Violent Crimes Protecting & Defending the Rights of the Accused

Bryan Violent Crime Defense Attorney

Board Certified. Former Prosecutor. 130+ Jury Trials in Brazos County.

Texas law defines violent crimes broadly: any offense involving the use or threatened use of force against another person. The charges range from criminally negligent homicide to capital murder, and the Brazos County District Court handles them all as felonies. At every level, the quality of your defense attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make.

Jay Granberry is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential held by fewer than 7% of Texas attorneys. Before founding his defense practice, he served as an Assistant District Attorney, giving him direct knowledge of how prosecutors build violent crime cases from the inside. That combination of certification, prosecution-side experience, and 25 years of criminal defense in Bryan and Brazos County is what clients are hiring when they call our firm.

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

Capital murder
Murder
Manslaughter
Criminally negligent homicide
Kidnapping
Aggravated assault
Aggravated robbery
Aggravated sexual assault
Burglary inside a building

If you or someone you know is facing a violent crime charge in Bryan or Brazos County, don’t wait. Contact us today at (979) 378-5480 to arrange a consultation.

Penalties for Violent Crimes in Texas

The sentencing ranges for violent crimes in Texas span from months in a state jail facility to life without parole or death. Understanding what each charge carries matters from the moment an accusation is made, because the classification of the offense shapes every decision that follows: bail, plea negotiations, and trial strategy.

Penalties by charge type:

Capital murder: The most serious violent crime charge in Texas. Penalties are either life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Under Texas Penal Code § 19.03, this charge may apply when someone murders a child under the age of 10; murders a child who is at least 10 but younger than 15; kills a peace officer or fireman acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty; murders another person in retaliation for their service as a judge or justice; intentionally kills another person while committing certain specified felonies; or kills more than one person during the same criminal transaction or pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct.
Murder: A first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment, plus a fine of up to $10,000.
Manslaughter: A second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in prison.
Criminally negligent homicide: A state jail felony carrying 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: A third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, involving the intentional or knowing abduction of another person without lawful authority.
Aggravated assault: A second-degree felony with a punishment range of 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, involving serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon.
Aggravated robbery: A first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison, plus a fine up to $10,000. This charge involves committing robbery with a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury.
Aggravated sexual assault: A first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000, involving sexual assault under circumstances that cause serious bodily injury or involve a deadly weapon.
Burglary: Burglary of a building that isn’t a habitation is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000. When the burglary involves a habitation, the charge rises to a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000. If any party to the offense entered the habitation intending to commit a felony other than felony theft, the charge elevates to a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life and a fine up to $10,000.

In every case, the prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A violent crimes lawyer in Bryan who knows how to challenge that case can make all the difference, which is why we urge you to contact The Law Office of Jay Granberry as early as possible.

When the Use of Force Is Legally Justified in Texas

Not every use of force is a crime. Texas law permits a person to use force, including deadly force, when they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect themselves against another person’s use or attempted use of unlawful force. That standard applies to the person being attacked and, under certain circumstances, to someone acting in defense of a third party they believe is in imminent danger.

Texas also recognizes the castle doctrine: a person lawfully present in their home, vehicle, or place of business generally has no duty to retreat before using force. That protection is meaningful, but it isn’t absolute. Prosecutors may challenge whether the person claiming self-defense provoked the confrontation, whether they were engaged in criminal activity at the time, and whether the force used was proportionate to the threat. The line between justified force and criminal liability is drawn on the specific facts of each encounter, and the prosecution may contest both the reasonableness of the belief and the proportionality of the response.

The Consequences That Follow a Violent Felony Conviction

A felony conviction for a violent crime carries consequences that extend well past the day a person walks out of custody. The collateral effects can reshape every aspect of a person’s life, which is part of why experienced legal representation at the earliest stage of a case matters so much.

Long-term consequences of a violent felony conviction can include:

Loss of firearm rights: A violent felony conviction can result in loss of the right to possess a firearm under both Texas and federal law.
Employment barriers: Background checks can disqualify people with violent felony convictions from employment in healthcare, education, government, and many licensed trades.
Professional license suspension or revocation: Attorneys, physicians, nurses, teachers, and contractors holding state-issued licenses may face disciplinary action, including revocation, upon a violent felony conviction.
Housing denial: Landlords conducting background checks may deny housing to people with felony convictions, and certain federal housing assistance programs are unavailable to those with violent felony records.
Lasting reputational harm: The stigma of a violent crime conviction can follow a person through personal and professional relationships long after any sentence is completed.

Continue Reading Read Less

"They do it right and have my total trust."
Referred to me by another attorney's office. Hired him to represent Grandson attending A&M re marijuana charge. The day I was notified of this matter while on vacation, we hired Mr. Granberry by phone from a parking lot in California. Did so based on his friendly, totally professional assessment of the case and straight forward demeanor in that phone call. I came away from that call convinced he would treat my grandson as more than just a "case".
He interviewed grandson put him at ease and moved forward with the case efficiently and effectively. The proceedings went exactly as he described for the agreed fee with no hidden surprises. He and his office were thoroughly responsive throughout the process and while being totally professional were very supportive of my miscreant grandson. Provided much more than just legal service, although that was first rate. They do it right and have my total trust. Highly recommend this firm and Mr. Granberry.

- John
"He constantly exceeded my expectations when it came to my case."
Jay was an extremely poignant lawyer that provided me with all of the help I needed and more. He constantly exceeded my expectations when it came to my case, and was always punctual as well. I would absolutely hire him again.

