Criminal Defense
Assault & Battery
Assault occurs when an individual knowingly or intentionally causes another person to fear immediate bodily harm. In these cases, the victim’s mental distress alone can serve as sufficient evidence of assault. Battery, on the other hand, refers to the deliberate and unlawful physical contact with another person in a harmful or offensive way. Under criminal law, battery can sometimes be considered a lesser included offense within more severe charges, such as sexual crimes, crimes against decency, or even murder. This means you could face multiple charges arising from the same act. If you’ve been charged with assault or battery, the Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian are ready to develop the most effective legal defense for your situation
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) refers to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or certain medications. Legally, DUI is defined by blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits: 0.08% or higher for drivers aged 21 and older operating passenger vehicles, 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers, and 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21. DUI offenses can also involve impairment from prescription or illegal drugs. Penalties vary based on age, license type, and prior convictions, and may include license suspension, fines, jail time, community service, DUI education programs, and more. The Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian will analyze the details of your case and work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome.
D.U.I.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence involves abusive actions used by one partner to dominate or control another in intimate relationships, including spouses, family members, or cohabitants. Abuse can manifest in various ways, such as physical harm, sexual assault, emotional manipulation, financial control, threats, and stalking. Victims have the right to pursue legal remedies through both civil and criminal courts. The Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian are committed to helping victims regain safety and stability by obtaining restraining orders and pursuing compensation for injuries and emotional trauma through civil litigation.
Drug Crimes
Drug crimes are governed by both state and federal laws, which aim to regulate the use, distribution, and manufacture of controlled substances. Federal laws primarily address drug trafficking, while state laws focus on the methods and processes of drug manufacturing and distribution within specific states. Common drug charges include drug possession and drug manufacturing. Federal drug charges tend to result in harsher penalties, including longer sentences under mandatory minimum sentencing laws. State drug charges may lead to shorter sentences or probation. Facing prosecution for drug-related offenses can have serious consequences, so it’s crucial to consult a lawyer immediately. The Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian handle a wide range of drug crime cases and provide the best legal defense tailored to the specifics of your case.
Entrapment
Entrapment is a legal defense used in criminal cases when a government agent or official induces the defendant to commit a crime. Law enforcement officers are allowed to create situations that provide opportunities for individuals to engage in criminal conduct. However, they cannot use threats or coercion to force someone to commit a crime. To successfully claim entrapment, the defendant must prove that they had no intention or plan to commit the crime and that the idea of committing the offense was introduced by the government agent, who pressured or encouraged the defendant. At the Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian, our experienced attorneys carefully assess the facts of each case and have a proven track record in using entrapment as a defense. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you avoid an unjust conviction.
Expungement
An arrest or criminal prosecution record can negatively affect a person’s future. While prior charges can sometimes be removed from the record, it remains visible to law enforcement and may be referenced in legal proceedings like immigration or deportation hearings. Expungement, however, eliminates an arrest or conviction from your record legally, meaning you no longer need to disclose it to employers or other institutions, such as on job applications. As expungement laws differ between states, it’s important to hire an experienced attorney to navigate the process. At the Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian, we will determine if you meet the eligibility requirements, file the necessary paperwork, and represent you in court if necessary.
Federal Crimes
Federal crimes are offenses defined by U.S. federal law and prosecuted under federal criminal statutes. The federal government handles criminal matters that take place in areas directly under its jurisdiction, such as federal courthouses, national parks, Indian reservations, and airspace or ocean space. Additionally, the federal government prosecutes specific crimes that fall under areas outlined by the U.S. Constitution. While there is some overlap between state and federal laws, meaning a crime can be prosecuted in both jurisdictions, understanding this overlap is crucial. If you’re facing charges that may involve both state and federal jurisdiction, consult the Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian to assess potential risks and build a strong defense. For example, crimes related to the Commerce Clause may lead to serious consequences due to “concurrent jurisdiction,” meaning you could be prosecuted by both federal and state authorities even after an acquittal in one jurisdiction.
Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile delinquents are individuals, typically between the ages of 10 and 18, who have committed offenses known as “delinquent acts.” Unlike adults, minors are subject to the juvenile justice system, which follows distinct laws and procedures. Juveniles often engage in age-related offenses, or “status crimes,” such as truancy, underage alcohol possession, or running away from home. Typically, the court’s goal is rehabilitation, imposing penalties like probation or mandatory counseling to deter future offenses. If your child is facing juvenile charges, it is essential to consult with the Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian to understand the legal implications. In some cases, a delinquent act may be considered a crime if committed by an adult, and the minor could be tried as an adult, leading to more severe consequences.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes involve a range of illegal activities, often including offenses like statutory rape, sexual battery, child molestation, child pornography possession, and prostitution. Some acts, such as exhibitionism or sodomy, may be seen as immoral or illegal depending on societal views. Convictions for these crimes typically lead to significant penalties and the requirement to register as a sex offender on both state and federal lists. If you are facing charges for a sex crime, the Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian are here to provide the legal expertise needed to resolve these serious allegations.
Theft & Robbery
Theft involves taking someone else’s property without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Theft can encompass various offenses, including grand theft, petty theft, robbery, larceny, burglary, embezzlement, and fraud. The penalties for theft crimes vary based on the severity of the offense. Minor thefts, like shoplifting, often result in fines, short jail sentences, or probation, while grand theft is treated as a felony, carrying severe consequences such as restitution, substantial fines, and longer jail sentences. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian can evaluate your case and offer defense strategies such as proving intoxication or entrapment, or demonstrating that you lacked intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property, potentially leading to charges being dropped.
Three Strikes
The Three Strikes law mandates life imprisonment for repeat offenders. If a defendant is charged with a felony and has two or more prior convictions, or has been convicted in federal court for a serious violent felony, the law imposes a 25-year to life sentence, even for non-violent or less severe felonies. If you have prior convictions, it is crucial to seek legal advice right away. The Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian can determine whether your state has a Three Strikes law and assess if it applies to your case. In many instances, sentences under the Three Strikes law may seem disproportionate to the crimes committed, so hiring an experienced attorney can help challenge prior strike offenses and potentially reduce the sentence.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are serious offenses involving harm or threats of harm against others. They include aggravated assault, battery, sexual offenses, domestic abuse, arson, robbery, hate crimes, and murder. Most of these crimes are considered felonies and carry substantial consequences, including lengthy prison terms or life sentences. At the Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian, our committed defense attorneys provide aggressive and professional legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Welfare Fraud
Welfare fraud occurs when someone intentionally provides false information or withholds essential details to receive public benefits or assistance. This could involve misrepresenting financial need, living conditions, or failing to report changes in circumstances. Welfare fraud is taken seriously and can result in criminal charges under welfare statutes, theft, perjury, larceny, or forgery laws. At the Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian, our skilled attorneys leverage their expertise in relevant laws and legal precedents to challenge evidence and build a strong defense strategy for your case.
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White Collar Crime
White-collar crimes refer to financially motivated, non-violent offenses committed through fraud or deceit, often by professionals, corporate executives, or public officials. These crimes can lead to substantial financial harm for companies, investors, or individuals. Common white-collar offenses include fraud, tax evasion, insider trading, money laundering, and embezzlement. Both state and federal laws prescribe penalties such as fines, asset forfeiture, restitution, community confinement, and imprisonment. The Law Offices of Vahag Matevosian are equipped to provide skilled legal representation, ensuring a thorough defense based on the evidence and charges you face
