Richmond Violent Crime Lawyer

Richmond Violent Crime Attorney

Being accused of a violent crime can be a frightening, life-altering predicament. Even a charge with no conviction can have lasting consequences on your future. A Richmond, TX, violent crime lawyer can help you with your case and advocate for you through this difficult period.

About Us

Segura and Kiatta, LLP, has spent years representing the people of Richmond and Fort Bend County. Our team of Richmond, TX, criminal defense lawyers has handled thousands of cases, ranging from simple assault to murder charges. Partner David Kiatta has over three decades of legal experience and earned a board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Overview of Violent Crimes in Richmond, TX

Violent crimes are some of the most serious charges you can face. The FBI estimates that a violent crime occurred once every 25.9 seconds nationwide in 2024. Richmond’s rate of violent offenses is mixed, with 162.3 assaults per 100,000 compared to the national average of 282.7, but a rape count per 100,000 of 46.4 versus the overall figure of 40.7.

The courtroom where violent crimes in Richmond are processed depends on the severity of the case. Misdemeanors are handled by Richmond Municipal Court, located at 600 Morton Street in Richmond. Felony cases are heard at the Ford Bend County Justice Center, located at 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond.

Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer

The high-stakes nature of violent charges makes it vital that you hire a violent crime lawyer. Your Richmond violent crime attorney can assist you in all stages of your case, including discussions with law enforcement, building a defense, and representing you in court.

The following are a few types of cases that your Segura and Kiatta, LLP, violent crime lawyer can help you with:

Assault

Assault is classified as the knowing, intentional, or reckless threat, attempt, or use of violence against another person. Simple assault is a Class A misdemeanor with the potential for one year of jail time and up to $4,000 in fines. Aggravating factors can escalate the case to a felony with imprisonment and fines. These elements include:

• Use of a deadly weapon
• Inflicted serious bodily harm
• Assault against a public servant
• Domestic assault
• Acts against a child, a pregnant woman, or the elderly

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault in Texas is defined as the unconsented penetration, or force of penetration, into a person by another. This covers parties unable to consent, such as those who are unconscious or incapacitated. It is a third-degree felony carrying a potential of 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Aggravating factors such as the use of a deadly weapon or inflicting serious bodily harm can increase the charge to a second or first degree felony with longer prison time.

Robbery

Robbery occurs when someone commits theft while either threatening or causing bodily harm to another. It becomes aggravated robbery if one causes serious bodily injury, uses a deadly weapon, or the alleged victims are elderly or disabled.

Robbery is a second-degree felony with a prison length of 2 to 20 years, while aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony with a potential prison sentence of between 5 and 99 years.

Criminal Homicide

Criminal homicide in Texas revolves around the cause of the death of another. It includes criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, murder, and capital murder. Criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter cover unintentional acts through reckless behavior. Murder is the intentional killing of another, and is escalated to capital murder if targeting a peace officer, repeat killing, or while in prison.

The punishments for criminal homicide range from state jail felony to capital felony with life in prison or the death penalty.

FAQs

How Much Does a Violent Crime Lawyer Cost in Texas?

The cost of your Texas violent crime lawyer depends on the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the work hours it requires. A first-time offender facing assault allegations tends to cost less than a murder case that requires a trial and lengthy litigation. Another contributing factor is the billing structure, with various attorneys charging by the hour, through retainer rates, or a flat fee structure for certain accusations.

What Is Defined as a Violent Crime in Texas?

Violent crime in Texas is generally defined as any unlawful use or threat of physical force against another person. Examples include simple assault, aggravated assault, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, aggravated robbery, domestic violence, kidnapping, and murder. Violent crime penalties range from misdemeanors to capital felonies, with jail and prison sentences, accompanied by fines in accordance with the severity of the offense.

What Is an Aggravating Factor in a Texas Violent Crime Case?

Many potential elements to your violent crime case can act as aggravating factors. One example is the use of a deadly weapon or a case that causes serious bodily harm. This can change an assault charge from a Class A misdemeanor to a second or first-degree felony. Another aggravating factor is the victim of the crime. A violent crime committed against an elderly person, a public servant, or a child can escalate a case to an aggravated status

How Long Does a Violent Crime Case Take in Texas?

How long your Texas violent crime case takes to resolve relies on the details of the case, such as its complexity and the nature of the allegations you face. A battery charge with a favorable plea bargain could take weeks, while an aggravated robbery case with a plethora of evidence and a trial could take months to years, including post-conviction appeals. Your Richmond, TX, violent crime lawyer can provide you with a rough timeline for your specific case.

Speak With a Violent Crime Lawyer Today

At Segura and Kiatta, LLP, we know you are more than the accusations against you. We have the knowledge and experience that can make a positive impact on your case and help mitigate its effect on your life.

Contact us today for a consultation, where we can discuss your violent crime case and possible legal defenses. You may also visit our Sugar Land office, located on Commerce Green Boulevard in Sugar Creek Center.