Once you’ve been accused of a violent crime or assault in Fort Worth or the surrounding area, your priority is probably staying out of jail. But being convicted of a violent crime can ruin your life in a lot of ways, not just a jail or prison sentence.
If you don’t have the right lawyer who knows how to defend against these serious charges, you may face those penalties and devastating collateral consequences. You need an experienced Fort Worth violent crime lawyer who can help you avoid harsh penalties by fighting for your rights in court and negotiating with prosecutors on your behalf to try and get your case dismissed, no billed, or reduced.
When you’re ready for a lawyer, reach out to Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC for guidance and to establish the right strategy to fight your charge.
Types of Assaultive or Violent Crimes We Defend
Assault and Violent crimes are offenses that cause severe bodily injury or leave victims coping with the severity of what they’ve been through. But what types of crimes does that include? The list below is a sample of the violent crime charges you may be suffering:
- Assault Bodily Injury
- Assault against a Family Member (Domestic violence)
- Assault against a Family Member – Impeding Breath (Choking)
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm
- Sexual assault or Sex Crimes
- Injury to a Child
- Burglary of a Habitation
- Aggravated Robbery or Robbery
- Murder
If you’re facing any of these charges or others that fall under the definition of a assault or a violent crime, it’s critical to get a lawyer as soon as possible. Calling a lawyer before you go to court may help you avoid more serious penalties.
Self-Defense on Assaults and Violent Crimes | Affirmative Defense
Were you justified in your actions? Texas law allows people to defend themselves, even up to using deadly force if they feel that their life, the life of others, or their property is in danger. This is one of the most important aspects to analyze in an assaultive offense because even if you committed the conduct, if the conduct was justified, the no charges should be brought or the case should be dismissed or no billed by a Grand Jury. To legally use deadly force, you must reasonably believe that you’re in grave danger, and you can’t use more force than is necessary. You can’t use deadly force if there’s no such threat.
First Attacker | Self-Defense Continued
As mentioned above, Texas law allows individuals to defend themselves. Even in situations where a full self-defense may fail because the person used more force than necessary, it’s still important to look at who was the first attacker. If you were not the first attacker (i.e. the person who started the fight), than that is an important factor in determining whether the case should even be prosecuted.
Negotiating Your Case | Fort Worth Violent Crime Lawyer
If you are innocent or wrongly accused, an attorney can fight for your freedom in court. Your lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf to can fight for a dismissal or a reduction.
An experienced lawyer can help you minimize your charges by:
- Negotiating with the prosecutor & fighting your case in court.
- Reviewing your case to see if you qualify for one of the Diversion Programs, like Veterans Court, or one of the Assault Family Violence diversion programs.
- Applying for an expungement or sealing if your case if the dropped.
Of course, the penalties for violent crimes are severe and can include mandatory minimum sentences, which means that judges can’t go below the specified sentence regardless of the circumstances. While your lawyer may be unable to avoid all charges for your case, they can minimize the damage to your future and possibly have the charges dropped.
Call Now to Discuss Your Case
Time is of the essence if you have been arrested for an assault or violent crime. The attorneys at Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC are ready to help right away, so your attorney can start building your defense now, not later. The more time you have to act, the better.
A Fort Worth violent crime lawyer can help you get out of jail while awaiting trial, build a strong defense, and much more. If you are charged with a violent crime, reach us by phone at 817-334-7900 or fill out our online contact form below.
