McKinney Violent Crimes Defense Lawyers
Experienced Violent Crimes Defense Attorney Defending Clients in McKinney, TX
When criminal charges involve acts of violence, the penalties that may apply can be serious. Violent crimes have the potential to cause serious injuries or death. People who are accused of causing harm to others, either purposely or through recklessness or negligence, can face severe penalties. The charges in these cases may address a wide range of conduct, from arguments and fights to homicide charges that could potentially result in the death penalty.
Understanding the right approach to take when addressing accusations of violent crimes can be crucial for a person who has been charged with an offense. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys can provide guidance for people who are facing these types of charges, making sure they will be prepared to address specific accusations, provide mitigating evidence, challenge claims of intent, and defend against criminal convictions.
Assault Charges
Charges of assault may apply in situations where someone is accused of intentionally causing an injury, but they may also address other types of conduct, such as threats or offensive conduct. The specific charges in these cases may include:
- Simple Assault: Misdemeanor charges may apply in cases where people are accused of intentionally inflicting injuries, making threats or taking other actions that caused someone to fear that they would be injured, or making offensive physical contact.
- Aggravated Assault: More serious felony charges may apply in assault cases involving aggravating factors, such as serious injuries suffered by an alleged victim or claims that a person used a firearm or another deadly weapon.
- Assault Family Violence: When a person is accused of committing assault against their spouse, another family member, a member of their household, or a current or former dating partner, they could be charged with simple or aggravated assault, and they may face additional concerns that may affect their family life.
- Assault InvolvingStrangulation: When a person has been accused of choking someone, preventing them from breathing in another way, or cutting off their blood circulation, they may face felony charges, even if an offense would otherwise be classified as simple assault.
Family Violence and Child Abuse Allegations
In cases involving accusations of domestic violence, a person may not only face criminal charges, but a court may put a restraining order in place. These orders can put restrictions on a person's ability to communicate with their family members or return to their home. Understanding how to address accusations of family violence and defend against protective orders can be crucial in these situations.
When a family violence case involves accusations of child abuse, a person may be charged with injury to a child. The penalties that apply may depend on the type of harm that a person allegedly caused to a child and whether they acted intentionally or recklessly. In addition to defending against criminal charges, a person or family may need to deal with an investigation by Child Protective Services, and they may need to meet certain requirements to ensure that they can maintain custody of their child.
Homicide Charges
The most serious violent crime charges will often involve accusations of homicide. A person who is accused of killing someone intentionally or causing someone's death may face charges such as:
- Murder: When accusations involve intentionally or knowingly killing someone, a person may be charged with a first-degree felony. In some cases, charges may be reduced to a second-degree felony based on actions taken in the heat of passion rather than premeditated murder.
- Capital Murder: The most serious murder charges involve aggravating factors that may include accusations of killing multiple people, killing someone for hire, killing a police officer or firefighter, or committing murder in the process of committing another felony offense. These charges may result in the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
- Manslaughter: Unintentionally causing someone's death through recklessness could lead to manslaughter charges. Some cases may involve allegations of vehicular manslaughter, including intoxication manslaughter committed while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Criminally Negligent Homicide: In certain cases, accusations related to unintentionally causing someone's death may involve claims that a person failed to recognize certain risks. This offense is less serious than manslaughter, but it is still charged as a felony.
Other Violent Crime Charges
- Kidnapping: When a person is accused of abducting someone or keeping a person confined, they may face charges of kidnapping or unlawful restraint. Many kidnapping cases involve accusations against parents or other family members who violate the orders put in place in family courts. In these cases, charges of interference with child custody may apply.
- Stalking: A person who allegedly engages in a pattern of conduct that has caused someone to fear for their safety or experience emotional distress may be charged with stalking or harassment. These cases may involve accusations of following or monitoring someone, repeated phone calls or texts that were unwanted, or threatening online messages.
- Carjacking: When a person is accused of stealing a motor vehicle using force, they could be charged with robbery. Other related charges may apply, including theft, burglary of a vehicle, or unauthorized use of a vehicle.
- Deadly Conduct: Certain types of behavior may put other people in danger, which could lead to criminal charges. These offenses may involve recklessly firing guns near other people, driving a vehicle in a way that put others at risk, or other types of actions that allegedly put other people in danger of harm.
Contact Our McKinney Violent Crimes Defense Attorneys
Because of the serious consequences that people may face when they have been accused of violent crimes, legal representation is crucial from the moment an accusation is made. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys know how to address these charges and build effective defense strategies for our clients. We can provide the legal help needed to ensure that our clients can resolve these charges and avoid convictions whenever possible. Contact our McKinney, TX violent crimes lawyers at 972-369-0577 to schedule a free consultation.
