Violent Crimes

Corpus Christi Violent Crimes Defense Attorney

Now or in the future, if you are accused of a violent crime in the Corpus Christi area, you should know that prosecutors seek the maximum jail or prison sentence, a costly fine, and a criminal conviction that will negatively affect your family, finances, and freedom. As quickly as possible, you’ll need to consult a Corpus Christi violent crimes defense attorney at Barrett Legal PLLC.

You cannot afford to face state or federal prosecutors without an aggressive attorney’s help. At Barrett Legal PLLC, we step into the fight the moment you retain a Corpus Christi violent crimes defense lawyer. We challenge police procedures, examine witness statements, and build a strategic defense to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.

A conviction for a violent crime could send you to a Texas prison for decades. When your freedom is at risk, call Barrett Legal PLLC immediately at 361-542-4295 to schedule your first consultation with an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney.

Violent Crimes Under Texas Law

Texas law defines violent crimes as offenses that involve physical force, deadly weapons, or threats of imminent harm. These are among the most serious offenses in the criminal justice system. A conviction for a violent crime substantially changes your life, so an aggressive defense strategy is essential. Barrett Legal PLLC handles the most serious violent criminal cases, including:

  1. Criminal homicide, manslaughter, and murder
  2. Aggravated assault involving serious injury or a deadly weapon
  3. Aggravated robbery and other armed property crimes
  4. Kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and hostage-taking
  5. Family violence, continuous domestic violence, and abuse of the vulnerable

Under Texas state law, simple assault happens when someone intentionally or recklessly causes bodily injury or threatens another person with imminent harm. The charge escalates to a violent crime, aggravated assault, if the assault causes serious injury or involves brandishing a deadly weapon.

Robbery under Texas law is defined as injuring or threatening someone during a theft. It becomes a violent crime, aggravated robbery, when the perpetrator uses a deadly weapon or targets an elderly or disabled individual. The most serious violent crime is murder. A murder conviction in Texas usually results in a lengthy prison term, while a capital murder conviction can result in the death penalty.

Penalties for Violent Crime Convictions

The penalties for a violent crime conviction in Texas depend on the exact type of crime, the victim’s status, and the offender’s previous criminal history. Texas courts can impose the following penalties on convicted criminal offenders:

  1. The maximum penalty for misdemeanor convictions in Texas is a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
  2. The most violent felony convictions may be penalized with a life sentence or the death penalty. 

A violent crime conviction creates a lasting criminal record. Similarly, a felony conviction strips away some of your constitutional rights, including voting and the right to own firearms. A criminal history can also limit your ability to find housing or employment. However, a Corpus Christi violent crimes defense attorney at Barrett Legal PLLC can fight aggressively for your freedom by challenging every detail of the state’s case against you.

Strategic Defense Against Violent Crime Charges

A Corpus Christi violent crimes defense attorney at Barrett Legal PLLC will not wait for a prosecutor to determine the timeline of your case. Barrett Legal PLLC can conduct an independent investigation to gather crucial evidence that police officers may have overlooked.

The U.S. Constitution protects everyone in Texas against illegal search and seizure, improper police questioning, and coerced confessions. Any evidence obtained through an unlawful police action must be excluded from trial. We review physical evidence and witness testimony to uncover any flaws or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Texas law explicitly protects your right to self-defense and the defense of third parties. If you used force to protect yourself or another person from unlawful violence, you had a legal right to stand your ground. In many of these cases, we can present evidence to the court establishing that your actions were legally justified.

The Nueces County Criminal Justice Process

Local prosecutors move quickly to secure violent crime indictments through grand jury proceedings. You should be represented by an experienced lawyer who understands how the local courts operate. Violent crime charges in Corpus Christi are prosecuted in district courts at the Nueces County Courthouse.

An arrest begins the criminal justice process, followed by booking and a bail hearing. Prosecutors then submit claims and evidence to a grand jury, asking for a formal criminal indictment.

In many cases, Barrett Legal PLLC can intervene even before a grand jury meets. Presenting clear exculpatory evidence at this stage can convince the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss a violent crime charge before an indictment is issued. If your case moves to trial, we can challenge the state’s witnesses, cast doubt on the evidence, and present a compelling defense to a jury.

Defense Representation in State and Federal Courts

Violent crimes on federal property, crimes that cross state lines, and cases investigated by federal law enforcement agencies fall directly under federal jurisdiction.

Federal courts adhere to strict procedural rules and sentencing guidelines. Federal prosecutors can draw on considerable resources, so a defendant must be represented by an aggressive, experienced defense team. Barrett Legal PLLC represents individuals facing violent crime charges in both Texas courts and federal district courts.

Whether your case is scheduled in a Corpus Christi district court or a federal court, we remain focused on reducing or dismissing criminal charges so our clients can move forward constructively with their lives.

Experienced, Effective Criminal Representation

If you are charged with a violent crime, selecting a defense attorney is the most important choice you will make. Barrett Legal PLLC provides dedicated, aggressive advocacy for those accused of violent crimes in Corpus Christi and across Texas.

Our philosophy is straightforward: we fight. We treat every client as our top priority and give every case the comprehensive focus it demands. No case is too complex, and no charge is too intimidating for our law firm.

We deliver aggressive, effective defense representation at every stage of the criminal justice process. If you are accused of committing a violent criminal offense, call Barrett Legal PLLC at 361-542-4295 to schedule your first consultation with our experienced defense team.