A violent crime is a serious offense that can affect the lives of everyone involved, and if you’ve been accused of committing a violent crime, the Winfrey Law Firm, PLLC, can help you better understand the legal process surrounding your charges. In the eyes of the law, any violent crime deserves punishment – but there are other consequences outside of the legal sphere that can seriously impact you and your loved ones. You may find yourself completely cut off from family and friends, or struggling to find gainful employment or housing. When it comes to violent crime, getting arrested is just the tip of the iceberg, and the punishments and consequences can affect you for years.
Before fighting back against any criminal allegations, you need to fully understand what counts as a violent crime. Violent crimes typically include all the major crimes that we hear and think about when discussing crime: Murder, rape, assault, robbery – the list goes on, but the crimes are all severe. In the eyes of the law, these are viewed as serious offenses that warrant the harshest punishments available. However, we live in a country where people are innocent until proven guilty, and in many cases, wrongful or downright false accusations have been uncovered that could have otherwise completely ruined a life.
It’s important to remember that violent crimes are settled in criminal courts. Criminal courts hold you accountable for crimes against the state, and the punishments handed out by criminal courts typically include fines (payable to the state), jail time, prison time, and more. In a criminal court, you are defending yourself against charges filed by the state for breaking laws. However, if you’re being tried for a violent crime, you could also have to defend yourself in a civil court as well.
When a case is taken to a civil court, the punishment usually entails providing financial compensation in the form of damages. Unlike a criminal case, in a civil case, you’ll typically be defending yourself against another party – usually the party that plays the victim in a violent crime. While a civil court can’t try you for crimes against the state, you could find yourself owing huge amounts of money as compensation. Even though you might not have to spend time in jail, you’ll be shackled with debt.
If you’ve been accused of committing a violent crime, you may find yourself with nobody to turn to. It can be incredibly overwhelming, and the entire legal process is a nightmare that you just can’t seem to wake from. After all the legal proceedings, you still shouldn’t give up. A qualified violent crimes lawyer in Texas can help you finally get the answers you need for the case that has landed squarely on your shoulders.
At the Winfrey Law Firm, PLLC, we know that you’re in an exceptionally difficult situation, and we understand the confusion, frustration, and even panic you might be feeling. However, we also know that there are two sides to every story, and we are dedicated to making sure that your voice is heard, no matter how serious the charges and how challenging your legal situation. Don’t hesitate: Reach out and contact us today.