- Former Client
"He addressed any and all questions and concerns I may have had in a timely and highly educated manner no matter what time of day it was."
Jay Granberry is by far one the best lawyers in B/CS he worked tirelessly and with great amounts of effort for me. He addressed any and all questions and concerns I may have had in a timely and highly educated manner no matter what time of day it was. If it weren't for him I wouldn't be so fortunate as to be able to commend him as I am now. He is compassionate, fair, understanding, and I have the utmost respect for him. I am forever grateful.

- Former Client
"I'm more than happy with my results and wouldn't hesitate to refer him!"
I consulted three attorneys in Brazos County and hired Jay because he was professional, approachable, and had creative ideas to help my case. Jay was always candid with me and has been accessible the entire way. I'm more than happy with my results and wouldn't hesitate to refer him!

- Former Client
"Extremely grateful for his ability to clear me of those charges."
It’s been a few years since I reached out to Jay Granberry through the recommendation from my Grandmother. I had 2 tickets against me for a DUI in the parking lot at Texas A&M along with a possession charge from marijuana.
Not only was Mr. Granberry extremely professional with guiding me out of trouble he was able to drop both charges from my record and I did little to nothing other than taking some pee tests and showing up to court 2 days without even having to speak to anyone other than him.
As I said it’s been a few years since he helped me with my case but there has been many opportunities since that I didn’t miss out on that make me extremely grateful for his ability to clear me of those charges.
Would definitively recommend Mr. Granberry for anyone in similar trouble with the law and thank you sir for helping me keep a clean record.

- Jacob
"Although it seemed like getting past everything I went through would be impossible, he made it easy."
Mr. Grandberry was there to help me in the blink of an eye. He helped me so much, and he was there to help whenever I needed to talk to him. Although it seemed like getting past everything I went through would be impossible, he made it easy, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

- Cathryn

View All Reviews

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 arrest and booking, followed by an initial court appearance that includes an arraignment and bail hearing. Retaining an experienced defense attorney at this stage is critical: both to navigate the legal system and to begin building a defense before evidence is lost or positions harden.

Pre-trial procedures involve evidence gathering, discovery, and potentially negotiating a resolution with the prosecution. Our attorney will develop a defense strategy that may include filing pre-trial motions, challenging the admissibility of evidence, and preparing for trial. In Brazos County District Court, where felony violent crime cases are heard, motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence can be pivotal. They can remove key elements of the prosecution’s case before the jury ever hears them. If the case proceeds to trial, both sides present their evidence and arguments before a jury reaches a verdict.

If convicted, sentencing follows, with the judge determining penalties based on the severity of the offense and other relevant factors. Post-conviction options may include an appeal or other forms of relief.

Alternative Resolutions to Violent Crime Charges

A trial verdict isn’t the only possible outcome when someone is charged with a violent crime. Plea negotiations, diversion programs, and other pre-trial interventions can sometimes produce outcomes short of a full felony conviction, depending on the strength of the evidence, the specific charges, and the client’s circumstances. Because Jay Granberry served as an Assistant District Attorney, he understands how the Brazos County prosecution evaluates cases for plea offers. That knowledge directly informs our negotiating position. Every case is different, and we develop individualized defense strategies tailored to the specific facts each client brings.

Alternative resolutions that may be available depending on the circumstances include:

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 Violent Crime Defense in Bryan

Violent crime charges are the most severely punished offenses in the Texas Penal Code. Because prosecutors view these cases as involving a fundamental disregard for human life, they pursue convictions aggressively. If you or someone you know has been accused of a violent crime in Bryan or Brazos County, securing experienced legal representation is an important step you can take.

Few attorneys bring the credential combination that Jay Granberry offers. He has 25 years of criminal defense experience, has conducted over 130 jury trials, served as a prosecutor, and holds Board Certification in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential held by fewer than 7% of Texas attorneys. Our clients know that when a charge carries the potential for decades in prison or the death penalty, the attorney standing next to you at trial is not a detail: it’s a critical part of the case. That’s the case Jay Granberry has spent his career preparing to make for his clients in criminal defense matters throughout Brazos County.

We’re available by phone at (979) 378-5480 or online. Call today to discuss your options with a violent crime lawyer in Bryan who has been on both sides of the courtroom.

How We Approach the Defense of Violent Crime Cases

There is no universal playbook for defending a violent crime charge. The right approach depends on the specific charges, the evidence the prosecution holds, and the facts the client presents. Experienced criminal defense attorneys draw from a range of recognized strategies that, applied correctly to the right facts, can affect the course of a case.

Common defense approaches in violent crime cases include:

Evidence suppression: Pre-trial motions challenging evidence obtained through unlawful searches, coerced confessions, or Miranda violations can remove key elements of the prosecution’s case before the jury ever hears them.
Alibi defense: Establishing that the accused wasn’t present at the scene when the offense occurred creates reasonable doubt about identification and places the burden squarely back on the prosecution.
Affirmative justification defenses: Self-defense and defense of others assert that the use of force, while not denied, was legally permitted under Texas law given the circumstances of the confrontation.
Witness credibility challenges: Inconsistencies in testimony, potential witness bias, and failures in identification procedures such as flawed lineups can undermine the prosecution’s narrative before the jury.
Expert witness testimony: Forensic analysts, medical examiners, and crime reconstruction specialists can contest the prosecution’s interpretation of physical evidence and introduce reasonable doubt about key facts.
Mitigation advocacy: When the evidence makes a conviction difficult to avoid, focused sentencing advocacy, addressing the defendant’s background, mental health history, and personal circumstances, can make a meaningful difference in the sentence imposed.

Continue Reading Read Less

Schedule a Free Consultation

Together We Will Find A Solution

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Law Office of Jay Granberry at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy