Houston Violent Crimes Defense Attorney

Violent Crimes

A crime of violence in Texas usually involves an alleged victim suffering or being threatened with some kind of injury. Violent crime may be a misdemeanor or felony offenses, depending on several different factors, such as the alleged offender’s prior criminal record, the nature of the injuries caused, and whether a firearm or deadly weapon was used in the commission of the offense.

If you were arrested or you think that you might be under investigation for a crime of violence in Southeast Texas, it is in your best interest to not answer any questions from authorities until you have legal representation. The Gonzalez Law Group aggressively defends clients in communities throughout Harris County, Friendswood, Pearland, Seabrook, League City, Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte, Galena Park, Baytown, and many others.

Overview of Violent Crimes in Texas

Types of Violent Crimes in Texas

Many crimes of violence are listed under Title 5 of the Texas Penal Code in a section referred to as “Offenses Against the Person.” Crimes listed under this title include assaultive offenses, offenses against the family, and criminal homicide.

Some of the specific kinds of violent crimes a person may be charged with include, but are not limited to:

Violent Crime Defenses in Texas

Title 2 of the Texas Penal Code establishes a number of important provisions as they relate to the prosecution of violent crimes in Texas. Chapter 6 of the Penal Code addresses culpability and classifies culpable mental states to relative degrees, from highest to lowest, as follows: Intentional, Knowing, Reckless, and Criminal Negligence.

Culpability can be very important in certain criminal cases in which a prosecutor must prove that an alleged offender intentionally or knowingly caused bodily injury to an alleged victim. A person may be able to use his or her reckless or negligent conduct as a defense in such cases.

Chapter 9 of the Texas Penal Code also provides certain justifications for otherwise unlawful conduct. Some of the possible defenses recognized under this chapter include:

  • Justification in performance of public duty;
  • Justification necessary to avoid imminent harm;
  • Self-defense;
  • Protection of property; or
  • Defense of a third person.

Violent Crime Resources in Harris County

Rights of Crime Victims | City of Houston — View the full text of a Houston Police Department Victim Services Unit brochure discussing the rights of victims of violent crimes. You can find information about compensation, restitution, and victim services. Additional information can be found on the Houston Police Department Victim Services Unit websites.

Victims Assistance Unit | Harris County Sheriff’s Office — On this section of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office website, you can find links to various statewide resources. Texas governmental resources include Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Harris County District Attorney’s Office (HCDAO) Victim /Witness Division, and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services crime victim forms and applications. You can also find Harris County resources such as Bay Area Turning Point, Catholic Charities, and New Horizon Family Center.

Violent Crime Defense Attorneys in Houston, TX

Were you arrested for a crime of violence in Harris County? Do not say anything to the authorities until you can first contact The Gonzalez Law Group. Our Houston criminal defense lawyers represent individuals in Harris County, Friendswood, Pearland, Seabrook, League City, Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte, Galena Park, Baytown, and many others. Call (832) 530-4070 or submit an online contact form to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.

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