6 Consequences You Face if You are Convicted of Mayhem in Riverside County

California Penal Code section 203 states:

[quote align="center" color="#999999"]“Every person who unlawfully and maliciously deprives a human being of a member of his body, or disables, disfigures, or renders it useless, or cuts or disables the tongue, or puts out an eye, or slits the nose, ear, or lip, is guilty of mayhem.”[/quote]

Essentially, the penal code makes it a crime to maliciously disfigure or disable another person’s body. This crime is also often referred to as “maiming.” Mayhem will always be charged as a felony violent crime.

In Riverside County, local residents may remember a story from earlier this year in which a Riverside trio that beat an accused rapist with a baseball bat. Miguel Esteban Cruz, the alleged rapist, was lured to a park in Riverside County and beat with a baseball bat by the alleged rape victim (a 16-year-old girl), her father and one of her friends. Cruz suffered skull fractures, broken bones, a lung injury and missing teeth. The trio was charged with attempted murder and mayhem for their “vigilante justice” actions.

If you are facing a mayhem charge, you should contact Wallin & Klarich immediately in order to avoid some of the harsh penalties associated with a conviction. Call us at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245.

If Convicted of Mayhem in Riverside, What Consequences do I Face?

1. 1. 

      If you are charged with mayhem in Riverside County, you face severe punishment. It is important to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can defend you from these charges.

      A Lengthy Prison Sentence: A mayhem conviction carries a minimum two year state prison sentence. If convicted under CPC section 203, you would face two, four or eight years in state prison.

1. 1. There are Several Sentencing Enhancements: Depending on the facts of your case, you could face significant sentencing enhancements, which could end up adding up to an additional eight years to your prison sentence. Therefore, it is imperative that you speak with one of our experienced attorneys in Riverside today. Your sentence could be enhanced if:
      • The victim was under 14 or over 65-years-old;
      • The victim was blind, deaf, mentally handicapped, paraplegic or quadriplegic; OR
      • You inflicted “great bodily harm.”

1. 1. An Aggravated Mayhem Conviction Carries a Longer Prison Sentence: If you exhibited “extreme or reckless disregard for the physical or psychological well-being of the victim,” then you could be convicted of aggravated mayhem.

1. 1. Substantial Fine: A mayhem conviction can result in a maximum fine of $10,000.

1. 1. California’s Three Strike: A conviction for mayhem in Riverside County will result in a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law. With a strike on your record, you could face more severe punishment in the event of future convictions.

1. Impact on Professional Licenses and Employment Opportunities: Depending upon your chosen professional field, you could be facing possible professional sanctions or the loss of licenses. In addition, certain convictions may need to be disclosed on future job applications limiting your ability to pursue certain opportunities. At Wallin & Klarich, we can help you avoid these consequences, providing you with greater professional and financial flexibility for the future.

Call Wallin & Klarich if You are Charged with Mayhem in Riverside County

A conviction of mayhem in Riverside County can be a life-changing event. If you or someone you know has been accused of mayhem, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Wallin & Klarich attorney who will carefully review the facts of your case in order to give you the best representation possible. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 40 years of experience defending our clients against mayhem charges.

Our attorneys truly understand the laws pertaining to mayhem, including all possible defenses. We may be able to work with the prosecutor to have your charges reduced to lesser offenses such as battery or assault. It is extremely important to us that you avoid the harsh consequences associated with a mayhem conviction. Therefore, we will fight for your freedom through every step of the process.

Our offices are located in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina, Victorville, Torrance and Sherman Oaks. Give us a call today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245. We will be there when you call.