Violent crimes appear to be steadily increasing in the District of Columbia as police report a total of 74 homicides from January to July of this year, up by 13.8% from the previous year’s tally of 65 homicides. Over a recent weekend, police reported 6 separate shooting incidents that have resulted in 3 deaths and several injured persons. The incidents occurred in various quadrants of the District.
While no arrests or suspects have yet been reported, anyone charged with any of these incidents will need a defense attorney qualified to handle violent crimes.
Alleged Factors of Crime Wave
D.C. police point to a possible link between the rampant sale of synthetic drugs and the rise in violent crimes in communities where they are being sold.
Synthetic drugs are not readily defined because they cover a wide range of chemical products that are laced with manmade substances that are similar to chemical compounds found in marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine. They are sold as ordinary household products in convenience stores, tobacco shops, and gas stations, and appear in the form of incense, spices, and even bath salts.
Police say that people who use synthetic drugs produce side effects that can lead to violent crimes. Synthetic drug users can experience:
- Paranoia
- Aggressiveness
- Hallucinations
- Extreme paranoia
Prosecution for Violent Crimes
Local District officials have issued stronger calls for police action against the surge of violent crimes.
Aggressive apprehension and prosecution of suspected criminals can have disadvantages when the rights of innocent persons may be violated.
If you or a family member is convicted of a violent crime, you may face harsh penalties – such as several years of imprisonment and stiff penalties. You may also experience difficulty in obtaining gainful employment and loans, and in renting a home.
Engaging the services of a dedicated criminal defense attorney is important to protect your rights.
In Washington, D.C., the attorneys at Lotze Mosley, LLP have more than 25 years of collective experience in violent crimes defense and have helped clients obtain reduced sentences and the best possible outcome for their situation. We also handle defenses for other crimes such as drug crimes, gun crimes, sex crimes, and traffic offenses.
We welcome your call to our offices today at (202) 393-0535 to speak to a Washington, D.C. violent crimes attorney about your situation.
