Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys representing people charged with violent crimes often explore the possibility of using "self defense" as a way to defend their client. A defense requires an intimate knowledge of the law as well as a keen ability to craft a unique criminal defense. One such individual who needs a lawyer is Swedish rapper David Jassy. He is accused of killing a pedestrian who slapped his SUV while the pedestrian was in the crosswalk. David Jassy, a 35-year-old songwriter and producer from Stockholm, got out of his rented vehicle and assaulted pedestrian John Osnes, a 55-year-old jazz pianist, because he feared for the safety of himself, his girlfriend and the SUV. Jassy allegedly punched the man until he fell and hit his head on the ground. Jassy is alleged to have then driven his SUV over Osnes, thus fleeing the scene of the crime (which is also illegal). Building a defense in such a case can be difficult because while witnesses to admit that Osnes hit Jassy's SUV, they claim he retreated to the sidewalk when Jassy got out of the car. Before creating a unique legal defense, a Los Angeles criminal lawyer must first sit down with his client, review the police file, interview witnesses, review the crime scene, analyze the facts and possibly even hire private investigators. Creating an effective criminal defense means that the attorney must know the law, the courts, the prosecutors, etc. In this instance, the case happened in Hollywood and involved a celebrity, meaning that getting a fair jury trial could be quite difficult. If people are familiar with Jassy's music, they could be biased for or against him, which can complicate any criminal trial. In addition, since Jassy is from another country, this could also be used against him. A violent crime is any criminal act that involves the use or threat of violence. In most cases, violence is used as a means to an end, especially during crimes such as rape and robbery. During the commission of a violent crime, the offender may or may not use a weapon. If the offender uses a weapon while committing a violent crime, the offense will usually be classified as felony. If you have been accused of a violent crime, contact the criminal defense firm of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin today by calling 877-781-1570. Tagged as: los angeles violent crime defense attorney