After an arrest for an alleged violent crime in Austin, what you say and do can affect your case. You may be facing police questioning, release conditions, or a court date while prosecutors build their case. Understanding what comes next can help you respond without putting your defense at risk.
At Granger & Mueller, we have decades of experience defending clients facing serious crimes in Travis County. Below, we explain what to expect when facing assault, manslaughter, or another violent crime charge and how to protect yourself as the case moves forward.
Violent Crime Charges You Could Face in Austin
“Violent crime” is a broad category rather than a single charge in Texas. It covers offenses involving physical harm, threats, weapons, or death. Common charges include:
- Assault: Causing bodily injury, threatening imminent injury, or making certain offensive physical contact. It can be a misdemeanor or felony.
- Aggravated assault: Causing serious bodily injury or using or displaying a deadly weapon during an assault. It’s usually a second-degree felony.
- Manslaughter: Recklessly causing another person’s death. It’s a second-degree felony.
- Murder: Intentionally or knowingly causing another person’s death. It’s ordinarily a first-degree felony.
- Robbery: Causing bodily injury or threatening imminent injury or death while committing theft. It’s a second-degree felony.
Penalties range widely. Misdemeanors can mean fines or jail time, while serious felonies can carry decades in prison. The actual charge and potential sentence depend on the facts and circumstances of the case.
What to Do After a Violent Crime Arrest
After an arrest, you're brought before a magistrate who addresses your rights and decides whether to release you on bond and under what conditions. Once you're released, the focus turns to protecting yourself while the case is pending.
That means being careful about how you respond to the situation:
- Follow your bond conditions. Know exactly what restrictions apply to you and comply with them while your case is pending.
- Keep track of court dates. Review your release paperwork and make sure you know when and where you're required to appear.
- Be careful what you say. Avoid discussing the allegations with police, witnesses, or others without first speaking with your attorney.
- Preserve anything relevant to what happened. Messages, photos, videos, or other information connected to the incident could become important when your attorney investigates the allegations.
You don't have to wait for the prosecution to finish building its case before preparing your defense. Getting an attorney involved early allows the defense to examine the evidence, investigate what happened, and identify issues that could affect the charges against you.
Facing a Violent Crime Charge in Travis County?
You don’t have to wait for the case to progress before getting a defense attorney involved. Early representation gives your attorney more time to understand what happened and examine the prosecution’s evidence. It also means you have legal guidance before making decisions that could affect your case.
If you’re facing a violent crime charge in Austin, Granger & Mueller can represent you throughout the Travis County criminal process. Contact our team to discuss your case and how we can defend you.