Charged with Committing Great Bodily Injury in Los Angeles?

What is great bodily injury?

Great bodily injury is defined as the physical injury suffered by the victim of a violent crime that causes a substantial risk of death, extended loss or impairment of a body part or function, or permanent disfigurement. (Merriam Webster legal dictionary) It is sometimes known as great bodily harm. Such inflicted injuries must be severe to fall under this category, but do not have to be as severe as, say, a brain injury. By and of itself, great bodily injury is not considered a crime.

In California, when a felony is committed, consecutive prison time is added to a sentence if a great bodily injury is committed. The amount of time added can be anywhere from 3 to 6 years, depending on the severity of the injury, if domestic violence is involved, and the age of the victim (70 or older, or 5 or younger). When you are already facing a prison term for committing a felony, the prospect of additional time tacked on to that is a serious matter. The law involving great bodily injury is not absolute. Penalties are determined on a case by case basis. A Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of these statutes will present a strong defense to try to minimize any enhancement to your sentence, should you be convicted.

Great Bodily Injury Attorney in Los Angeles

What is considered great bodily injury may vary from case to case, from judge to judge and jury to jury? Some examples where additional prison time has been added to an individual's sentence have been for:

• Gunshot wounds
• Strangulation
• Severe bruising after being beaten
• Broken bones
• Second degree burns
• Multiple sutures
• Unconsciousness of long duration

It is not uncommon for prosecutors to try and make an example of a defendant and attempt to influence the court to determine that a mild or moderate injury is a severe one, and deserving of an enhanced sentence. The criminal defense attorneys at Tyler & Wilson, LLP will work hard on fighting the case as well as alleviate any additional time you may be facing.

If you have been charged with a felony and may be facing an enhanced sentence, contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case.