Violent crimes involve a direct confrontation between the victim and the offender. Some examples of violent crimes include robbery, sexual assault, aggravated assault, and murder. Due to the violent nature of these types of crimes, they are charged as felonies, not misdemeanors. As a result, they carry substantial punishments, including the potential of serving decades in prison. If you have been charged with a violent crime, it is crucial that you reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault involves attacking another person and using or displaying a weapon. Additionally, aggravated assault can consist of physical contact with another person resulting in severe bodily injury to that person, such as internal injuries, broken bones, or a loss of consciousness.
Robbery
Robbery involves taking or attempting to take someone else’s property using force or violence or causing the other person to fear physical harm. Robbery is committed when someone intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury while taking another person’s property.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault, also called rape, occurs when a person penetrates the vagina or anus of someone else with a body part or object, even slightly, without the person’s consent. Rape also includes an alleged offender who may penetrate another person’s mouth with a sexual organ. The prosecution must prove that the alleged victim did not give consent or is incapable of consenting due to age or physical or mental incapacity.
Murder
Murder involves the unlawful killing of another person. Murder may also include intending to cause bodily harm to a person and engaging in a dangerous act that results in another person’s death. Murder can also occur when someone, while committing, furthering, or fleeing from a felony, does something that causes another person’s death.
The Penalties for Violent Crimes
For the most part, the penalties for violent crimes depend on the degree of the charge in Texas. For example, when a defendant is charged with a first-degree felony, they will face five to 99 years in prison. A second-degree felony is punishable by two to 20 years in prison, and both classifications carry a fine of up to $10,000. The specific penalties depend on the facts in the case, including the defendant’s criminal history and whether a weapon was present.
Defending Against Charges for a Violent Crime
Violent crimes are the most severe offenses a person can be accused of in Texas. That does not mean that you cannot fight the charges or that your case is unwinnable. The prosecutor must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. as the defendant. You have the right to counter the prosecutor’s arguments by presenting your evidence demonstrating the weakness of the prosecutor’s case.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a violent crime, you are probably concerned about your future. The sooner you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney, the sooner your attorney can investigate your case and gather evidence supporting your legal defense. Contact the skilled Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys at Abel Law Firm to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can fight for your rights.