Violent Crimes Lawyer in Erath & Hood Counties

Aggressive Representation in Erath County, Hood County, Stephenville, Granbury, Somervell County, Comanche County, Parker County & Eastland County

If you have been arrested for a violent crime, it is essential to retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Texas treats violent crimes very seriously; these crimes are aggressively investigated and prosecuted. If you are convicted, you could face years or even decades behind bars, not to mention other severe repercussions.

At the Law Offices of Landon Northcutt, we know how the Texas criminal justice system works and how to navigate it effectively. We have a proven track record of success in these cases, and we work tenaciously to protect each client's rights and interests.

Request a free initial consultation with an Erath County violent crimes attorney at (254) 355-4654 or email your contact information on our online form to get started. 

What is Considered a Violent Crime in Texas?

Violent crimes involve the use of force or the threat of force against another person. In Texas, these offenses are punishable by some of the harshest penalties available under the law. 

The following are some of the most common types of violent crimes in Texas:

• Assault
• Domestic violence
• Homicide
• Robbery
• Kidnapping
• Terroristic threats
• Sexual assault
• Manslaughter
• Murder

Assault Crimes in Texas

Assault in Texas is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, including the person's spouse. It can range from threats of harm to actual physical contact. 

Texas assault charges vary significantly in severity from a Class C misdemeanor up to a first-degree felony, depending on factors like the victim's identity and the level of harm inflicted. For example, serious bodily injury committed against public servants, such as police officers, emergency medical technicians, or security officers, can result in a first-degree felony punishable by five years up to life in prison. 

Domestic Violence 

Domestic violence encompasses acts of violence within a family or a domestic setup or against intimate partners and dating partners. It is heavily prosecuted because it threatens the safety and well-being of families, considered the community's building blocks. 

These crimes can include domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, and continuous violence against the family; this last charge occurs after two or more prior domestic assaults. 

Charges range from misdemeanors for threats and minor harm to felonies for more severe offenses, especially if they involve suffocation or strangulation.

Weapons Charges

Texas law regulates the use, possession, and carrying of weapons, especially firearms. The unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of a prohibited firearm, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime are all serious offenses. The state controls weapon usage stringently to prevent violence escalation and to uphold public safety.

How Is a Violent Crime Charged in Texas?

Depending on the details of the case, a person who is accused of a Texas violent crime could face either a misdemeanor or a felony charge as follows. 

• Class C misdemeanor: Simple assault (no injuries) is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Examples of this include a patron pushing another patron in a bar fight or someone threatening another person but not following through with the threat.
• Class A misdemeanor: Assault with minor injuries is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Examples of this include a minor fight with injuries or one with no injuries but that consists of a threat with a weapon. 
• Third-degree felony: Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony, punishable by between two and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of this include a fight that results in serious injuries or a minor fight that consists of the use of a deadly weapon.
• Second-degree felony: Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony, punishable by between two and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. An example of this is a fight that includes using a gun, knife, or some other type of weapon.
• First-degree felony: Aggravated assault with serious bodily injury is a first-degree felony, punishable by between five and 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. An example of this is a fight that results in an injury that is likely to cause serious disfigurement or result in death.

If you are convicted of a violent crime, you will have a permanent criminal record that can be accessed by anyone doing a routine background check. This can make it challenging to find a job or get accepted into certain schools or professional programs. You may also lose your right to vote and your right to own or possess a gun.

Defending Against Violent Crime Charges in Texas

Being charged with a violent crime is a serious matter, but it does not necessarily mean a conviction. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove each element of the alleged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. 

This is the highest standard of proof used in our legal system. If the prosecution cannot meet this standard, the case against you will likely be dismissed. 

If the case does proceed to trial, our firm can help you explore all available defenses, including the following:

• Self-defense: If you were attacked first and used reasonable force to defend yourself, you may be able to claim self-defense. To prevail on this defense, you must show that you had a reasonable belief that you were in imminent danger of suffering bodily harm or death and that you used a reasonable amount of force to protect yourself.
• Mistaken identity: If the victim or a witness misidentified you as the person who committed the crime, we can challenge the accuracy of the identification and work to get the case against you dismissed.
• False accusations: Sometimes, a person falsely accuses another of a violent crime for personal reasons. We can conduct a thorough investigation and work to uncover any evidence that the accuser is not being truthful.
• Violation of your constitutional rights: The police must follow strict rules when investigating a crime. If they violate your constitutional rights in any way, the evidence they collect may be inadmissible in court. For example, if the police conduct an illegal search and seizure without a warrant, any evidence they find may be inadmissible. This may lead to a case dismissal.

Every aspect of your case needs to be thoroughly investigated by your defense lawyer. At the Law Offices of Landon Northcutt, we can review the details of your arrest and charges and develop an aggressive legal strategy to give you the best possible results. 

Call us today at (254) 355-4654 or contact us online to book your free initial consultation with our violent crimes lawyer for Erath and Hood Counties today.