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Violent Crimes Protecting & Defending the Rights of the Accused

Bryan Violent Crime Defense Attorney

What is Considered a Violent Crime in Texas?

There are a number of scenarios that can be charged as violent crimes. Whether or not you are guilty as charged, it often takes a skilled attorney to build an effective defense and secure a favorable outcome.

We have represented clients in Bryan and Brazos County in cases involving:

Contact us today at (979) 353-6632 to arrange for a consultation with our Bryan violent crime defense attorney.

What Are the Penalties for Violent Crimes in Texas?

The penalties for violent crimes in Texas range from state jail time for less severe offenses like criminally negligent homicide and burglary inside a building to life imprisonment or the death penalty for more severe offenses like capital murder. 

Understanding these penalties is crucial for anyone involved in or facing such charges:

  • Capital murder: It is the most serious of all violent crimes in Texas. The penalties are either life imprisonment without the possibility of parole and is eligible for the death penalty. This charge may apply in a number of circumstances, including taking the life of a child under the age of six; killing a judge, peace officer, or fireman while they are on duty; intentionally killing another person while committing another crime; or killing more than one person while in the commission of another criminal act. 
  • Murder: It is classified as a first-degree felony. Conviction can result in 5 to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment. Additionally, a fine of up to $10,000 may be imposed.
  • Manslaughter: It is generally charged as a second-degree felony carrying penalties of 2 to 20 years in prison. Criminally negligent homicide is generally charged as a state jail felony punishable by 180 days up to 2 years of jail time. 
  • Criminally negligent homicide: It is classified as a state jail felony. Penalties include 180 days to 2 years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000. This charge applies when a person’s criminal negligence causes another's death.
  • Kidnapping: It is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. This charge involves unlawfully restraining another person with the intent to use or threaten to use force.
  • Aggravated assault: It is a second-degree felony. The punishment ranges from 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. It involves causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon during the assault.
  • Aggravated robbery: It is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be imposed. This charge involves committing robbery with a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury.
  • Aggravated sexual assault: It is a first-degree felony. The penalties include 5 to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment, with a fine up to $10,000. This charge involves committing sexual assault under circumstances causing serious bodily injury or involving a deadly weapon.
  • Burglary: It is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000. If the burglary involves a habitation or specific aggravating factors, it can be elevated to a second-degree felony, carrying 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In all cases, it is the burden of the prosecutor to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Having an experienced violent crimes lawyer in Bryan who can challenge the prosecution is invaluable in these cases, which is why we urge you to contact The Law Office of Jay Granberry.

What Distinguishes Jay Granberry From the Rest?

  • Over 25 Years of Experience
  • Well Over 130 Jury Trials Tried to Verdict as Lead Attorney
  • Certified in Criminal Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • 10 Years as a State Prosecutor
  • Past President of Brazos County Bar Association
  • 2017 Avvo Super Rated Criminal Defense Attorney

What to Expect If You're Accused of a Violent Crime?

If you’re accused of a violent crime, the process begins with your arrest and booking, followed by an initial court appearance where you will face arraignment and a bail hearing. It’s crucial to hire an experienced defense attorney at this stage to guide you through the complexities of the legal system and to start building your defense.

Pre-trial procedures involve evidence gathering, discovery, and potentially negotiating a plea deal with the prosecution. Our attorney will prepare a defense strategy, which may include filing pre-trial motions and preparing for trial. If the case proceeds to trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments before a jury makes a verdict.

If convicted, you will face sentencing, where the judge will determine the penalties based on the severity of the crime and other factors. Post-conviction, you can appeal the verdict or seek other forms of relief, such as expungement. 

Alternative Resolutions to Violent Crime Cases

Alternative resolutions to violent crime cases can offer different outcomes than traditional convictions and sentencing. These alternatives aim to address the underlying issues, provide rehabilitation, or mitigate the impact of the crime. Here are several potential alternative resolutions:

  • Plea Bargaining
  • Diversion Programs
  • Restorative Justice
  • Mental Health or Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Conditional Discharge
  • Community Service
  • Pre-Trial Detention Alternatives such as Bail, Electronic Monitoring, or House Arrest
  • Victim-Offender Mediation

Why Choose Jay Granberry for Your Violent Crime Defense in Bryan and Brazos County

Crimes involving violence are the most severely punished of all criminal offenses. Because these crimes are perceived to show disregard for human life, Texas prosecutors are aggressive in seeking a conviction in such cases. If you or someone you know has been accused of a violent crime in Bryan or Brazos County, obtaining experienced legal representation is the most important action you can take. The quality of your defense representation can make all the difference in how you are charged and the outcome of those charges.

You will find few law firms as qualified to defend you as The Law Office of Jay Granberry. Our attorney has 25 years of experience, has worked as a prosecutor, has conducted over 130 jury trials, and has the distinction of Board Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as a criminal defense specialist. When facing the gravity of a violent felony charge that could lead to multiple years to life in prison or even the death penalty, you should not trust your future to anyone less qualified.

We are available by phone at (979) 353-6632 or online to discuss your options.

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