Violent crimes are some of the most serious types of criminal offenses in Texas and the rest of the United States. Since many violent crimes are considered felonies, a conviction can lead to a long prison sentence and even the death penalty. If you have been charged with homicide, assault, domestic violence, a firearm offense, or any other violent crime, the caliber of your legal representation may make all the difference. Without a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side, you could face jail or prison and the long-term aftermath of a felony conviction.

At McDougal Law Firm, we are committed to helping you get the best possible outcome. Our violent crime lawyers have more than 37 years of combined experience handling serious criminal cases, including violent crimes. We will make every effort to dismiss or downgrade the charges, through pretrial motions or plea negotiations. We are always prepared to go to trial to avoid prison and other adverse effects of a felony record.

Our firm handles the following types of violent crimes:

• Murder or manslaughter

• Aggravated assault (great bodily harm)

• Simple assault

• Sexual assault

• Weapons charges

• Spousal assault or family violence

• Violations of domestic violence protective orders

• Juvenile offenses involving

• Juvenile assault or weapons offenses

Key Insights on Violent Crimes and Their Penalties in Texas

A violent crime occurs when a person uses force or threatens to use force against someone else. This type of offense may involve deadly weapons such as firearms, knives, explosives, and other dangerous objects. While violent crimes involving threats and minor injuries may lead to misdemeanor charges, those involving serious injuries, weapons, or death are often felonies. Due to the serious nature of these crimes, the court will pursue the maximum penalties.

A conviction for a violent crime is associated with harsh criminal penalties. Not only will you serve a lengthy sentence and pay fines worth tens of thousands of dollars, you may have to pay restitution to the alleged victim, be subject to protective orders, lose your child custody rights, lose your gun rights, and suffer employment and housing issues from having a permanent criminal record.

Our Strategic Defense Against Violent Crime Charges

Larry P. McDougal Sr. formerly worked as a police officer, a deputy sheriff, and a prosecuting attorney. Those insights have helped him become a highly effective violent crime lawyer because he knows how law enforcement investigates and how the prosecution builds its case. This enables him to challenge different facets of the investigation and arrest. Are the victim and witnesses credible? Do they have a motive to falsely implicate you? What evidence ties you to the gun or the crime? Did authorities have the proper basis for search warrants?

After several years of recognition as the county’s outstanding criminal defense attorney in the Fort Bend Sun’s annual readers’ poll, Larry P. McDougal Sr. won the 2009 President’s Award from the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Our founding attorney’s statewide reputation for excellence in client service reflects his experience, attention to detail and ability to expand the options available to clients for a favorable resolution.

Request Your Free Violent Crime Case Evaluation

It is important to get dependable legal advice as soon as possible after your arrest or before you have been formally charged with a crime. Our violent crime attorneys can advise you about steps you can take to avoid making your situation worse, such as contacting the alleged victim or giving a statement to police. We also advise clients about the possible repercussions of a domestic violence conviction or the consequences of a weapons charge.

Our firm can also work with the prosecution toward reduction or dismissal of the most severe charges before the authorities become committed to a particular view of the case.