Fort Worth, TX Violent Crimes Attorney

Reliable Attorney for Clients Accused of Violent Crimes in Fort Worth, Texas

A conviction for a violent crime can have a long-lasting impact on your life. You may face prejudice from employers or other members of your community who can only see you as a violent, potentially dangerous criminal. On top of that, it may take a long time to adjust after a prison sentence, especially if you are also required to complete probation or other requirements.

A criminal defense lawyer in Fort Worth can help mitigate the damage of a violent crime charge so that you can move on with your life. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, Attorney Edwardo Meza can defend you against charges of violent misdemeanor and felony offenses, making sure that your voice is heard in the courtroom.

Assault

In Texas, the crime of assault can refer to different intentional acts, including:

• Causing bodily injury to another person
• Threatening another person with physical violence
• Making offensive physical contact with another person

Intentionally injuring another person is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison, while threats and offensive physical contact are both Class C misdemeanors that carry a $500 fine. However, you may face aggravated penalties for committing assault against certain people, such as elderly or disabled people or public servants.

Aggravated assault is a felony charge that may apply in cases where the defendant is accused of causing another person to suffer a serious injury or threatening another person with a deadly weapon. As a second-degree felony, aggravated assault is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can use different strategies to contest an assault charge. We could argue that there was no intent behind the crime, whether there was an injury or not. In other cases, it may be more appropriate to argue self-defense if you were protecting yourself or somebody else.

Domestic Violence

Violence against family members or romantic partners is prosecuted slightly differently from other assault charges. If you are convicted of assault against a family member, the court will enter a finding of family violence onto your record, which will be noted in future cases. A second count of assault against a family member will be charged as a third-degree felony, which can be punished by up to 10 years in prison.

A domestic assault conviction can be a lasting source of stigma and ostracization, so it is crucial to contest this charge in court. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can dispute false accusations of family violence, especially if the accuser has a clear ulterior motive.

Weapons Crimes

Although Texas has a strong history of protecting the rights of gun owners, criminal violations involving firearms and other dangerous weapons come with harsh penalties. If you have been convicted of a felony offense, you will be barred from possessing a firearm until at least five years have passed since your release from prison or the end of your probation or parole. A violation of this offense is punishable as a third-degree felony.

Deadly conduct is another serious weapons charge involving firearms. You may face criminal penalties under this offense if you knowingly fire a gun at another person or if you fire at a building, vehicle, or habitation without first checking to make sure it is not occupied.

Contact a Fort Worth Violent Crimes Attorney Today

People accused of violent crimes may be treated more harshly by the court. As such, if you have been accused of a violent misdemeanor or felony offense, it is in your best interests to get in contact with a skilled criminal defense lawyer.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we are ready to help you strategize around a charge of assault, family violence, or similar offenses. Call us at 817-732-6392 or contact us online for a free consultation.