Have you been charged with a violent crime in Collin County, Texas? Whether you’re accused of assault, aggravated robbery, or unlawful use of a weapon, these charges can carry severe penalties including years behind bars. Our Collin County violent crime defense attorneys are here to protect your rights and defend your freedom.
At the Edgett Law Firm, we have decades of experience representing Collin County residents against all types of violent criminal charges. Contact our law office today to schedule your free case review with a Collin County violent crime defense attorney who can help you.
How Edgett Law Firm Can Help If You Have Been Charged With A Violent Crime
Violent crimes typically involve the use or threat of force against another person. In Texas, this can include:
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Robbery and aggravated robbery
- Domestic violence
- Kidnapping
- Armed offenses involving deadly weapons
If you’re unsure whether your charge qualifies as a violent offense, our attorneys can help clarify the nature of the charges and your legal options.
A conviction for a violent crime is life-changing with far-reaching consequences. When you are charged, you may face a great deal of social stigma as well as zealous prosecutors who have little sympathy and seek the stiffest penalties possible. You deserve a Collin County criminal defense lawyer who will serve as your advocate to fight for your freedom and clear your name.
the Edgett Law Firm has decades of experience representing clients in Texas criminal courts. Our Collin County violent crimes defense lawyers are here to fight for you and help you overcome the challenges in your case with the vigorous defense you deserve, no matter the circumstances. We have successfully handled over 5,000 cases.
When you choose the Edgett Law Firm, count on us to:
- Protect your constitutional rights at every step
- Guide you through the complicated criminal justice system in Texas
- Conduct an investigation of your case and gather evidence to strengthen your defense
- Search for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you
- Negotiate on your behalf to seek a plea bargain if that is in your best interest
- Present your defense before a jury if your case goes to trial
You are not alone. Call our law office today to schedule your consultation with a violent crime lawyer in Collin County who will help you.
Violent Crime Charges We Defend in Collin County
At the Edgett Law Firm, we have decades of experience representing clients facing all types of violent crimes in Collin. Violent offenses carry the harshest penalties under Texas law. If you have been charged with any of the following violent crimes, contact our Collin County violent crime lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a free case review.
Weapons Charges
Texas is known for its gun-friendly laws that support the Second Amendment. However, weapons offenses are still taken very seriously. Using or brandishing a weapon during the commission of a crime typically results in an aggravated charge with stiffer penalties.
Assault
Assault is one of the most common violent offenses in Collin. However, physical contact is not required to be convicted of assault if the defendant attempted to cause harm, placed someone in fear of imminent harm through threats, or exhibited a deadly weapon.
Simple assault, such as causing bodily injury or threatening bodily harm, is a misdemeanor in Texas. This is elevated to aggravated assault when serious bodily injury occurs or a deadly weapon is used or displayed. Aggravated assault is a second-degree felony that can be elevated to a first-degree felony in some cases.
Assault can also involve domestic violence. This refers to violence or threats against a family or household member or current or former dating partner. Domestic assault is usually a Class A misdemeanor that can become a third-degree felony with prior convictions. It becomes aggravated domestic assault if a deadly weapon is used. With two or more domestic violence convictions within 2 months, it is classified as continuous violence against the family.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is one of the most serious sex crimes in Collin. Texas law defines sexual assault as knowingly or intentionally causing a sexual organ to touch or penetrate someone else’s sexual organ, anus, or mouth without consent.
Sexual assault can involve the use of violence or force, threats of violence, or many other situations in which consent is not given legally. This includes a victim who is unable to consent due to cognitive impairment, intoxication, or age.
Gang Crimes
Violent gang-related offenses can include:
- Compelling prostitution
- Assault
- Illegal sale or possession of firearms or prohibited weapons
- Sexual assault
- Homicide
Collin County organized crime offenses are taken very seriously, and many are considered violent crimes. If you are charged with engaging in organized crime, the penalties you face can be enhanced under Texas Penal Code Section 71.02.
Murder & Manslaughter
Manslaughter and homicide are very different offenses, but both result in someone else’s death.
