Violent Crimes

Assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code 245(a)(1)) is a 'wobbler' that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. As a misdemeanor, penalties include up to one year in county jail. As a felony, penalties include 2 to 4 years in state prison. If the assault involved a firearm, the penalty increases to 3 to 12 years depending on the type of firearm. A felony conviction also counts as a strike under California's Three Strikes Law. Contact Attorney Cocis at (951) 400-4357 for immediate legal representation.

Yes. Self-defense is a complete legal defense to assault and battery charges in California. To successfully claim self-defense, you must show that you reasonably believed you or another person was in imminent danger of being harmed, that you reasonably believed the use of force was necessary to defend against that danger, and that you used no more force than was reasonably necessary. Attorney Cocis has extensive trial experience presenting self-defense arguments at the Southwest Justice Center.

California's Three Strikes Law (Penal Code 667) applies to serious and violent felonies as defined in Penal Code 667.5(c) and 1192.7(c). Common strike offenses include murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, carjacking, kidnapping, and certain sex offenses. A second strike doubles the prison sentence. A third strike can result in a sentence of 25 years to life. If you are facing a potential strike offense, the stakes could not be higher — call Attorney Cocis immediately.

Murder (Penal Code 187) requires 'malice aforethought' — the intent to kill or a conscious disregard for human life. First-degree murder carries 25 years to life in prison. Second-degree murder carries 15 years to life. Voluntary manslaughter (Penal Code 192(a)) is a killing committed in the heat of passion or during a sudden quarrel, carrying 3 to 11 years. Involuntary manslaughter (Penal Code 192(b)) is an unintentional killing resulting from criminal negligence, carrying 2 to 4 years. The distinction between these charges can mean the difference between decades in prison and a much shorter sentence.

No. You should never speak to police without an attorney present. Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions, state that you are invoking your right to an attorney, and contact the Law Office of Nic Cocis immediately at (951) 400-4357. Attorney Cocis can advise you on how to interact with law enforcement and protect your rights from the very first moment.