The organization 24/7 Wall Street reviewed data compiled by the FBI to create a list of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. 24/7 Wall Street used FBI crime data to measure the number of violent crimes committed per 100,000 people, the poverty rate of the city, and the unemployment rate to rank American cities by the danger faced by residents. Ranking #5, Milwaukee reported 1,596.1 violent crimes per every 100,000 people living there. In the past 5 years, Milwaukee has moved from #29 to #5.
In 2016, Milwaukee was one of a handful of U.S. cities which were selected to receive federal aid to reduce violence. It has more than triple the violent crime rate of the next dangerous Wisconsin city, and has the sixth highest violent crime rate of other U.S. cities. There is a slight increase in violent crime, rising to 8,864 violent crimes reported in 2014, from the 8,194 violent crimes reported in 2013.
How Does a High Crime Rate Affect Residents?
For obvious reasons, a high crime rate can put residents at risk of a violent crime. However, the odds of being a victim of a violent crime is relatively low. Most violent crimes are committed in certain areas of the city, commonly in lower income areas.
A high crime rate can also put residents at risk in another way—innocent people being arrested and charged with a crime they did not commit. In a dangerous, high-crime area, it can be a simple case of mistaken identity, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or even being set up for a crime, but an innocent person can possibly be arrested and accused of a crime they were not involved in. For these innocent individuals, dedicated, knowledgeable defense is incredibly important.
At the Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella, we understand that innocent people can be accused of serious crimes, and risk their life and freedom if they are convicted. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of every client, and ensuring that they face a fair and just trial. Our clients best interests are our highest concern, and our Milwaukee criminal defense attorney is deeply-experienced with building a strategic defense and countering the prosecution's accusations.
Contact our offices, 24/7. Call (414) 347-9334 for a free consultation.