Violent Crime Defense: Legal Strategies for Serious Charges
A violent crime is a serious criminal charge. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) explains that the term “violent crime” is defined broadly and includes “murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault” and other offenses. If you are facing such a charge, your rights, freedom, and future could be at stake. Here, our Fort Worth violent crimes defense attorney provides an overview of the legal strategies for handling such a serious criminal charge in Texas.
An Overview of Your Defense Strategies for Violent Criminal Charges in Texas
A criminal charge is just an allegation. Even if you are arrested and charged with a violent criminal offense, that does not mean that you are going to be convicted. You have the right to defend yourself against the charge. How exactly you should defend a violent criminal charge in Texas depends on the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some legal strategies to defend serious charges:
- False Accusation: One of the first defense strategies to consider is whether you’ve been falsely accused. There are instances where a person might be wrongly accused due to personal vendettas, misunderstandings, or even intentional deceit.
- Misidentification: Another defense relates to mistaken identity. Eyewitness testimony, while influential, is not always reliable. Factors like poor lighting, stress, or racial bias can lead to incorrect identifications. This defense may be viable in a case where you have no personal relationship with the alleged victim.
- Lack of Evidence: The prosecution has the burden of proof in a criminal trial—meaning they must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. If they cannot produce sufficient evidence, the charges must be dismissed.
- Self-Defense: Texas law allows individuals to defend themselves if they reasonably believe they’re in imminent danger. If you acted in self-defense, you’ll need to show that your actions were a direct response to a perceived threat and that your response was reasonable under the circumstances. Self-defense is an affirmative defense.
- Plea Agreement: If the evidence against you is compelling, you might consider negotiating a plea agreement with the prosecution. In this strategy, you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. A plea deal should always be negotiated by an experienced Fort Worth, TX violent crimes defense lawyer.
Every violent charge in Texas should be defended on a case-by-case basis. To navigate these defenses, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney. Among other things, your Fort Worth defense lawyer can review the charges, evaluate the evidence, and help you select the strategy that is best suited to protect your rights, freedom, and future.
Contact Our Fort Worth Violent Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
At The Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney has extensive experience handling violent criminal charges. Our firm is committed to providing solutions-driven legal support. Contact us today to set up your strictly confidential consultation. With a law office in Fort Worth, we defend violent criminal charges in Tarrant County and throughout North Texas.