.020. It states that a person commits murder in the first degree when he or she knowingly causes the death of another individual after deliberation upon the matter. Murder in the first degree is a Class A felony offense, punishable by life imprisonment without the eligibility for parole or probation or the death penalty. The only exception is for murders committed by someone under the age of 16.

Under Section 565.021 1., a person commits second degree murder when he or she causes death to another person with the purpose of causing serious physical injury upon them, or while committing or attempting to commit a felony, or during immediate flight from committing a felony, or during the attempted perpetration of a felony. Murder in the second degree is a Class A felony offense; punishment for second degree murder shall be in addition to any punishment imposed for committing a related felony or attempted felony, with the exception of murder or manslaughter.

Get the Skilled Legal Defense Your Situation Demands

As you can see the penalties for a violent crime are severe; therefore, whenever you or a loved one are facing criminal charges for a violent crime, it's essential that you contact a St. Louis violent crime lawyer from The Sumner Law Group at once. Attorney Brent Sumner has developed a strong grasp of the law over the years and he uses his insight and understanding of the internal workings of the criminal justice system to assist his clients, no matter how serious their criminal charges are. Hiring the right attorney can have a profound impact on you and your future, and you deserve nothing less than an aggressive and dedicated attorney who will provide you and your family with viable strategies and solutions. Contact us today so we can get started building your defense and protecting your legal rights!

Why Choose The Sumner Law Group, LLC?

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