In Texas, manslaughter is a very serious second-degree felony offense that carries with it severe penalties and the possibility of a lengthy jail term. If you have been charged with manslaughter, it is essential you understand the severity of the situation. It is strongly recommended that you contact a criminal defense attorney, as this may be your only hope of fighting these charges and pursuing a favorable outcome in your case. Criminal defense attorneys are well-equipped with the knowledge necessary to build a legal defense against violent crimes like manslaughter.

What to Know About Manslaughter in Texas

Manslaughter is defined in Texas as recklessly causing the death of another person. As stated at the outset, manslaughter is prosecuted as a second-degree felony, which can result in a prison term of between two and 20 years. However, if found guilty, the sentence you may receive will depend on several factors, most importantly, the circumstances surrounding the incident.

How Your Attorney Can Help You Fight the Charges

Aside from building a legal defense strategy, your attorney needs to be an excellent negotiator, as they may be able to negotiate a deal with prosecutors to reduce the charges to something less than a second-degree felony. Regarding your defense strategy, the strategy you and your lawyer choose will depend on the particulars of the case. Considerations may include:

In its severest form, Texas law defines simple assault as an act where someone intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to another individual. In Texas, the most severe simple assault charge is that which results in the bodily injury of the sufferer as a Class A misdemeanor offense, carrying up to one year of jail time and fines reaching $4,000. A conviction of this offense can have many adverse consequences, including damaging your reputation, affecting your future job prospects, and alienating or losing close personal friends. However, with effective criminal legal representation, you can give yourself a chance to fight the charges and pursue a favorable case outcome.

Considerations for a Simple Assault Charge

Picture this: you are in a bar with friends when suddenly, you hear a bar patron berating your friend over the color shirt they are wearing. Upset, you spin around, and will all your might; you aggressively shove the person, only for them to fall flat on their back and hit their head on a bar stool. As the bar patron lies bleeding on the floor, writhing in pain, the police are called, and you are arrested for simple assault.

Sitting in a jail cell, you begin frantically thinking about what to do. The time after being arrested can be a time of frantic panic and worry. The first thing you should do in this situation is to call a criminal defense attorney. This is a crucial first step, as you certainly do not want to represent yourself in a criminal matter. Your attorney will work with you to understand the circumstances surrounding your case and whether you acted recklessly or provocatively, which resulted in the bodily injury of another. At this time, being completely honest with your attorney will be essential, as lying will only hurt yourself and your case.

The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and live. Unfortunately, it has also opened up new avenues for criminal activity and forms of sexual misconduct, abuse, and exploitation. If you have been charged with committing an internet sex crime, you must obtain legal counsel from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. This will ensure your rights remain protected and that you can fight the charges against you to try and secure a positive outcome in your case.

Typical Sex Crimes Committed on the Internet

The following are some of the most common internet sex crimes, including:

• Online solicitation of a minor – This refers to using the internet to contact a minor intending to engage in sexual activity. This may include sending sexually explicit messages, images, or videos. This is a severe offense that carries serious penalties.
• Possession or distribution of child pornography – This refers to the act of obtaining or sharing sexually explicit images or videos of minors. This includes all forms of media, including photos, videos, and audio recordings.
• Revenge porn – Revenge porn, also known as non-consensual pornography, is sharing sexually explicit images or videos of someone without their consent. This can be done to humiliate, intimidate, or blackmail someone.
• Online sexual harassment – This is using the internet to harass or intimidate someone sexually. This can include sending unwanted sexual messages or images, making sexually explicit comments on social media, or creating fake profiles to harass someone.
• Sextortion – Sextortion is using sexually explicit images or videos to extort money or other favors from the sufferer of the sextortion. This can include threatening to share the pictures or videos with the sufferer of the sextortion to their family, friends, or employer.
• Sexual grooming – This is the act of using the internet to build a relationship with a minor intending to engage in sexual activity. This can include befriending the child on social media, sending them gifts or money, or engaging in sexually explicit conversations.

Contact a San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney

These crimes have serious consequences, including financial penalties, prison time, and a criminal record. It is, therefore, imperative that if you have been charged with an internet sex crime, you retain a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to begin building your defense and hopefully working toward your legal exoneration. Contact the experienced San Antonio criminal defense lawyer with Law Offices of Sam H. Lock for more information. Call 210-226-0965 for a free consultation.

