Violent Crimes
Assault, aggravated assault, robbery, domestic violence, homicide. Texas punishes violent offenses harshly: aggravated assault is a second-degree felony carrying two to twenty years; murder carries five to ninety-nine years or life. If a deadly weapon was used, a conviction means at least half the sentence must be served before parole eligibility.
We try violent-crime cases to juries. We also know when a negotiated resolution serves the client better than a trial. The answer depends on the evidence, the complainant, the witnesses, and the client’s exposure.
What we look at
Every violent-crime case starts with the same questions: What does the physical evidence show? What do the witnesses say, and why should anyone believe them? Was there a lawful basis for the arrest and the search? Is there video, and does it support the State’s theory or undermine it?
Self-defense is a complete defense to assault and homicide in Texas. So is defense of others and defense of property, under the right circumstances. Consent might be as well. We evaluate every case for defensive issues, because a jury instruction on self-defense changes the entire dynamic of a trial.
Domestic violence
Family-violence allegations carry consequences beyond the criminal case. A conviction triggers a lifetime prohibition on firearms possession under federal law. A protective order can remove a person from their home, restrict contact with their children, and appear in background checks indefinitely. We defend these cases aggressively because the stakes extend far beyond the courtroom.
Talk to us
If you have been convicted of a violent crime, we handle appeals. See also federal violent-crime charges.
713-224-1747.