Violent Crimes Defense Attorneys in Texarkana
Defending Clients in Texarkana Violent Crime Cases Since 1965
Violent crimes generally involve allegations of force, threatened force, physical injury, or death. Charges may be filed at the state or federal level, and a conviction can bring fines, incarceration, and consequences that extend beyond the sentence imposed in court.
If you’ve been arrested for a violent crime, our violent crime attorneys in Texarkana can explain the charges, assess the evidence, and help you understand your options. Potter & Marks, PLLC has served the Texarkana region since 1965. Founded by Charles A. Potter, our firm is now led by Joshua Potter, Jacob Potter, and Eric A. Marks. We provide aggressive defense, honest communication, and strategies tailored to each client’s situation.
Call our violent crime attorneys in Texarkana at (870) 335-3052 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Different Types of Violent Crimes in Texas
Violent crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case’s specific circumstances. Felony charges carry more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines. The same underlying incident may lead to different charges depending on alleged injury, weapon use, intent, relationship between the parties, and other statutory factors.
Some common types of violent crimes we handle include:
- Assault & Aggravated Assault: Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 22, assault includes intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person. An assault may become aggravated when it causes serious bodily injury or involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence involves assaultive conduct committed against a family member, household member, or someone in a dating relationship with the alleged perpetrator.
- Homicide: Texas Penal Code Chapter 19 identifies murder, capital murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide as criminal homicide offenses. Whether the alleged killing was intentional or unintentional significantly affects the charge and potential penalties.
- Robbery: Robbery and aggravated robbery involve alleged theft accompanied by force, threat, or bodily injury. Allegations involving the taking of a vehicle from its driver may be prosecuted as robbery or aggravated robbery, depending on the circumstances.
- Deadly Conduct: This charge applies when a person allegedly recklessly engages in conduct that places others in imminent danger of serious bodily injury, including discharging a firearm in certain circumstances.
- Stalking: Stalking is the act of repeatedly following, harassing, or threatening another person in a way that causes that person to fear for their safety.
- Terroristic Threats: Making a threat under Texas Penal Code Chapter 22 that places a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or threatens to commit an offense involving violence is a serious criminal matter.
- Sexual Assault: This involves unwanted sexual contact that occurs without the consent of the victim and carries substantial criminal and collateral consequences.
Local Courts & Jurisdiction in Texarkana
Because Texarkana straddles the Texas-Arkansas state line, the governing law and court process in any given case depend on where the alleged conduct occurred and which authority filed charges. Texas-side cases may involve Bowie County criminal courts and are prosecuted under Texas Penal Code provisions. Arkansas-side matters operate under a separate statutory framework and court system. Our attorneys are licensed in both Texas and Arkansas, giving us the ability to advise clients on which jurisdiction applies and what to expect from the process in either state.
The Texarkana, Texas Police Department includes Criminal Investigation and Crime Scene divisions that handle serious violent-crime matters. Understanding how local investigations develop and what rights a person has during that process is a critical part of preparing a defense. Potter & Marks, PLLC has served this community since 1965. We use that bi-state perspective to identify the governing law, court requirements, and investigative issues in each case.
Penalties for Violent Crimes
The penalties for a violent crime conviction vary depending on the specific charge, the classification of the offense, and the circumstances of the case. Texas law distinguishes between misdemeanor, state jail felony, and higher felony classifications, and the sentencing range shifts substantially across those levels.
Potential consequences of a violent crime conviction can include:
- Prison time: A conviction can result in incarceration, with the potential sentence determined by the offense classification and case-specific findings.
- Fines: Fines vary by offense level and can be substantial for felony convictions.
- Probation: In some cases, a court may impose a probation period with specific conditions the defendant must satisfy, though probation is not available for every violent offense.
- Restitution: A court may order a convicted person to pay the victim restitution to compensate for financial losses resulting from the offense.
- Loss of firearm rights: A felony conviction can result in the loss of the right to own or possess a firearm under both state and federal law.
- Collateral consequences: Beyond the sentence imposed in court, a conviction may affect employment, professional licensing, immigration status, family law matters, and housing opportunities.
- Damage to your reputation: A violent crime charge or conviction can have serious consequences for your personal and professional reputation, even before a case is resolved.
The applicable penalty range in any individual case depends on the charged statute, alleged injury level, weapon allegations, the relationship between the parties, and prior criminal history. Because an accusation alone can affect liberty and future opportunities before a verdict is reached, contacting a violent crime lawyer in Texarkana as early as possible matters.
How We Prepare a Violent Crime Defense
Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing serious violent-crime allegations in state and federal cases. We explain the charges, potential penalties, and available options while preparing a defense based on the evidence and circumstances. Early legal guidance can also affect how you communicate with investigators, preserve evidence, and respond to court requirements.
When you hire our firm, we can:
- Conduct an investigation: We investigate the circumstances of your arrest and review the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you. That review can include witness accounts, physical and digital evidence, police reports, search procedures, and the prosecution’s theory of the case. We also interview witnesses and gather additional evidence when appropriate.
- Develop a tailored defense strategy: Based on our investigation and the facts of your situation, we develop a defense approach tailored to the specific charges you face. Whether negotiation, motion practice, or trial is the right path depends on what the evidence shows.
- Negotiate with the prosecution: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea agreement in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. We provide honest guidance on whether that outcome makes sense in your case.
- Represent you at trial: If your case goes to trial, we represent you in court and work to hold the prosecution to its burden of proof at every step.
If you’ve been arrested for a violent crime, don’t discuss the facts publicly or make substantive statements to investigators before seeking legal guidance. Call our Texarkana violent crime defense lawyers to discuss your rights and options.
Call our firm at (870) 335-3052 or contact us online to get started on your case today.
Discuss Your Case with Our Texarkana Defense Team
Potter & Marks, PLLC has served the Texarkana area since 1965. We investigate the allegations, explain the applicable law, and prepare a strategy tailored to the evidence and your legal situation.
Call (870) 335-3052 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with our violent crime defense team.
Why Choose Potter & Marks, PLLC?
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10,000+ Court AppearancesWith over 10,000 court appearances and 91% satisfactory results, you can trust in our firm's ability to deliver favorable outcomes.
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455+ Happy ClientsOur firm has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional legal services and achieving positive results.
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Free ConsultationsLearn how our lawyers can help during a complimentary, confidential consultation.
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Licensed in Both Arkansas and TexasEvery lawyer in our office is licensed to practice in both Arkansas and Texas, ensuring that we can effectively represent clients across state lines and in diverse legal contexts.