If you face fallout from an assault or other violent crime accusation in Texas, you need help from a criminal defense lawyer who can help you find the justice you deserve. No one should have to face an assault charge on their own, and we at Kenny Perez Law are here to help. We want justice in your case, regardless of how difficult it may be.
Our legal team is here to fight for you after your Texas assault charge. Do not hesitate to reach out to our criminal defense team as soon as possible for help fighting for your rights. We will do everything we can to support you throughout the process of proving your innocence. Contact Kenny Perez Law today to get started.
Violent Crimes in Texas
We can help you with a variety of violent crimes in Texas. According to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a violent crime is “any criminal offense defined in the Penal Code or in a federal criminal law that results in a personal injury to a victim.” A violent crime could also include an act involving a motor vehicle that results in injury or death.
The Penal Code identifies many violent crimes. No matter what charge you face, our legal team can help you fight your way to justice. Let’s look at some common violent crimes we could help you with:
#1. Assault
In Texas, assault is intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly injuring another person. It can also include the threat of such an action or the intentional or knowledgeable forcing of physical contact that the victim considers unwelcome and offensive.
Such an assault is considered a Class A Misdemeanor or, in some situations, a third-degree felony. The state punishes a Class A Misdemeanor with a fine of up to $4,000 or one year in prison. Punishment for a third-degree felony may result in two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.
#2. Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is relatively easy to define. It can cover any act in which one person forces the contact of sexual organs upon another person without that person’s consent. They may do this through violence or simply without consent.
In general, sexual assault is a second-degree felony. The state punishes second-degree felonies with imprisonment for two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. In some situations, prosecutors may charge sexual assault as a first-degree felony, punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
#3. Indecent Assault
An indecent assault is an offense similar to standard assault and sexual assault. It can constitute forcing a person to touch or be touched in private areas that any reasonable person would consider indecent. An indecent assault is a Class A Misdemeanor.
#4. Aggravated Assault
An aggravated assault causes serious bodily injury and/or involves a deadly weapon. The state typically punishes aggravated assault as a second-degree felony.
However, aggravated assault can be considered a first-degree felony in some cases. This is usually the case if you allegedly assaulted a public servant or in retaliation for someone reporting a crime.
#5. Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault usually includes both the criteria for a sexual assault and the addition of serious bodily injury, death, the use of a deadly weapon, and threats of violence, kidnapping, or death.
Aggravated sexual assault is always a felony of the first degree and may come with a minimum of 25 years in prison if the victim was a child.
#6. Abandonment or Endangerment of a Child
If an actor abandons or purposely endangers a child under 15 years of age, they may be held responsible for a violent crime. This crime a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to two years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
#7. Robbery
Robbery is considered a violent crime as it involves threatening, injuring, or killing another person during the act of committing a theft. Aggravated robbery is similar and usually involves the actual serious injury or the victim or the use of a deadly weapon. Robbery is a second-degree felony, while aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony.
What to Do if Authorities Accuse You of a Violent Crime in Texas
Being accused of a violent crime in Texas is a terrifying experience.
However, you can avoid punishment and maintain your innocence if prosecutors unjustly accuse you.
- Keep track of evidence, including any phone calls, emails, texts, or other communication between yourself and the victim.
- Write down what happened before, during, and after the incident.
- Seek out any witnesses of the incident who can corroborate your account of what happened.
- Do not say anything to the police, your family, or others interested in your case. You have the right to remain silent, and you should use that right until you can talk to an attorney.
- Find a criminal defense attorney to help you prove your innocence and pursue justice in your claim.
Even if you know that you are innocent, it can be hard to prove. And if you cannot prove your innocence, you could not only face jail time and possible fines, but also struggle to find work, apartments, and even relationships in the future. Finding a good criminal defense attorney is essential to proving your innocence and remaining free of false accusations on your record.
If prosecutors accuse you of a violent crime in Texas, do not wait. Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer at Kenny Perez Law at (956) 544-9292 as soon as possible to get help pursuing the justice you deserve. Kenny Perez Law is here to help.
