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Last Modified on Jun 05, 2025
Whether you live in the area or you’re coming to visit, understanding how crime impacts a region can help you stay safe. As an experienced Contra Costa County-based criminal law firm, Tully & Weiss has a unique perspective on the Martinez, CA crime rate and how it impacts residents.
To understand the true landscape of an area, it’s important to look at the big picture when it comes to crime. Our attorneys can help you with this and can offer legal advice and guidance if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law in California.
A Look at Crime in Martinez, CA
Martinez specifically isn’t the least safe place you could live, but it’s certainly far from the safest, too. The city ranks in the 23rd percentile for safety, which means it’s considered to be less safe than 77 percent of cities. Assault and theft are among the most reported crimes in the city, with the southeast region seeing the most incidents. Vehicle theft—and property crimes in general—are also higher compared to state and national averages.
There were a total of 199,838 violent crimes reported in California in 2023. This included:
- 135,046 aggravated assaults
- 49,177 robberies
- 13,723 rapes
- 1,892 homicides
Additionally, the state reported 895,577 property crimes, which included:
- 560,414 larceny-theft crimes
- 195,853 motor vehicle theft crimes
- 132,574 burglaries
- 6,736 arson crimes
In Martinez, specifically in recent years, there were 18 violent crimes and 70 property crimes reported in a single year. Regardless of the nature of the crime, our attorneys at Tully & Weiss can help ensure that laws are being upheld. We fight to ensure everyone is treated fairly under the law in criminal cases.
Common Defenses Against Criminal Charges in Martinez
There are a few avenues to explore when it comes to defending against criminal charges in California, depending on the situation. A Martinez criminal defense lawyer can determine the right course of action after analyzing your situation. Some of the most common defenses used against criminal charges include:
- Coercion or duress
- Entrapment
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
- Mistake of fact
- Insanity
- Self-defense/defense of another
- Violation of constitutional rights
Self-defense and defense of another can be justifiable defenses under California law because you are allowed to use force to protect yourself and others to prevent physical harm, criminal trespass, or arson. However, you cannot use this defense against the use of force by law enforcement or public officials.
One defense that can be used in any case is the “insanity defense,” which states that an offender cannot be convicted of a crime due to a mental illness. In this case, you must be prepared with clear evidence.
The right defense is going to hinge entirely on the details of your case, which is why it’s ideal to work with a trusted criminal defense attorney who understands how these types of cases work.
Why Work With Our Martinez Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Our team has decades of experience under our belt handling criminal cases in California, so we’re confident we can help you, too. Additionally, we have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases throughout California. Our founding attorney, Joseph Tully, boasts a precedent-setting win in a Stand Your Ground murder trial. Additionally, our firm has many wins under our belts for cases involving assault, domestic violence, drive-by shootings, and first-degree murder.
With over 25 years of legal experience, we’re confident we can help you through your case with ease. We’ve navigated many different types of criminal cases in the past, and we’re ready to put our skills to work for you.
FAQs
Q: Is Martinez a Good Place to Live in California?
A: Martinez has a higher rate of crime than the average city in the United States for both violent crimes and property crimes, coming in with a crime rate of 35.93 per 1,000. Some of the most reported crimes in Martinez include murder and manslaughter, statutory rape, robbery, assault, gun crimes, kidnapping, vehicle theft, and burglary.
Q: What Are the Most Common Types of Crimes in Martinez, CA?
A: When analyzing crime in an area, incidents are typically categorized into either violent crimes or property crimes, and then further broken down from there. Assault is the most commonly reported violent crime, followed by robbery, rape, sex offenses, and murder.
Theft has the highest crime rate of all property crimes in the region, followed by vehicle theft, burglary, and arson. Other crimes that don’t fall under either umbrella include animal cruelty, drug crimes, identity theft, kidnapping, and vandalism.
Q: How Can I Protect Myself From Criminal Activities in Martinez, CA?
A: While it’s impossible to guarantee protection against criminals in Martinez, it’s wise to take the steps to keep yourself as safe as possible. In general, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, report suspicious behavior, and consider learning some self-defense basics. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with California’s self-defense laws, so you know your rights when it comes to protecting yourself.
Q: What Do I Do if a Crime Has Been Committed Against Me in Martinez, CA?
A: If you’ve had a crime committed against you in Martinez, it’s important to act quickly. If the crime is in progress or you’re in need of emergency services, simply call 911. For non-emergencies, you can contact the Martinez Police Department to report the incident. It’s also wise to get in touch with a California criminal defense lawyer, so you’re not left to navigate the legal proceedings on your own.
Talk to a Martinez Crime Lawyer to Learn More About Crime in California
Crime is present everywhere we live, which is why it’s important to understand how to protect yourself. If you want to know more about crime in Martinez, or you have a specific question regarding criminal law, our team at Tully & Weiss is here to help. Reach out to our office to set up an appointment with a California criminal defense lawyer today.
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