Violent Crime Lawyers in Pflugerville
Choose Trial-Tested Violent Crime Defense Attorneys
An arrest for a violent crime in Pflugerville can trigger some of Texas’ most severe penalties. Whether you’re accused of assault, robbery, or even homicide, your freedom, future, and reputation hang in the balance. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our former prosecutors bring a clear perspective on how the State will try to secure a conviction—and we use that knowledge to challenge every aspect of their case. Our relentless defense strategies and client-focused approach aim to safeguard your rights from the very start.
Accused of a violent crime? Get insight into your rights and options by calling a Pflugerville criminal defense lawyer at Smith & Vinson Law Firm: (512) 359-3743. Your consultation is free!
An Overview of Violent Offenses Under Texas Law
Violent crimes are generally defined by the Texas Penal Code as acts involving physical harm or threats of harm. These charges often garner enhanced scrutiny from local law enforcement, who may deploy specialized units and forensic experts for evidence collection.
The following offenses are typically considered violent crimes:
- Assault & Battery: While “battery” is more of a common-law term not specifically used in Texas Penal Code, assault encompasses intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury or offensive contact. The severity often hinges on factors like the victim’s status (e.g., a family member or public servant) and the extent of the harm inflicted.
- Aggravated Assault: Escalates to aggravated if a deadly weapon is used or if the victim suffers serious bodily injury. Classified as a second- or first-degree felony, it can lead to sentences of up to 20 years or more in prison.
- Domestic Violence: Falling under family violence statutes, domestic violence in Texas can involve spouses, dating partners, roommates, or close family members. These cases often bring additional complexities due to protective orders and family court implications.
- Robbery & Aggravated Robbery: Robbery requires committing theft while causing bodily injury or instilling fear of harm. Aggravated robbery involves the use of a weapon, resulting in more severe charges and potential first-degree felony status.
- Manslaughter & Murder: Manslaughter typically refers to recklessly causing another’s death, while murder involves intentionally causing death. A murder conviction can carry a sentence of up to life in prison or even the death penalty.
The Role of Self-Defense in Violent Crime Cases
Under Texas law, you have the right to defend yourself or others if you genuinely fear imminent harm. The key is whether your use of force was “reasonable” under the circumstances. Our team might raise self-defense or defense of others if the evidence supports that you acted to prevent serious harm. This legal doctrine, especially in a state with “Stand Your Ground” and “Castle Doctrine” principles, can significantly alter the outcome of your case—sometimes leading to a full acquittal.
Penalties & Collateral Consequences
Violent offenses tend to carry harsher sentences than nonviolent crimes. Misdemeanor assault, for example, may be punishable by up to one year in jail and fines of up to $4,000 if no serious bodily injury occurred. Felony convictions for violent crimes can involve prison terms ranging from 2 to 99 years or life, particularly for aggravated offenses or homicides. Fines can climb to $10,000 or more.
Beyond incarceration and financial penalties, a violent crime conviction can upend your personal and professional life. Felonies often strip you of voting rights, jury service eligibility, and gun ownership privileges. Certain professions flatly refuse applicants with violent crime records, shrinking your job opportunities significantly. A violent crime conviction can strain relationships and prevent you from living in certain neighborhoods, not to mention the toll it takes on mental health and family dynamics.
Hire an Attorney Before It’s Too Late
Timing can make a significant difference in violent crime cases. Prosecutors often begin building their cases as soon as the police file a report, gathering witness statements, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage to solidify their allegations.
When Smith & Vinson Law Firm is involved in a violent crime case early on:
- We can get to work right away protecting your rights, helping you avoid self-incrimination and guiding you through interrogations or grand jury appearances.
- We can conduct an independent investigation, as gathering evidence while it’s fresh can uncover exculpatory details that contradict the prosecution’s narrative.
- If you’re under investigation but not yet charged, we may liaise with police or prosecutors to clarify facts or dissuade formal charges.