Under Texas law, manslaughter happens when someone causes another person’s death through recklessness or negligence. Homicide, on the other hand, refers to intentionally taking someone’s life.
These are among the most serious violent offenses in Collin. If you have been charged with homicide or manslaughter, contact the Edgett Law Firm as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Robbery
Robbery is considered a violent theft offense in Collin. Robbery refers to knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causing someone bodily injury or threatening to do so in the act of theft or attempted theft. If a weapon is used, the robbery causes serious bodily injury, or the offense is against a senior or disabled person, it becomes an aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony.
Child Abuse
Child abuse in Texas can refer to emotional, mental, or physical injury to a child, allowing a child to be in a situation that causes injury, sexual conduct involving a child, or allowing a child to use a controlled substance. This offense is taken very seriously and comes with many consequences, even if you are not convicted. Merely being arrested for child abuse can affect your reputation and livelihood.
Depending on the circumstances, child abuse can be a second-degree or first-degree felony. Texas law also requires certain professionals like doctors and teachers to report suspected child abuse. Failure to do so is a Class B misdemeanor.
Kidnapping
There are several types of kidnapping charges in Texas:
- Unlawful restraint is a Class A misdemeanor that involves restricting someone’s movement without consent. It can involve confining someone to one space or moving them.
- Kidnapping or abduction requires abducting someone from one location and attempting to prevent their rescue by keeping them somewhere they are unlikely to be found or using force. This is a third-degree felony.
- Aggravated kidnapping is a first-degree felony. Kidnapping can become aggravated in many circumstances, such as holding a victim for ransom, inflicting bodily harm or sexual abuse, or using a deadly weapon.
It is very easy for misdemeanor unlawful restraint to become kidnapping or for kidnapping to become aggravated. If you are charged with kidnapping, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced violent crime defense lawyer in Collin County as soon as possible.
Violent Drug Crimes
Many drug crimes are not violent at all, including drug possession. However, many violent crimes in Collin County involve drugs in some way. Drug use has been linked to violent crimes, particularly when drug trafficking or gang-related drug offenses are involved.
Penalties For A Violent Crime Conviction
Violent offenses typically have the highest penalties under Texas law. The penalty you will face depends on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense and the classification of the offense. Because you may be facing a lengthy prison sentence and other serious consequences, it’s crucial to contact a Collin County violent crime defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies and punishable by fines and/or jail time. Simple assault is a common violent misdemeanor that may be a Class A, Class B, or Class C misdemeanor.
A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by up to $500 in fines. A Class B misdemeanor can be punishable by up to 180 days in jail. If convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, you face up to 1 year in jail.
State Jail Felony
A state jail felony is punishable by 180 days to 2 years in prison. Criminally negligent homicide is an example of a state jail felony.
Third-degree Felony
A third-degree felony is punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison. An example of a violent third-degree felony is domestic violence with a prior domestic violence conviction.
Second-degree Felony
A second-degree felony is punishable by 2-20 years in prison. Common violent second-degree felonies are:
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- Robbery
- Manslaughter
Many violent crimes in Collin, TX, are second-degree felonies.
First-degree Felony
A first-degree felony is the most serious type of felony charge in Collin. If convicted, you face 5 to 99 years or life in prison. Examples include aggravated robbery and aggravated assault involving serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon, certain victims, or specific situations.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Collin County Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer
When you are facing a violent criminal charge in Collin, your freedom, rights, and reputation are on the line. At the Edgett Law Firm, we understand how intimidating and overwhelming it can be to face the full brunt of the criminal justice system. We are here to fight for you and zealously defend you against the charges you are facing.
You do not need to face these charges alone. Contact a Collin County violent crimes defense lawyer at the Edgett Law Firm today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Common questions
It changes when you become eligible for parole rather than the sentence length. With an affirmative deadly weapon finding a person must serve half the sentence, up to 30 years, before parole eligibility, and is ineligible for judge-ordered community supervision on many offenses. It is one of the most consequential findings in a violent case and it is separately contestable from guilt itself.