Granbury Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

Meet Our Criminal Defense Attorney

Rob Christian
Board Certified^®

Violent Crimes Attorney in Hood County Defending Your Rights and Your Future

According to the FBI, violent crimes include murder, manslaughter, forcible rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. Violent crime in Texas is higher than the U.S. average, at 431.9 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The national average is 380.7 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Two states have a higher crime rate than Texas—California and Alaska.

Being charged with a violent crime is extremely serious, because the potential consequences—the criminal penalties as well as the collateral damage—are harsh. It is never a good idea to simply sit back and hope things turn out okay, because they absolutely will not. You need a strong, highly experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight for your future. You need an advocate that you can place your trust in, as well as a lawyer who will answer your questions comprehensively while laying out all your options in an easy-to-understand manner. The Law Offices of Rob Christian can provide the legal representation you need when you ar facing accusations of violent crimes.

What Are Violent Crimes?

Violent crimes are serious offenses that involve a direct confrontation between the defendant and the alleged victim. The nature of violent crimes will often result in felony charges with serious penalties in the event of a conviction. There is a great deal at stake for those charged with a violent crime. In Texas, violent crimes include the following:

• Sexual assault
• Kidnapping
• Murder/Manslaughter
• Robbery
• Assault
• Domestic violence
• Injury to a child
• Terroristic threats
• Unlawful restraint

How Are Violent Crimes Punished in Texas?

Violent crimes in Texas are usually charged as felonies. As an example, murder is a first-degree felony, while aggravated assault, robbery, and sexual assault are usually second-degree felonies, although certain factors can increase the charges to first-degree felonies. A first-degree felony conviction in Texas can result in a sentence of from five to 99 years in prison. A second-degree felony conviction can result in a sentence of from two to 20 years in prison, along with fines up to $10,000. Conviction for a third-degree felony in Texas can result in from two years to 10 years in prison. Capital murder can result in life in prison or potentially the death penalty.

What Are Some Potential Defenses to Violent Crime Charges?

A criminal defense is a strategic argument your attorney will make on your behalf that is meant to challenge the evidence against you. The prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A defense is different from an affirmative defense, which admits you committed the crime but explains how your actions were justified given the circumstances. When building a defense to your criminal charges, your attorney may argue that there are holes in the prosecutor's case, that you had a justifiable reason for committing the crime, or that evidence was gathered in violation of your constitutional rights.

Defense strategies that may be used in cases involving violent crimes include:

• Actual innocence is the simplest argument against criminal charges. Perhaps you were misidentified by a witness or by the alleged victim. Your attorney will offer testimony, documentation, witnesses, and other evidence to support your plea of innocence. If you have a solid alibi, then your innocence is much easier to prove.
• Violations of constitutional rights include illegal search and seizure, failure to obtain a valid warrant, neglecting to inform you of your Miranda rights, or obtaining an improper confession. Such mistakes can result in the suppression of evidence and perhaps the dismissal of your charges altogether.
• Insanity is not a frequently used defense because, as an affirmative defense, it requires that your attorney prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were suffering from a severe mental disease or defect at the time the crime was committed. If you claim the insanity defense, you are stating you were unable to distinguish right from wrong at the time you committed the crime. You could also claim that you knew what you were doing was wrong, but you were unable to stop, which is known as the irresistible impulse crime.
• Self-defense is a commonly used defense for crimes like assault, battery, or murder. When you claim self-defense, you are saying your actions were justified and that you were only responding to a threat of violence from the alleged victim. For a claim of self-defense to be valid, the force used by the defendant must have been reasonable and proportionate to the force used by the victim. Defense of others and defense of property also fall under the category of self-defense.
• Mistake of law or mistake of fact means you were unaware of the fundamental elements of the crime you are being charged with.

Contact Our Granbury, TX Violent Crimes Lawyers

Being charged with a violent crime in Texas can be frightening and stressful. You need a skilled Granbury, TX violent crimes attorney who can prepare a strong defense against the charges. The lawyers from The Law Offices of Rob Christian will leave no stone unturned as we sift through all the evidence, interview witnesses, listen to your story, and bring in expert witnesses when necessary. Contact The Law Offices of Rob Christian at 682-936-4003 to schedule a free consultation and get answers to your questions. You will rest easy knowing you have a strong advocate fighting for you.