Passionately Fighting
For Those Charged With a Crime
Legal Defense For Violent Crimes
Defending You From Criminal Charges in Fort Bend Texas
Having to face violent crime charges in Texas can trigger a series of life altering events. Knowing you face criminal charges, your co-workers might shun you. Family members spend less time with you, and close friends disappear from your social media pages.
In essence, you become a pariah to everyone that knows you.
Despite the personal and professional ramifications of a violent crimes charge, the legal consequence of a conviction for committing one or more violent crimes is much worse. Texas issues severe penalties for violent crime convictions, from lengthy jail sentences to substantial fines.
If you or a loved one faces a violent crimes charge, you should speak with a Texas licensed criminal defense lawyer who specializes in defending violent crime case. For years, Texas attorney Adam Capetillo has successfully defended dozens of clients against violent crime charges. Adam treats each case with a unique perspective to devise the most effective defense that leads to a not guilty verdict.
Types of Violent Crimes under Texas Law
Texas defines a violent crime as an action that includes force or the threat of force against one or more people. Threatening to use force can involve brandishing a knife or displaying a concealed weapon.
Here are the most frequently law enforcement cited violent crimes in Texas:
How Texas Punishes Violent Crime Offenders
The penalties handed down in Texas violent crime cases depend on the severity of the crime, as well as the criminal conviction record of the defendant. There are three classes of misdemeanors for committing a violent crime in Texas, with the maximum prison sentence of one year and the maximum fine not to exceed $4,000. A state jail felony carries a jail sentence from 180 days up to two years. Here are the possible penalties for the four other degrees of felonies:
- Capital Felony – Life in prison without parole or in some cases the death penalty
- First Degree Felony – Between five and 99 years of jail time and a fine up to $10,000
- Second Degree Felony – from two to 10 years in prison and a fine no exceeding $10,000
- Third Degree Felony – Same punishment as a second degree felony, although judges typically issue longer prison sentences.
In addition to facing serious legal consequences for committing a violent crime, anyone accused of a violent crime can face a conviction that dramatically changes his or her life. It will be difficult to secure gainful employment, as well as obtain any type of financial aid for college.
Convicted felons in Texas lose the right to own a gun and lose the right to vote for an extended period. You can also lose custody of your children and even the right to visit your kids. The legal and societal consequences of a felony violent crime conviction makes it imperative that anyone charged with a violent crime contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer such as Adam Capetillo
Possible Legal Defenses for Violent Crimes in Texas
Like every other state, Texas requires prosecutors to prove the guilt of defendants “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.” This means that even the slightest question about the guilt of a defendant can cause a jury to deliver a not guilty verdict. Criminal defense attorney Adam Capetillo is highly skilled of presenting evidence that plants the seed of doubt that lead to his clients receiving not guilty verdicts.
Capetillo Law Firm uses several options to build a defense against violent crimes.
Innocence
Violent crimes require a timestamp, as well as physical evidence that places the accused at the scene of a crime. Our team of dedicated violent crime lawyers works hard to establish alibis for our clients by calling to the stand at least two eyewitnesses that verify the alibis of our clients. We also present physical evidence that explains why our clients could not have been near the scene of the alleged violent crime. Physical evidence can include a timesheet from work or video footage showing a client was miles away from the crime scene at the time the violent crime was committed.
Constitutional Violations
The United States Constitution contains 10 Amendments the Founding Fathers called the Bill of Rights. A few of the first 10 Amendments of the Constitution explain the rights American citizens have under the criminal justice system. Sugar Land, TX criminal defense lawyer Adam Capetillo will investigate violent crime cases to determine if there was a violation of the 4th Amendment, which prohibits illegal searches and seizures. We also will make sure our clients were read their Miranda Rights, which goes something like this:
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”
Obtain Legal Representation for Expert Defense Against Violent Crimes
You cannot afford to cut legal corners by having a public defender argue your case during a criminal trial. At Capetillo Law Firm, we will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your violent crime case to discover legal holes that lead to planting the seeds of doubt required to exonerate you of all charges.
Contact our Sugar Land, TX law office to schedule a free initial consultation. You can reach us by calling (346) 249-5544 or by submitting the convenient online form.