Our philosophy is rooted in bold, aggressive representation because violent crime charges demand nothing less. We understand that your livelihood and liberty depend on us pushing back against the State’s evidence and account. With a track record built on decades of combined experience and a never-give-up mentality, we’re prepared to handle even the most complex, high-stakes violent crime cases.
Practical Steps to Take if You’re Arrested
If you’re arrested for a violent crime, you may feel angry, uncertain, and helpless. The things you say and do can directly impact what happens next. By exercising your rights and involving an attorney, you can give yourself an advantage early on.
While every situation is unique, some immediate steps can help preserve your rights:
- Stay Silent About the Facts: Providing detailed explanations or confessions to law enforcement—no matter how innocent you believe they may sound—can easily be used against you. Exercise your right to remain silent and only discuss the details of your case with your attorney.
- Document Your Version: Privately note every detail you recall, including witness names, injuries, and the sequence of events leading up to the alleged offense. Your attorney is the only person you should trust with this information.
- Respect Bond Conditions: If you’re released on bond, follow all requirements, such as mandatory check-ins or restraining orders. Violating these terms can worsen your legal standing.
Talk to a Violent Crime Lawyer in Pflugerville
A charge for assault, robbery, or any other violent crime in Pflugerville can cast a long shadow over your life. Instead of facing an uncertain legal journey alone, place your trust in a team committed to uncovering the truth and championing your side of the story. Smith & Vinson Law Firm is here to protect your rights and your future. We Fight For YOU. We Fight To WIN.
Contact our Pflugerville violent crime attorneys at (512) 359-3743 today.
Awards & Associations
Respected by Peers, Clients and Legal Organizations
Our Client Reviews
Earning Our Reputation by Protecting Yours
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Smith and Vinson are absolutely incredible! They go above and beyond to help their clients and have a track record of success in getting cases dismissed. Their aggressive approach and unwavering dedication make them stand out from the rest.- Linda W.
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What sets this firm apart is their unwavering dedication to their clients. They listen attentively, provide clear guidance, and approach every case with the utmost diligence. Their attention to detail is truly impressive, and they leave no stone unturned.- Former Client
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When in battle you need people by your side who are fierce enough to face the opposition with you. Brad and Jarod far exceeded my expectations with their passion for winning and attention to detail.- Nikki C.
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After the Jury was selected, the first witness was called to the stand, and Brad and Jarrod imploded the State's case. Moments later, the case was dismissed. I couldn't be any more thankful for Smith & Vinson.- Former Client
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
911 caller reported a major rollover, single car accident. EMS and fire arrived on scene. They had to break the window to get our client out of the car. He said he had swerved to miss a deer and had been up close to 18 hours before the crash. Police later arrived on scene, spoke to our client and he admitted to coming from a bar and drinking 2 martinis.
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
Our client was pulled over for a traffic violation. Officer smelled alcohol, client admitted to consuming a few drinks. Officer also noted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Client performed the SFST’s (roadside tests). Officer said he failed all 3, eye test, walk and turn and one-leg stand. Officer placed client under arrest and asked him for a sample of breath and/or blood. Client refused. Officer did not get a blood warrant.
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Case Dismissed 2nd DWI
Our client was involved in a vehicle accident in La Grange where she was ejected from the vehicle and had to stay in the hospital. There was alcohol in the car, and she had prior DWIs. The ethanol levels in her blood came back at a .13 so she was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. This client was unaware that she was charged after she left the hospital which resulted in the charge of Bail Jumping. However she maintained that she had only an 8% functioning liver due and upon researching her medical hist
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault & Tampering with Evidence
Our client was involved in a verbal dispute that turned into an altercation where a firearm was discharged into the ground. The round ricocheted and grazed a party to the dispute. Our client was facing multiple felony convictions and a prison sentence.
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault Family Violence w/ Serious Bodily Injury
Our client was involved in a domestic altercation that resulted in one of the parties sustaining a very serious life -altering injury that required serious medical intervention. We took the case and approached our defense with heavy strong willed negotiations with the State.
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Rejected Pre-Indictment Aggravated Assault Strangulation/Impeding Airway Investigation