Navigating the complex world of criminal law can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you need a criminal defense attorney. Choosing suitable legal representation is crucial, as it can directly impact the outcome of your case. Therefore, those facing criminal charges must know the essential considerations for selecting a criminal defense attorney.

Here is What You Should Look For

Consider the following factors when selecting a criminal defense attorney, including:

• Experience and expertise – One of the most important factors to consider when hiring a criminal defense attorney is their experience and knowledge in handling cases similar to yours. Criminal law is a vast field, and attorneys often specialize in specific areas, like DUI, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, and more. Ensure the attorney you choose has a track record of successfully representing clients in cases like yours.
• Reputation – A good reputation speaks volumes about an attorney’s competence and professionalism. To understand an attorney’s reputation, consider checking client testimonials, peer endorsements, and online reviews. Additionally, you may ask for referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have experience with criminal defense attorneys.
• Communication and availability – Effective communication is crucial to a successful attorney-client relationship. Your attorney should be easily accessible and willing to keep you informed throughout the legal process. Ensure that the attorney you choose is responsive to your calls, emails, and questions. Knowing whether they have a manageable caseload and can devote adequate time and attention to your case is also essential.
• Legal fees – Before hiring a criminal defense attorney, it is essential to understand their fee structure. Some attorneys charge a flat fee, while others bill by the hour. Discuss the estimated costs, and ask if they offer payment plans or sliding scale fees based on your financial situation. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, remember that the stakes are high in criminal cases. Investing in an experienced, reputable attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
• Comfort level – Lastly, feeling comfortable and confident in your attorney’s abilities is essential. Trust your instinct and assess whether the attorney listens to your concerns, provides clear explanations, and demonstrates authentic interest in helping you. A solid attorney-client relationship is built on trust and open communication, so choose someone you feel at ease with.

Contact a San Antonio, Texas Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact the adept San Antonio, Texas criminal defense lawyer with Law Offices of Sam H. Lock for high-quality legal representation. Call 210-226-0965 for a free consultation.

Being charged with a sex crime is a gravely serious matter with devastating lifelong consequences, particularly if you are convicted of the alleged offense. Penalties can include imprisonment, like registering as a sex offender, and fatal damage to your personal and professional reputation. Therefore, it is essential to hire a criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a sex crime, as your freedom may very well be hanging in the balance. Today, we will review different legal defense strategies a qualified criminal defense attorney can employ to increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Common Defense Strategies for Defending Against a Sex Crime Charge

Let us now review some of the most common defense strategies that may be implemented in your defense depending on the particularities of your case, including:

• Questioning the accuser’s credibility – One of the most common defense strategies in sex crime cases is challenging the accuser’s credibility. This can involve scrutinizing their history, motives, and any inconsistencies in their statements. In addition, an experienced attorney will look for discrepancies in the accuser’s story, such as any contradictory statements made to law enforcement, medical professionals, or witnesses.
• Forming an alibi – If you can prove that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred, you may successfully incorporate an alibi as a defense. Your attorney will gather evidence, like surveillance footage, witness statements, or other records, to show that committing the crime would have been impossible. An alibi can be a powerful defense strategy, as it directly contradicts the prosecution’s case.
• Challenging the Collection and Handling of Evidence – Another effective defense strategy may be challenging law enforcement and forensic professionals’ collection, handling, and analysis of evidence. This can involve questioning the chain of custody, the methods used to collect and preserve evidence, and the accuracy of forensic analysis. If your attorney can demonstrate that the evidence has been tainted, unreliable, or improperly handled, it may be excluded from the trial.
• Consent as a defense – Consent may sometimes be a viable defense strategy. Your attorney must present evidence that the alleged sufferer willingly participated in the sexual activity. This can include witness testimony, text messages, or other communication that indicates consent. However, using consent as a defense strategy can be complex. The prosecution may argue that the sufferer was incapable of consenting due to factors such as age, intoxication, or coercion.
• False accusations – Sadly, false accusations do occur. Your attorney can work to uncover evidence that suggests the allegations are fabricated or exaggerated, such as a motive for the accuser to lie, inconsistencies in their story, or a history of making false accusations.

Contact a San Antonio Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

For astute legal representation, contact the experienced San Antonio sex crimes defense lawyers with Law Offices of Sam H. Lock. Call 210-226-0965 for a free consultation.