Defend Your Rights When Charged With Violence
Violent crimes are associated with severely harsh criminal penalties. A conviction results in a lengthy prison sentence (perhaps life imprisonment), fines worth tens of thousands of dollars, and even the death penalty. When facing such charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and future.
At Lewis & Ashworth, PLLC, we’re in it for you. Our mission is to use our over 30 years of combined experience in prosecution and trial advocacy to bring about the best possible result for you. Our Plano violent crime defense lawyers understand the difficult position you’re in, and we’re here to guide you through it, starting with a complimentary consultation.
Speak to our legal team today by calling 214-856-6130 as soon as possible. We serve clients throughout Collin County and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
What Is Considered A Violent Crime?
If you have been accused of a violent crime, it is imperative that you reach out to us right away. Police, prosecutors, and members of the criminal justice system are not on your side, and they are already building a case against you. When you call us for help, we are prepared to step in, communicate on your behalf, and make sure your Constitutional rights are protected during your brush with the justice system.
We have served clients accused of a variety of violent crimes, such as:
- Abandonment or endangerment of a child
- Acts of terrorism/terroristic threats
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Aiding another person in committing suicide
- Assault
- Assault against a child, elderly person, disabled person, or other vulnerable party
- Attempted assault of a public servant
- Domestic violence
- Harassment and threats of violence
- Leaving a child in a vehicle
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Reckless injury to a child
- Robbery and aggravated robbery
- Sexual assault
- Strangulation, choking or smothering
- Tampering with a product in such a way as to cause injury to another person
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Virtually any other behavior with deadly or injurious consequences for another person
- Violent theft
The Difference Between Capital Murder, Murder And Manslaughter
Capital And First-Degree Murder
Murder is divided into two categories: first-degree and capital murder. According to Texas Penal Code, Title 15, Chapter 19, in order to commit first-degree murder a person must have intentionally and knowingly caused another person’s death, committed an act that was obviously likely to bring about the victim’s death, and/or caused the victim’s death during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of a felony.
According to the same statute, capital murder occurs when the victim is a peace officer, fireman, minor under the age of six, or a fellow inmate. A person also commits capital murder in Texas by taking another person’s life while committing another violent offense, attempting to break free from a penitentiary or jail, or out of revenge against the victim if the victim is a member of the judiciary with whom the perpetrator interacted during the course of criminal proceedings.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter, on the other hand, involves the killing of another person by recklessness, intoxication, and automobile collisions. Because manslaughter does not involve the intent to kill or harm another person, penalties are reduced – but they may not be eliminated. Manslaughter is still a second-degree felony, which can land you in Texas state prison for up to 20 years and cost you up to $10,000 in fines.
Lewis & Ashworth, PLLC, Offers Violent Crime Legal Counsel
It is particularly important that you seek representation quickly if you are accused of a crime related to the death of another person, such as murder or manslaughter. Regardless of whether you intended to cause fatal injury or death, you could face severe consequences, such as prison time, heavy fines, and various other long-term social impacts of having such charges on your record.
As your representatives, we help you in a variety of ways, including (but not limited to):
- Presenting your side of the story the court
- Ensuring you are present, prepared, and heard in every critical legal proceeding
- Reviewing the evidence presented by the state and crafting strategic responses on your behalf
- Negotiating with prosecutors, judges, and other members of the justice system to reduce your sentence or drop the charges against you, if possible
- Filing important motions that will protect your ability to appeal the court’s decision, if necessary
- Giving you honest guidance about your options and the progress of your case.
Contact The Criminal Defense Attorneys At Lewis & Ashworth, PLLC
Contact us today at 214-856-6130 for a free consultation.
