What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Texas?
Violent crimes are some of the most harshly treated, whether at the federal level or the state level. Being convicted of a violent crime can mean severe consequences, including long-term incarceration, probation, house arrest, and the social and professional stigma associated with a criminal conviction.
Each state has identified the crimes that match its definition of violent. Read on to learn more about what is considered a violent crime in Texas and how a violent crime lawyer can help.
Types of Violent Crimes in Texas
Because of the varying nature of crimes, it’s difficult to categorize them. Two of the major types of crimes are violent crimes, such as those involving physical harm, and property crimes, which involve theft. Other types of crime also exist, such as computer crimes, or white collar crimes.
Beyond generic categories, both the federal government and the state make a statutory distinction between violent and non-violent crimes. Most times, being convicted of a violent crime carries heavier penalties.
U.S. Code describes a violent felony either:
- Contains the attempted, threatened, or actual use of violence against a person
- Involves a substantial risk of violence by its nature
- Involves the use of a firearm, knife, or “destructive device”
In addition, the state of Texas defines a “crime of violence” as
- Any criminal offense defined in the Penal Code or in a federal criminal law that results in a personal injury to a victim; or
- An act that is not an offense under the Penal Code involving the operation of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or water vehicle that results in injury or death sustained in an accident caused by a driver in violation of Section 550.021, Transportation Code.
Some examples of crimes of violence include:
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Assault
- Rape
- Armed robbery
- Manslaughter
Possible Punishments for a Violent Crime in Texas
Because crimes of violence are generally felonies, the punishments for these crimes, respectively, will be more severe than the penalties assessed for lesser crimes or misdemeanors.
In Texas, the death penalty is possible for people convicted of murder. Other penalties may include up to life in prison, probation, placement on a registry for violent sexual offenders, and losing the ability to lead the same life you did before conviction, even if you are no longer incarcerated.
Convicted felons face stigma from not only society, but also friends and family. Your ability to find employment will be impacted. The consequences of a violent crime charge in Texas are severe, and retaining the services of an experienced lawyer should be a top priority.
Contact a Lawyer in Dallas
No matter the nature of the charges you’re facing, you have a constitutional right to a legal defense. When you’re in the battle of your life, you need representation you can rely on. Chris Lewis & Associates P.C. can help you achieve the best result possible.
Call 214-665-6930 or fill out the form below to get started with a consultation with a lawyer from our firm today.
