Violent Crime Attorney in McAllen

Bilingual Defense for Violent Crime Charges in Hidalgo County

At Anthony M. Ortega Law, PLLC, we understand the gravity and complexity that come with violent crime charges. As your dedicated violent crime defense lawyer in McAllen, we strive to provide a robust defense, ensuring our clients' rights are protected throughout the legal process. 

Our firm, based in Hidalgo County, focuses on delivering informed guidance, tailored legal options, and the highest level of skillful representation available. With deep roots in the McAllen community, we offer a unique understanding and strategic approach to each case.

Our approach to violent crime defense in McAllen involves intricate case analysis and strategic planning, taking into account every detail from evidence collection to trial logistics. We understand the local legal landscape, interacting regularly with local courts and officials, and this familiarity allows us to build more resonant defense strategies.

Get the aggressive defense you need from a seasoned violent crime attorney in McAllen. As former prosecutors, we know how to challenge serious charges. Call (956) 300-1402 or reach out online for a free consultation — ¡Hablamos 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 crimes attorney in McAllen 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): A person commits assault if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to another (including a spouse).
• Aggravated Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.02): This is a much more serious felony offense. An individual commits aggravated assault if they commit a basic assault (as defined above) and either causes serious bodily injury to another or uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault.
• Robbery (Texas Penal Code § 29.02): Robbery involves committing theft and, in the course of committing theft, with intent to obtain or maintain control of property, intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to another
• Murder (Texas Penal Code § 19.02): A person commits murder in Texas if they intentionally or knowingly cause the death of an individual.
• Capital Murder (Texas Penal Code § 19.03): The most severe form of homicide, carrying the potential for the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. Aggravating factors include murdering a police officer, murdering in the course of certain felonies (kidnapping, robbery, aggravated sexual assault), murdering multiple persons, or murdering a child under 15 years of age.
• Manslaughter (Texas Penal Code § 19.04): Recklessly causes the death of an individual. This is a Second-Degree Felony (2 to 20 years in prison). It can be a First-Degree Felony if the death results from Damaging Critical Infrastructure.
• Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.011) & Aggravated Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.021): These involve non-consensual sexual penetration or contact, with varying degrees of severity based on force, injury, age of victim, or relationship. Sexual Assault is generally a Second-Degree Felony; Aggravated Sexual Assault is generally a First-Degree Felony.
• Kidnapping (Texas Penal Code § 20.03): Intentionally or knowingly abducting another person. This is a Third-Degree Felony (2 to 10 years in prison). Aggravated Kidnapping (Texas Penal Code § 20.04) is a First-Degree Felony (5 to 99 years or life) if done with intent to hold for ransom, terrorize, inflict bodily injury, or in the course of other felonies.

Penalties 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.

• 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": Certain violent crimes (e.g., Murder, Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon, Aggravated Robbery, Sexual Assault, Aggravated Sexual Assault) are classified as "3g offenses" (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.054(a)). 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. A violent crimes attorney in Hidalgo County will 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, drastically limiting future employment, housing, and educational prospects, and almost certainly causing professional license revocation. 

Such a conviction also brings profound reputational damage, leads to the permanent loss of voting and firearms rights, and almost invariably runs parallel with civil lawsuits from victims. For non-U.S. citizens, it triggers severe immigration consequences, including deportation, while certain sexual offenses mandate lifetime sex offender registration, all contributing to significant social stigma and potential enhanced penalties for future offenses.

Steps to Take If Charged with a Violent Crime

Understanding immediate actions can make a significant difference in a case outcome. Here are the critical steps:

• Remain Silent: Exercise the right to silence until you have legal representation present.
• Contact a Lawyer: Contact us promptly to secure a knowledgeable violent crime lawyer in McAllen by your side.
• Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about your case on social media platforms.
• Document Events: Keep detailed notes about all relevant events, communications, and evidence that could affect your defense strategy.

In addition to these steps, seek immediate legal guidance to help manage interactions with law enforcement and prosecutors. Early legal intervention can prevent missteps that might unintentionally affect your defense. Our firm offers initial consultations to address urgent concerns and develop a preliminary defense plan, setting the foundation for a thorough, well-prepared approach to your case.

Why Choose Anthony M. Ortega Law, PLLC for Your Defense?

Choosing the right legal representation is crucial when facing violent crime charges. At Anthony M. Ortega Law, PLLC, we pride ourselves on the personalized, one-on-one service we provide. Clients have direct access to our attorney throughout their legal journey, ensuring transparency and trust. Our commitment to the community and ethical client representation sets us apart, backed by a practical, in-depth understanding of local laws and trends in violent crime defense in McAllen.

Our firm’s competitive edge is further enhanced by a consistent track record of favorable outcomes achieved through dedicated advocacy and a client-focused approach. By understanding each client's unique story, we tailor our strategies to suit their individual needs, fortifying our defense with thorough investigative practices and passionate representation. The emphasis on building relationships based on trust and communication ensures that our clients feel supported throughout their legal experience.

Local Insight & Dedicated Representation

Our attorney's perspective is shaped by growing up in McAllen, offering a relatable, profound understanding of the regional legal landscape. We are dedicated to remaining a stable resource for legal counsel in the community, which empowers us to foresee and mitigate any potential challenges our clients might face. This community-focused approach helps us deliver highly effective service, reinforcing our position as a trusted violent crime defense lawyer in McAllen.

Take Action: Secure Your Defense Today

Facing a violent crime charge is daunting, but a proactive response can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Anthony M. Ortega Law, PLLC, we stand ready to support you with our personalized, informed approach, harnessing local insight to fortify your defense. Our commitment lies in offering reliable legal guidance, maintaining open communication, and fighting for your best interests. 

Reach out today for a free consultation. Protect your future—Call (956) 300-1402 and ensure you have a seasoned ally in your corner.