Seagoville Violent Crime Lawyer

Seagoville Violent Crime Attorney

Facing accusations for a violent crime can impact your liberty, reputation, and future the moment you are arrested. A Seagoville violent crime lawyer can help you learn more about the charges against you, the criminal process, and your rights under Texas law. Violent crimes typically involve prolonged investigations, witness interviews, forensic testing, and severe penalties. Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, can help you through this process.

About Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC

For over 12 years, Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC has been defending people charged with crimes across the Dallas area. The attorneys at our firm provide over 45 years of collective experience to each client.

With our experience as prosecutors, the attorneys have gained insight into how the State builds cases during investigations, files charges, and prosecutes criminal cases. Our clients get direct advice, are set up with realistic expectations, and maintain constant contact with their Seagoville violent crime attorney from start to finish. No one should face criminal charges without knowledgeable legal assistance by their side.

While Seagoville sits in southeastern Dallas County between U. S. Highway 175 and Interstate 20, many felony cases are handled in downtown Dallas at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207.

Understanding Violent Crime Laws in Texas

Violent crime in Texas generally covers crimes that cause or attempt to cause harm or injury to another person. State and federal prosecutors may file misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense. Violent crimes often carry harsh penalties. Two common violent crime laws include:

• Texas Penal Code Chapter 19 covers criminal homicide charges, including murder, capital murder, negligent homicide, and manslaughter.
• Texas Penal Code Chapter 22 includes crimes like assault, deadly conduct, terroristic threats, and other offenses that involve injury or threats of harm to another person, including using a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime.

The attorneys at Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, know which statute applies to your case and can review the evidence to help build you an appropriate defense.

Common Violent Crime Charges

Accusations for violent crimes can include many different types of offenses. Charges can include:

• Assault
• Robbery
• Domestic violence
• Deadly conduct
• Terroristic threats
• Manslaughter
• Murder

According to Neighborhood Scout, Seagoville has a violent crime rate of 1.09 per 1,000 residents. This includes murder, rape, robbery, and assault. In a given year, there were 8 assaults, 7 robberies, 6 rapes, and 1 murder in Seagoville.

Violent Crime Penalties in Texas

Violent crime penalties vary in Texas. The penalty depends on the crime committed, level of violence inflicted, and whether or not another crime was also committed in the process. Penalties can include:

• Fines
• Restitution
• Incarceration, including life in prison
• Probation
• Mandatory classes, such as anger management

A criminal conviction can also impact your current and future job opportunities, professional licenses, firearm rights, and education options. Criminal charges can also affect housing and employment applications because some employers and landlords run background checks. When facing violent crime charges, you should know how alleged actions may affect your current and future circumstances.

Defenses to Violent Crime Charges in Seagoville

When being charged with a violent crime in Seagoville, TX, your defense is of the utmost importance. Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, can help build you a strong and appropriate defense for your particular circumstances. Common defenses to violent crimes include:

• Self-defense or the defense of others
• Defending your property
• Mistaken identity
• Alibi
• Constitutional violations
• Lack of evidence

Before deciding which legal defenses or arguments may be available, each case necessitates a thorough examination of the facts, witness testimony, tangible evidence, and applicable Texas violent crime laws.

Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer

When you hire a violent crime lawyer, you gain an advocate who can protect your rights in court. Your attorney can closely review the evidence, determine if the police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation, and evaluate if the witnesses are credible. Your attorney can also review all forensic reports to determine whether the prosecutor can prove each element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Your attorney can explain each stage of the process, and if they believe there is sufficient evidence to negotiate, they can meet with the prosecutor to discuss a plea bargain.

FAQs About Seagoville, TX Violent Crime Laws

What Should I Do if I’m Accused of a Violent Crime in Seagoville?

If you’ve been accused of a violent crime in Seagoville, don’t discuss the details of your case with anyone except your attorney. This includes police officers, witnesses, and on social media. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. Follow all bond conditions, show up to all court dates, and preserve any evidence.

What Is the Difference Between Being Arrested and Being Formally Charged?

An arrest is when a person is taken into custody by law enforcement officials. Most often, this occurs because of probable cause or if police have an arrest warrant. Formal criminal charges are generally not filed at the time of arrest. The prosecutor is expected to review the evidence and subsequently decide on charges. Sometimes, an arrest doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be charged with the crime you were apprehended for.

Can I Be Charged if the Alleged Victim Doesn’t Want to Press Charges in Texas?

Yes, in Texas, the State decides whether or not to prosecute someone. The victim does not. Although the victim’s desires are taken into account throughout the case, if the prosecutors believe that there is enough evidence to prove the case, they can continue to move forward with prosecution. Every case is looked at independently, with the facts that are available and current applicable laws.

Can a Violent Crime Charge Be Reduced in Texas?

Yes, prosecutors may agree to reduce violent crime charges depending on the evidence and facts of the case. The amount of evidence available, witness testimony, legal issues, and your prior criminal record are just some of the things that can affect negotiation. The potential for a charge to be lowered varies greatly, as each case has its own specific circumstances.

Contact Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC

If you have been charged with a violent crime, contact Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, right away. It is important to have legal assistance on your side. We can help you in the process.