Violent Crime Attorney in Friendswood

Former Prosecutors. Aggressive Defense. Bilingual Support.

At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, we understand the gravity and complexity of violent crime charges. Our dedicated team in Friendswood, TX is committed to delivering personalized and effective legal defense. With over 32 years of combined experience, our attorneys focus on protecting your rights and providing the robust representation you deserve. 

Navigating the criminal justice system can be daunting, especially when facing charges that carry severe consequences. That's where our tailored approach becomes essential. We meticulously analyze every detail of your case, understanding that no two situations are the same.

Our violent crime attorney in Friendswood is a former prosecutor who knows how to dismantle the case against you. Call (832) 900-9867 now or contact us online for a confidential consultation—se habla español.

Understanding Violent Crime Laws in Texas

In Texas, violent crimes are criminal offenses that involve the use of force or the threat of force against another individual. These crimes are primarily found in the Texas Penal Code, and their severity is typically categorized as felonies, ranging from State Jail Felonies to Capital Felonies. 

The specific classification depends on the nature of the act, the intent of the accused, the extent of any injury, the presence of a weapon, and the victim's status. A knowledgeable violent crime defense attorney in Friendswood will quickly analyze the precise charge you face and its potential implications.

Common Types of Violent Crimes We Defend:

• Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.01): Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury; threatening imminent bodily injury; or causing offensive physical contact.
• Aggravated Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.02): Committing basic assault while causing serious bodily injury or using/exhibiting a deadly weapon.
• Robbery (Texas Penal Code § 29.02): Committing theft while intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury or placing another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.
• Aggravated Robbery (Texas Penal Code § 29.03): Committing robbery while causing serious bodily injury, using a deadly weapon, or against an elderly/disabled person.
• Murder (Texas Penal Code § 19.02): Intentionally or knowingly causing death; intending serious bodily injury by a dangerous act causing death; causing death during the commission of another felony (Felony Murder Rule); or knowingly manufacturing/delivering certain controlled substances that result in death.
• Manslaughter (Texas Penal Code § 19.04): Recklessly causing the death of an individual.
• Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.011) & Aggravated Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.021): Involve non-consensual sexual penetration or contact, with severity based on factors like force, injury, victim age, or relationship.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Violent Crime Convictions in Texas

A conviction for a violent crime in Texas carries severe and life-altering penalties, extending far beyond incarceration. The impact can be devastating to every aspect of your life.

Direct Penalties (Texas State Felony):

• State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility, fine up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison, fine up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000.
• First-Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison, fine up to $10,000.
• Capital Felony: Death or life in prison without parole.
• Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Many violent crimes (e.g., Aggravated Robbery with a deadly weapon finding) carry specific mandatory minimum prison sentences, meaning judges have limited discretion.
• "3g Offenses" (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.054(a)): Certain violent crimes (e.g., Murder, Capital Murder, Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon, Aggravated Robbery, Sexual Assault, Aggravated Sexual Assault, Indecency with a Child, continuous family violence, certain drug-related felonies involving children) are classified as "3g offenses." Conviction for a 3g offense means that you must serve at least 50% of your prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. This significantly limits early release opportunities. A Friendswood violent crimes lawyer will meticulously calculate your 3g status.
• Probation/Community Supervision: While possible for some felonies, it's often more difficult to obtain for violent crimes and comes with very strict conditions (e.g., regular reporting, drug testing, community service, no contact orders, mandatory counseling). Violating probation can lead to serving the original prison sentence.

A violent crime conviction leads to severe and often permanent consequences beyond direct legal penalties. It results in a permanent felony criminal record that is typically ineligible for sealing if involving family violence or "3g offenses," drastically limiting future employment, housing, and educational prospects. 

It also causes the permanent loss of civil rights (voting, firearms), almost certainly leads to professional license revocation, and inflicts profound reputational damage. Convicted individuals often face civil lawsuits, severe immigration consequences (including deportation for non-U.S. citizens), mandatory sex offender registration for certain offenses, and significant social stigma, with prior convictions leading to enhanced penalties for future crimes.