Austin Violent Crimes Lawyers

Charged With a Violent Offense in Texas?

The Texas Penal Code protects people from harm at the hands of others by imposing harsh and severe penalties when someone commits a violent crime. Allegations of aggravated assault, sexual assault, murder, manslaughter, and robbery could lead to a conviction and incarceration in prison.

If you have been charged with committing a violent crime, you want the attorney representing you to have the experience, knowledge, and courtroom skills to challenge the evidence with an intelligent and aggressive defense. Our Austin violent crimes attorneys give you the tough, hard-hitting legal representation you need when your freedom and future are at stake.

Contact us online or via phone at (512) 991-0576 to speak with our Austin violent crime attorneys.

How Do Police Investigate Violent Crimes in TX?

Violent crimes involve the use or threat of force and frequently include the use of a gun, knife, or other deadly weapons. Investigations are handled by seasoned law enforcement personnel and prosecuted by the most experienced prosecutors in the county.

Our Austin violent crime attorneys have first-hand knowledge of the methods used by police and prosecutors to develop and present evidence to support all types of violent crime cases, including:

• Domestic violence: This involves violence or abuse within intimate relationships, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse.
• Homicide: The unlawful killing of one person by another. This can be classified into various types such as murder, manslaughter, or justifiable homicide.
• Sexual assault and rape: Sexual assault involves any non-consensual sexual activity, while rape specifically refers to forced penetration. Both are severe violations of personal autonomy and bodily integrity.
• Aggravated assault: Assault involves intentionally causing harm or fear of harm to another person. Aggravated assault involves the use of a deadly weapon or results in serious bodily injury.
• Attempted murder: This occurs when someone takes substantial steps towards causing the death of another person but does not succeed in killing them.
• Kidnapping: The unlawful abduction or imprisonment of a person against their will, often involving force or coercion.
• Robbery: The act of taking or attempting to take something of value from another person by force, threat, or intimidation. This typically involves theft accompanied by violence or the threat of violence.

Understanding Texas law and its application in a given situation is essential to develop a successful defense strategy.

For example, intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to a family member or significant other is usually a misdemeanor offense. However, the same offense involving strangulation or suffocation can result in charges for violating Texas Penal Code §21.01(b)(2)(B), which is a felony of the third degree punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

A thorough evaluation of the facts and the evidence, along with an independent investigation by the defense, is essential to challenging the prosecution's version of what took place.

Criminal Penalties Associated with Conviction

In Texas, penalties for violent crimes vary depending on factors such as the severity of the offense, the presence of aggravating factors, and the defendant's criminal history. Here are some common penalties associated with violent crimes:

• Incarceration: Violent crimes in Texas often carry the possibility of imprisonment. Depending on the offense, sentences can range from a few years to life in prison without parole or even the death penalty in cases of capital murder.
• Fines: Convicted individuals may face hefty fines as part of their sentence. These fines vary depending on the severity of the offense and can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
• Probation: In some cases, especially for less severe offenses or first-time offenders, the court may impose probation instead of or in addition to incarceration. Probation typically involves conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific rules, and participation in rehabilitation programs.