Pasadena Violent Crime Lawyer

Pasadena Violent Crime Attorney

Facing accusations of a violent crime in Pasadena can be terrifying and overwhelming. Texas law is especially aggressive when it comes to acts of violence, and a conviction can lead to years in prison, fines, and damage to your reputation. If you or a loved one is under investigation or has already been charged with a violent crime, you need a Pasadena, TX, violent crime lawyer to stand up for your rights.

About the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC

At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we stand prepared to defend the rights and futures of those accused of violent crimes in Pasadena and throughout Harris County. Our founding criminal defense attorney, Joseph Ruiz, has been practicing law for over a decade and has tried more than 325 jury trials. Our firm stands out because of our tailored defense strategies, deep commitment to our clients, and personalized representation style.

When you work with our firm, you can trust that a steadfast legal advocate can stay by your side as you navigate every legal proceeding. We have helped countless Pasadena residents fight violent crime charges and are prepared to do the same for you.

What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Texas?

Violent crimes in Texas are those that cause injury to or threaten injury to another individual. These types of crimes are prosecuted harshly and are considered serious crimes against the victim and the community as a whole. Texas law defines any type of violent behavior that aims to threaten, harm, or injure another person as a violent crime. This may range from a bar fight resulting in assault charges to armed robbery and homicide.

In 2024, there were 389 violent crimes in Texas per 100,000 people. This was higher than the national average of 359 per 100,000 people. Texas saw aggravated assaults account for 69.5% of violent crimes in 2024, while robberies made up 16.3%, rapes 12.8%, and murders 1.3%. Regardless of the severity of your charge, it’s crucial to secure a defense lawyer who can build a powerful defense tailored to the circumstances of your charge.

Examples of Violent Crimes in Texas

Violent crime is an umbrella term used in Texas that encompasses a wide range of offenses. Some of the most common violent crime charges in Pasadena and Harris County as a whole include:

• Assault. Assault and aggravated assault involve causing physical harm to another person or utilizing deadly weapons, and are commonly seen throughout Texas.
• Robbery. Robbery and aggravated robbery cover crimes where someone takes another person’s property through force or intimidation.
• Domestic Violence. This involves the use of violence within a personal or intimate relationship, such as against a family member or spouse.
• Sexual Assault. This involves unwanted sexual contact inflicted upon someone.
• Manslaughter and Murder. Manslaughter, murder, and any other form of homicide are among the most serious violent crimes an individual can face. They involve the taking of someone else’s life, causing death either intentionally or through reckless actions.
• Kidnapping. This occurs when an individual holds another person against their will, restricts their freedoms, or attempts to control them while isolating them.

When Should You Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer in Pasadena?

If you have been accused of a violent crime in Pasadena, the decisions you make in the early stages of your case can have a lasting impact. The most critical thing to remember is to exercise your right to remain silent. Do not talk to law officers, witnesses, or any investigators about the allegations until you hire a violent crime lawyer. Even the simplest of statements can be misconstrued and used against you.

The sooner an attorney is involved in your case, the more opportunity they have to prepare a strong and effective defense on your behalf. Your attorney can protect you from making statements that jeopardize your case while they conduct a thorough review of the evidence and investigate the circumstances of your arrest. You also gain an advocate who understands the law, the local courts, and has experience protecting people’s freedom.

FAQs About Pasadena, TX Violent Crime Laws

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Texas?

In Texas, the cost of a criminal defense lawyer can vary from case to case. However, there are multiple factors that commonly impact the total price you pay when you hire representation. Those factors include the pricing structure your lawyer uses, the experience your lawyer has, the amount of time it takes to settle your case, and how complex your case is. Defense attorneys in Texas may charge flat fees or hourly rates.

What Are the Four Main Types of Violent Crimes in Texas?

While there are a myriad of offenses that fall within the violent crime category in Texas, there are four main subcategories within violent crime. Those categories are generally considered homicide, assault, robbery, and sexual assault. All of these offenses involve an attack on another person, or at least the threat of such an attack. Additionally, all of these offenses come with severe penalties when a defendant is found guilty.

What Is Considered a Violent Case in the State of Texas?

In Texas, a violent crime is considered to be one in which an individual is charged with intentionally causing, or threatening to cause, bodily injury to another person. Examples of violent crimes in Texas include assault, aggravated robbery, sexual assault, manslaughter, and murder. In certain cases, you may be able to get your violent crime charges reduced. You should hire a violent crime defense lawyer to identify all possible legal options in your scenario.

What Does a Violent Crime Lawyer Do in Texas?

A violent crime lawyer in Texas is a specific kind of defense lawyer who has comprehensive knowledge of violent crimes and how they are tried. Violent crime lawyers work to understand their clients’ cases, weaken the evidence that the prosecution presents, and fight to have charges reduced or dismissed. The ultimate goal of a violent crime defense lawyer in Texas is to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.

Contact the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC

If you have been charged with a violent crime in Pasadena, the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC can help you fight for your future. We understand violent crime laws across the state and can build a defense tailored to your situation. Contact us today for a consultation.