Violent Crimes Defense Attorney in Denton

Violent Crime Charges We Defend in Texas

Texas law covers several distinct offenses that may be described as violent crimes. The level of a charge can depend on the alleged conduct, injuries, use or exhibition of a weapon, the identity of the alleged victim, and other facts defined by the Texas Penal Code. Punishment ranges vary substantially by offense and circumstance.

The violent crime charges we regularly defend include:

• Assault: Texas Penal Code Section 22.01 can involve alleged bodily injury, threats of imminent bodily injury, or offensive physical contact. The classification depends on the allegations and statutory circumstances.
• Aggravated Assault: This charge involves an allegation of serious bodily injury or the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. Its degree and potential punishment can change based on the facts of the accusation.
• Kidnapping: Kidnapping and aggravated kidnapping involve separate legal elements concerning restraint or abduction. The distinction can significantly affect the charge level.
• Robbery and Aggravated Robbery: These allegations involve theft combined with injury, threats, fear, or other statutory factors. Aggravated robbery can involve allegations concerning a deadly weapon, serious bodily injury, or certain protected victims.
• Manslaughter and Criminally Negligent Homicide: These criminal homicide charges arise from allegations involving a death but have different mental-state requirements under Texas law.
• Murder and Capital Murder: These are among the most serious criminal homicide allegations. The applicable charge and punishment depend on the specific statutory allegations.

We evaluate surveillance footage and other evidence rather than relying on assumptions.

Defense Issues in Denton Violent Crime Cases

A charge is not proof that every legal element can be established. The prosecution must prove each required element beyond a reasonable doubt. Our review can examine whether the evidence supports the accusation, whether identification is reliable, and whether accounts of the event match the available records.

Depending on the circumstances, defense issues may include:

• Self-defense
• Defense of others
• Lack of intent
• Mistaken identity
• False accusations
• Insufficient evidence
• Constitutional violations

Self-defense and defense of others turn on the person’s reasonable belief, the threat presented, the force used, and the surrounding circumstances.

We also review police conduct surrounding a stop, search, seizure, arrest, interrogation, and evidence handling. A custodial interrogation is questioning by law enforcement after a person is in custody. Article 38.22 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure sets requirements that can affect the admissibility of certain custodial statements, including the warnings that must be given and the waivers that must be obtained.

When the evidence and circumstances support it, we may negotiate with prosecutors about charges or sentencing options. We remain prepared to advocate in court when that is the appropriate path.

What to Do after an Arrest or Accusation

Ask to speak with an attorney before discussing the facts of the case. Follow lawful instructions from authorities, but avoid making statements to investigators or other involved people until you have received legal guidance. Statements made early in an investigation can become part of the prosecution’s evidence.

Keep information that may matter to a defense review:

• Charging paperwork
• Bond information
• Witness names
• Photographs
• Messages
• Recordings
• A timeline of events

Don’t alter, delete, or fabricate information about the incident.

Texas Grizzly Law Firm offers 24/7 emergency availability for criminal arrests. We can begin reviewing the circumstances of the case promptly and explain what may happen next.