Houston Violent Crime Lawyers

There is nothing more devastating to a person’s life and reputation than being accused of committing a crime of violence. Unfortunately, upon conviction, these crimes can entail a wide range of penalties. If you are accused of a violent crime of any kind, you need to speak with our seasoned Houston, Texas violent crime lawyers today. Our firm is here to defend your future at every turn.

Violent Crime Lawyers | Here to Protect Your Rights

Unfortunately, those facing criminal charges for violent offenses are often mistakenly determined to be the aggressor in a given situation, when in reality, they were really only defending themselves. In any case, if you’re facing criminal charges here in Texas, you should strongly consider hiring a team of dedicated Harris County criminal defense lawyers who can effectively combat your charges and fight to have them significantly mitigated, or, in the best cases, dropped altogether. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you are in the right place.

Our Violent Crime Defense Services

Here at the Sparks Law Firm, we proudly defend clients who’ve been accused of a wide range of violent crimes. Some of the cases we handle on behalf of our clients are as follows:

• Assault: Were you involved in a fight and charged with assault? You may not realize it, but a simple skirmish can drastically alter the course of your life if found guilty. Our firm is here to protect you.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is always wrong, but false accusations of domestic violence are just as wrong and can be devastating to a person’s family and reputation. If you are accused of domestic violence, you need to speak with a competent attorney who can defend you at every turn.
• Manslaughter: Manslaughter charges typically don’t quite carry the heavy weight that murder charges do, but they can still warrant years of incarceration, high fines, and a criminal record upon conviction. Don’t face these charges alone.
• Murder: Murder, in many cases, can warrant life in prison or even the death penalty. If you’re accused of murder, you need to hire a lawyer, and you need to do so today. Your life may depend on it.
• Sex Crimes: Accused of a sex crime? Your future is on the line. Whether you’re accused of sexual harassment/stalking or rape, you need to act now. The Sparks Law Firm is here to defend you.

Penalties for Violent Crimes in Texas

The penalties for a violent crime charge will depend on the specifics of the charge itself. However, some potential penalties for common violent crime charges in Texas are as follows:

• Assault: Assault charges can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, depending on the severity of the crime. Simple assault, involving threatening or causing bodily injury, can result in up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000. Aggravated assault, involving serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon, can lead to 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Factors such as the victim’s identity (e.g., a public servant, family member) can escalate the charge’s severity.
• Sex Crimes: Sex crimes in Texas encompass a wide range of offenses, including sexual assault, rape, and child pornography. Penalties vary significantly based on the nature of the crime. For instance, sexual assault is generally a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Aggravated sexual assault, involving severe circumstances like serious bodily injury or victims under 14, is a first-degree felony, carrying a penalty of 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Manslaughter: Manslaughter, defined as recklessly causing the death of another individual, is a second-degree felony in Texas. The typical penalty includes a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 20 years and fines up to $10,000. Voluntary manslaughter, involving a killing in the heat of passion, and involuntary manslaughter, where the death results from a reckless act, are considered under this category. The exact penalty can vary based on mitigating or aggravating factors present in the case.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence in Texas covers offenses like assault, battery, and threats against family members, household members, or dating partners. Penalties range from a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense (up to a $500 fine) to a first-degree felony for repeated offenses or those involving strangulation or suffocation (5 to 99 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines). Protective orders, mandatory counseling, and loss of firearm rights can also accompany convictions for domestic violence.

Murder Charges in Texas

Murder, defined as the intentional killing of another person, stands as one of the most serious offenses in the Texas legal system. Classified as a first-degree felony, the gravity of this crime is reflected in its severe penalties. Convicted individuals face substantial sentences, typically ranging from 5 to 99 years or even life imprisonment. In addition to lengthy incarceration, fines can be imposed, reaching up to $10,000.

In Texas, the law distinguishes between murder and capital murder based on the nature and circumstances of the crime. A standard murder charge escalates to capital murder if the act is particularly heinous or involves specific aggravating factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, murders committed during the commission of another felony like kidnapping or robbery, murders of public officials, or murders for hire. In such cases, the legal repercussions intensify significantly. Capital murder convictions in Texas can result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or in some instances, the death penalty. This distinction underscores the Texas legal system’s rigorous approach to dealing with serious crimes and its commitment to public safety.

Contact The Sparks Law Firm Today

The bottom line is that if you are facing violent crime charges in Texas, the time to act is now. Contact the Sparks Law Firm today so we can get working on your case and craft the best defense possible on your behalf. Our job is to keep you out of jail and free of a criminal record.