locationLawyers in College Station and Waco representing cases across Texas
Call For A Case Evaluation (College Station)
phone (979) 406-5756
Call For A Case Evaluation (Waco)
phone (254) 781-3416

College Station Violent Crimes Lawyer

Our dedicated criminal defense attorneys are passionately committed to providing aggressive representation for clients who are facing criminal charges pertaining to violent crimes.

If you were charged with a violent crime, this is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties if convicted. At The Greening Law Group in College Station, our criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to fighting on behalf of every client we serve. We take pride in establishing a solid attorney-client relationship by ensuring that we provide open and honest communication with each person who chooses us to be their attorney.

Due to the serious nature of violent crimes, the prosecutor is going to ask for the maximum possible sentence. Being convicted of a violent crime in Texas could mean facing years in prison or even the death penalty based on the circumstances that surround the crime. In addition, a conviction for a violent crime can be detrimental to your future as far as being able to obtain employment, attend college, or legally own or possess a firearm.

We understand the overwhelming nature of this situation and will provide the strong legal support you need to secure the best possible results. With our College Station violent crimes lawyers’ determination and insight, you can feel confident your case is in good hands with us.

What Are Violent Crimes?

At The Greening Law Group of College Station, our violent crimes attorneys in College Station have the experience and knowledge to handle these types of cases.

Texas considers a crime to be violent in nature by using the following set of guidelines:

  • The crime was committed with the threat, attempted use, or use of physical force against an individual or property of another or,
  • The crime involves a substantial or reasonable risk that the use of physical force would be used against an individual or the property of another during the commission of this offense.

Violent crimes encompass a vast range of cases, including:

Assault

In addition to the guidelines stated above, you may be charged with assault if you make physical contact with an individual in a manner that you know the other person will consider to be proactive or offensive in nature.

Kidnapping

Texas law defines kidnapping as when an individual intentionally abducts another individual against their will. A kidnapping charge could be brought against a defendant even if there was no use of violence or weapons. The only stipulation is that there was a knowing or intentional abduction of another individual.

Domestic Violence

This criminal offense is also referred to as “family violence” or “domestic assault.” A charge of domestic or family violence is taken extremely seriously in Texas courts due to the high probability of harm or even death to the victim. Some of the guidelines that relate to domestic violence charges stipulate that domestic violence includes:

  • Any act by a family or household member against another in which they threaten or cause bodily injury, physical harm, assault, or sexual assault.
  • Any act that involves child abuse against another family or household member.
  • Dating violence is when one individual commits an act that results in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or causes the other person to fear that they may be harmed.

Manslaughter

Texas law stipulates the act of manslaughter to occur when one individual recklessly causes the death of another individual.

The guidelines surrounding this law specify:

  • In order for the crime to be considered reckless, the offender must have been aware that there was a potential risk involved in their conduct but made a conscious decision to disregard that possibility.
  • Additionally, the criteria that surround the charge of manslaughter do not require that there has to be an element of intent, knowledge, or premeditation. It only requires that an individual be reckless in their behavior which causes death to another.

Homicide

The state of Texas does not have a specific charge termed “homicide.” Several criminal offenses fall under the umbrella of charges that relate to homicide. In addition to manslaughter, these charges include:

  • Intoxication Manslaughter: You may be charged with intoxication manslaughter if you caused a fatal motor vehicle accident while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Criminally Negligent Homicide: You may be charged with this criminal offense if you cause the death of another individual if you were acting recklessly or unreasonably. Some examples include causing death to occur as the result of a physical altercation, hit and run, or failing to call emergency services when another individual is in obvious physical distress.
  • Capital Murder: This is the most serious homicide offense that you can be charged with under Texas law, and depending on the circumstances, you could face the death penalty. Many legal statutes surround the charge of capital murder, but some of the factors that must be present include murdering a police officer or other member of law enforcement while acting in an official capacity, committing murder during the act of kidnapping, burglary, or sexual assault, or murdering more than one person.

What Are the Penalties for Violent Crimes?

The penalties for a conviction of a violent crime depend on the details of the situation, including the use of a weapon or if bodily injury or death occurred as a result of the offense. Moreover, the age of the victim and whether you have a previous criminal history will also play a significant role in determining the penalties of your conviction.

Below is a list of some of the penalties you may face if the violent crime you are convicted of is a felony:

  • Capital felony: The death penalty
  • First-degree felony: Up to $10,000 in fines and up to life in prison
  • Second-degree felony: Up to $10,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison
  • Third-degree felony: Up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison

Additionally, if you are convicted of a violent crime, it will remain on your permanent record. This will make it extremely difficult for you to apply for state licenses, student loans, and lines of credit. Considering the wide-reaching consequences a conviction can have on your life, it is essential to hire a criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience in handling such cases.

Our  violent crimes lawyers in College Station understand the various tactics that the state may use when prosecuting your case. If you have been criminally accused of a violent crime, contact our law firm, and ask to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.

Possible Defenses to Violent Crimes

Even though the state of Texas takes a strong stance on the prosecution of violent crimes, there are possible legal arguments that a College Station attorney could use when representing you. Some of the possible criminal defense strategies are as follows:

  • Defense of Others: Your criminal defense attorney may be able to claim that you were compelled to use force to defend another individual from being attacked or harmed by a third party.
  • Defense of Property: This type of defense is typically used if you feel that you need to use reasonable force to prevent an intruder from entering your home, residence, or vehicle or to prohibit them from damaging your property.
  • Self-Defense: Your criminal defense lawyer may be able to assert that you had to use necessary force to protect yourself from being attacked. This law may also be applicable if you had a reasonable belief that another person was intent on causing you serious bodily injury or death.
  • Justification: This law applies to situations where you may have committed what would normally be considered a criminal offense but did so to prevent an injury in an emergency situation.
  • Lack of Mental State: This defense is used if, at the time of the offense, you did not have the required mental ability to understand the act was violent in nature or did not act knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly when committing the violent offense.

Work With a College Station Violent Crimes Attorney Today

Being charged with a violent crime can be incredibly overwhelming and stressful. At The Greening Law Group in College Station, our criminal defense team will work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your rights and future. We understand how much is at stake and will fight aggressively on your behalf to secure the best results for your criminal case.

Our College Station violent crimes lawyers have provided citizens with a high degree of professionalism and integrity when representing them in their criminal cases. Our highly-rated legal team is passionately committed to providing you with the strong defense that you need when facing criminal charges that relate to violent crimes.

We understand that you and your family are worried about what the future may hold for all of you. Our law firm has years of experience and a proven track record when it comes to protecting the livelihood and reputation of our clients. One of the most important steps that you can take to protect yourself is to hire a criminal defense lawyer who will listen to your side of the story. We place a strong emphasis on each attorney-client relationship and are genuinely passionate about obtaining an outcome that is in your best interests. Contact us today to learn more.