Violent Crimes Attorney
MARK A. PEREZ, ATTORNEY AT LAW
Violent Crime Defense Attorney
Twenty years in prison: the possible sentence for someone convicted of aggravated assault charges. There are very serious punishments for crimes of violence.
The criminal record of the accused and the severity of the injuries to the victim will affect the seriousness of the sentence.
If you have been arrested for a violent crime in the Dallas area, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney like me, Mark Perez, on your side to achieve a favorable result.
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PROTECTING YOUR FUTURE AND YOUR LIBERTY
If you're facing criminal charges, don't gamble with your future. Call me today.
What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Texas?
Violent crimes are offenses in which force, threats of force, or serious bodily harm are used or alleged. Many people ask what is considered a violent crime because the classification has serious legal consequences in Texas and often requires representation from an experienced violent crime attorney. A violent offense can affect bail eligibility, sentencing ranges, parole options, and even future employment or immigration status, making early advice from a violent crime defense attorney critical.
In Texas, violent crimes commonly include murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, robbery, aggravated robbery, sexual assault, and certain domestic or family violence offenses. Some crimes become “violent” not because of the act itself, but because of how the prosecution alleges it occurred. The use of a weapon, the severity of injuries, or accusations involving vulnerable individuals can elevate charges dramatically.
A frequent question clients ask is, “Is burglary a violent crime?” Burglary itself is generally classified as a property crime, but it can be charged as a violent crime if someone is injured, threatened, or present during the offense. When prosecutors argue that a burglary involves violence or the risk of violence, the penalties increase sharply. Understanding how your charge is categorized is critical, which is why early legal guidance from a violent crimes attorney matters.
If You Are Facing Murder Charges, A Violent Crimes Attorney Can Help
I am murder defense attorney Mark Perez, and my practice in Dallas, Texas, is devoted exclusively to criminal defense. I have tried many cases of violent crimes, and I have the experience you need to win your case. There will be no stone unturned as I investigate your case. As a former prosecutor, I know how an investigation is conducted and what to expect from the prosecution.
If you’ve been charged with assault or aggravated assault, you need the best criminal lawyer working for you. I have the knowledge and resources to defend you against any kind of violent crime charge, including murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, and charges relating to domestic violence or family violence.
The Long-Term Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction
A conviction for a violent crime extends far beyond prison time. Individuals convicted of violent offenses often face lifelong consequences that affect housing opportunities, professional licenses, firearm rights, employment opportunities, and personal relationships. Even after a sentence is completed, a violent criminal record can limit future options in ways many people do not anticipate.
Texas courts treat violent offenses with particular seriousness, and prosecutors often seek maximum penalties in violent crime cases. For non-citizens, violent crime convictions may trigger immigration consequences, including detention or removal. These high stakes make it essential to work with a violent crime attorney who understands not only the courtroom process but also the broader impact of each legal decision before and after trial.
My approach focuses on protecting both your immediate freedom and your long-term future. Every strategic choice is evaluated with those lasting consequences in mind.
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How Prosecutors Build Violent Crime Cases
Violent crime cases are often built aggressively by law enforcement and prosecutors. These cases may rely heavily on witness statements, police reports, forensic evidence, surveillance footage, medical records, and sometimes emotionally charged testimony. Unfortunately, this does not mean the case is strong or accurate.
Witnesses may misidentify suspects under stress, physical evidence may be mishandled, and law enforcement may fail to investigate alternative explanations. As a former prosecutor, I understand how these cases are assembled and where weaknesses often appear. A skilled violent crime defense attorney does not simply react to accusations but actively challenges how evidence was obtained, preserved, and presented.
Early intervention is especially important in violent crime cases. Statements made during arrest or questioning, even informal ones, can be misinterpreted and used later in court. Having a violent crimes lawyer involved from the beginning can significantly impact how charges are filed and whether certain allegations are enhanced.
What Are The Types Of Charges and Their Possible Defenses
No two violent crime cases are the same. While the charges may appear similar on paper, the facts, evidence, and legal issues vary significantly from one case to another. Effective defense requires more than generic arguments; it demands a customized strategy grounded in the specific circumstances of your arrest and the prosecution’s theory of the case.
As a violent crime defense attorney, my role is to identify inconsistencies, constitutional violations, and alternative explanations that may not be immediately obvious. This individualized analysis is often the difference between a conviction and a reduced charge, dismissal, or acquittal.
Understanding the charges you face is the first step toward building a strong defense. I take the time to review the information surrounding every case I take to look for all possible opportunities for defending my clients. Depending on your charges, there may be possible defenses that I could explore, such as:
Murder and manslaughter: Defense strategies can involve challenging the prosecution’s theory of intent, disputing forensic or medical evidence, or demonstrating that the death resulted from an accident or lawful self-defense rather than criminal conduct.
Robbery and aggravated robbery: Defenses may include disputing identification, challenging whether force or threats were actually used, or contesting the classification of the offense as a violent crime rather than a property-related charge.
Burglary that is alleged as a violent offense: When burglary is charged as a violent crime, defenses may focus on whether anyone was present, whether force was used or threatened, or whether the offense was improperly elevated to a violent classification.
Assault and aggravated assault: Defenses may focus on self-defense, defense of others, or the absence of intent to cause serious bodily injury. In some cases, evidence may show that the alleged injuries were exaggerated or inconsistent with the prosecution’s version of events.
Sexual assault and other violent sex offenses: Potential defenses may involve challenging consent allegations, mistaken identity, improper investigative procedures, or the credibility and reliability of the evidence presented.
Domestic violence or family violence charges: These cases often rely heavily on witness statements. Defenses may involve exposing inconsistencies in testimony, demonstrating false or retaliatory accusations, or showing a lack of evidence supporting the alleged use of force.
These are only a few examples of criminal defense strategies. Based on the unique factors of your case, I will work to develop a strategy that can successfully pursue the ideal outcome in your situation. By evaluating your case and finding the most effective strategy for you, you can have peace of mind knowing your criminal defense lawyer is fighting for your future.
Talk to a Violent Crimes Attorney
I am not afraid to go to court if a trial is in your best interest, but from day one, I will take the time to listen to you and understand your particular needs and goals. I will help you understand your options, anticipate outcomes, and ensure that I understand what success looks like to you. We will work together to develop an effective defense strategy that minimizes damage to your reputation and record.
I offer free initial consultations, so don’t wait another day to get the help you need. Call Mark A. Perez, Attorney at Law, today at 214-752-0505 or contact me online. Se habla español.