Cedar Park Violent Crime Attorneys

Award-Winning Defense for Violent Crime Charges in Cedar Park, TX

In Texas, the violent crime rate is slightly above the national average. As a result, the state takes these cases extremely seriously, often seeking maximum penalties for people convicted of violent criminal offenses. In other words, if you’ve been accused of a violent crime, or are currently under investigation, you can’t wait—you need an attorney now, someone who will fight to clear your name and protect you from the severe consequences of a conviction.

At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we’re ready to do just that. Our Cedar Park violent crime attorneys recognize the urgency of these cases; when you reach out to us for help, we take immediate action to protect your rights and safeguard your future. Our experienced, award-winning team is here to provide personalized guidance and tireless advocacy as we help you navigate the road ahead. 

If you’ve been charged with a violent crime in Cedar Park, Texas, call Smith & Vinson Law Firm now at (512) 359-3743 for a free, confidential consultation.

What Is a “Violent” Crime? 

Broadly speaking, a violent crime is any unlawful offense that involves one person causing bodily harm to another, including physical injuries and death. Under Texas State law, several types of offenses are classified as “violent” crimes.

These include: 

• Assault: Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person, threatening another person with imminent bodily injury, or causing physical contact with another person in a way that the victim finds offensive or provocative. 
• Domestic Violence: Assault involving a member of the family (e.g., a spouse, ex-spouse, current or former intimate partner, parent, child, etc.) or household member (e.g., family member or roommate); also known as “family violence.” 
• Kidnapping: Intentionally or knowingly abducting another person with the intent to hold them for ransom or reward, use them as a shield or hostage, facilitate the commission of a felony or the flight after the commission of a felony, or inflict bodily injury or violate or abuse the victim.
• Manslaughter: Recklessly causing the death of another person, usually without the implication of premeditation or intentionality but still with a disregard for human life, such as causing a fatal car accident when driving while intoxicated (DWI) or causing the death of another person due to improperly handling a firearm. 
• Murder: Intentionally or knowingly killing another person or causing death during the commission of certain felonies (e.g., robbery, sexual assault, or kidnapping), or causing the death of a human being while acting with reckless disregard for the safety of others.
• Robbery: Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person or threatening them with imminent bodily injury or death while committing a theft crime (i.e., theft with the use of or threat of force).
• Sexual Assault (Rape): Engaging in non-consensual sexual intercourse, penetration of any part of the body by the actor or an object, or other sexual acts with another person, including when the victim is incapable of consent due to age, mental incapacity, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Due to the serious nature of these offenses, a conviction carries harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and even capital punishment (the death penalty). If you even think you might be under investigation for a violent crime, you can’t afford to not talk to a lawyer. We urge you to contact our firm as soon as possible to discuss your case and your legal options with one of our violent crime lawyers in Cedar Park, Texas.

What to Do If You Are Accused of Committing a Violent Crime

If someone alleges that you have committed a violent crime, there are three main things you need to do: 

1. Remain calm
2. Stay silent 
3. Ask to speak to a lawyer

Remember: You have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This means the prosecution must prove that you committed the offense for which you are being charged with 100% certainty. 

You also have the right to remain silent—and it’s in your best interests to do so. Making any statements to the arresting officer, interrogators, or other officials without a lawyer present is unwise for several reasons. The prosecution is allowed to use anything you say as evidence against you in court. While you might be tempted to defend yourself, you could accidentally say something that you don’t even realize is incriminating until it’s too late. When being questioned, you might not have a clear memory of what happened, but going back on what you’ve said or contradicting yourself could be taken as a sign of your guilt, even if it was an honest mistake. 

The best thing you can do is to politely ask for a local Cedar Park criminal defense lawyer and inform law enforcement that you won’t be answering any questions until your lawyer is present. Many people hesitate to ask for a lawyer, thinking that it will make them appear guilty, but this is a huge mistake that could significantly affect your case. Asking for a lawyer is not an admission of guilt; it is the smartest thing to do in this situation, and it is your right under the law. 

Can Law Enforcement Search My House, Car, Backyard, etc.? 

If law enforcement or detectives show up at your door, politely ask to see a search warrant. To be valid, the search warrant must be signed by a judge. If they do not have a search warrant, politely but firmly refuse to allow them into your home. You do not have to consent to a search of your property without a valid search warrant.

You also have the right to refuse consent to a search of your private property, such as your land, your vehicle, or your personal belongings if there is no valid search warrant. If law enforcement proceeds to search your property anyway, remain calm and repeat that you do not consent to a search. Unlawful search and seizure often leads to inadmissible evidence, meaning anything discovered during an unlawful search will likely be dismissed and cannot be brought forth as evidence against you. 

The Importance of Hiring a Violent Crime Lawyer 

There is no better way to protect yourself when you are accused of a violent crime, such as aggravated assault or homicide, than having the assistance of a competent defense lawyer. Even if you cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to be appointed one by the court. While many public defenders are highly skilled and experienced attorneys, they often have high caseloads and fewer resources. As a result, they may not be able to devote the necessary time and personalized support to each individual case. 

At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we intentionally limit our caseload so that each of our clients receives the dedicated, one-on-one attention they need during what is likely to be one of the most stressful times in their lives. Our Cedar Park violent crime attorneys conduct independent investigations, use advanced technology, and retain the testimony of expert witnesses to build robust defenses tailored to our clients’ unique situations. This approach has helped us achieve countless successes for our clients, including many instances in which our clients’ charges were dropped or reduced, their cases were dismissed, or they were acquitted. We have what it takes to aggressively fight for you, no matter how complex your circumstances may be or how challenging the evidence against you may seem. 

Contact Our Violent Crime Defense Attorneys in Cedar Park

When you choose Smith & Vinson Law Firm, you get a team of former prosecutors and dedicated attorneys on your side. With decades of combined experience and a commitment to protecting your rights, our firm is one you can trust with your future. Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, we urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible. 

Call (512) 359-3743 right now for a free consultation.