Williamson County Violent Crime Lawyers
A Serious Defense for Serious Allegations
Although Texas law enforcement considers all criminal offenses to be serious, this is especially true of violent crimes. As such, the penalties for a violent crime conviction are severe.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a violent offense in Williamson County, it is absolutely critical that you obtain a strong defense team right away. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we represent people who have been accused of all types of violent crimes, including murder, homicide, aggravated assault, and more. Our team has a proven track record of successfully achieving case dismissals, acquittals, reduced charges, lessened penalties, and other optimal outcomes for our clients, helping them not only protect their rights but also their futures. We urge you to contact us right away to learn how our Williamson County violent crime attorneys can help you defend against your charges.
Call (512) 359-3743 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
What Are Violent Crimes?
Typically, violent crimes involve direct interaction between the accused perpetrator and the victim, often characterized by the use of force, threats of violence, or instilling fear of harm in the individual targeted. These offenses stand apart from property crimes, such as burglary, theft, or arson, which primarily involve unlawful acts against property rather than direct harm to individuals.
Examples of illegal activities that are considered violent crimes in Texas include:
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Domestic violence
- Homicide
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Rape/sexual assault
- Robbery
- Unlawful restraint
Note that this is not an exhaustive list; any illegal or negligent conduct that causes harm or the threat or fear of harm to another person may be classified as a violent crime in Texas.
How Violent Crimes Are Charged
Violent crimes are categorized and charged based on the severity of the offense and the harm inflicted on the victim. One of the primary distinctions lies in the classification of felonies.
In Texas, felonies are categorized into five main groups:
- Capital felonies
- First-degree felonies
- Second-degree felonies
- Third-degree felonies
- State jail felonies
Capital felonies are the most serious and can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. These typically involve crimes such as murder with specific aggravating circumstances.
First-degree felonies in Texas are also severe and carry penalties of up to life imprisonment or a term of 5 to 99 years, as well as up to $10,000 in fines. Offenses like aggravated sexual assault or certain types of murder not qualifying as capital can fall under this category. Second-degree felonies follow closely, carrying penalties ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison, along with up to $10,000 in fines, and can include crimes such as robbery with a deadly weapon or aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.
Third-degree felonies involve less severe but still significant offenses and are punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines. These can include crimes such as burglary of a habitation or certain types of assault. State jail felonies represent the lowest level of felony offense in Texas, carrying penalties of 180 days to 2 years in state jail, as well as up to $10,000 in fines. These offenses are often related to crimes like theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000 or driving while intoxicated with a child passenger.
The determination of the felony classification and associated penalties involves various factors, such as the severity of harm inflicted, whether a weapon was involved, and any prior criminal history of the offender.
Get Aggressive Defense for Violent Crime Charges Now
Smith & Vinson Law Firm stands ready to defend you against all types of violent crime charges. Our Williamson County violent crime lawyers have extensive experience navigating the criminal justice system and know how to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case against you. We are prepared to fight tirelessly for you and your rights.
For a complimentary consultation, call (512) 359-3743 or submit a secure contact form.
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