Experienced Violent Crime Defense Lawyers

A criminal conviction for a violent crime – homicide, assault, family violence, felon in possession of a weapon – can derail a life and career in a matter of moments. Penalties upon conviction are life-changing and include long prison terms, heavy fines, a criminal record and strict conditions of parole upon your return to society. Now, the good news: You do not have to feel defeated and powerless or surrender to this kind of devastating outcome. The Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm in Sherman is here to help.

In these very serious cases, they are at their best – with Bob Jarvis and Matt Hamilton as skilled, accomplished criminal defense lawyers who believe deeply in your rights and know how to protect them. When the stakes are at their highest, they rise to the occasion, with exhaustive investigation of police behavior, case preparation that leaves nothing to chance, tactics that frustrate prosecutors and presentations that resonate before the judge and jury. They put in the hard work needed to defend you.

“Because of our prosecution background, we know what the other side is going to do before they do, and we use that knowledge and experience to your advantage.” – Bob Jarvis

Bob Jarvis and Matt Hamilton are highly familiar with the broad range of defenses available to them while safeguarding your interests at trial. They know that an assault charge can be the result of mistaken identity, a wrong-place/wrong-time situation, personal vendetta or self-defense, among others. Their careful examination of the circumstances surrounding an arrest can often result in the reduction or outright dismissal of charges.

Understanding Violent Crimes In Texas

Under Texas law, a violent crime is any criminal offense where a person uses, attempts to use or threatens physical force against another individual, or engages in actions that cause serious bodily harm or death. It covers specific legal charges, such as:

• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon: Causing serious physical injury or threatening someone with a weapon
• Terroristic threat: Threatening violence to cause fear, panic or emergency responses
• Robbery and aggravated robbery: Stealing by force and using a weapon or causing serious injury
• Kidnapping and unlawful restraint: Restricting someone’s movement against their will or moving them
• Strangulation in family violence: Impeding normal breathing or blood flow during a domestic dispute
• Retaliation: Threatening or harming a witness, victim or official to disrupt legal proceedings
• Deadly conduct: Engaging in dangerous acts, like firing a gun toward a building
• Weapons offenses tied to violence: Carrying or using a firearm illegally during an alleged violent incident

Within the first 72 hours of an arrest, judges set bond conditions, evaluate jail release and issue protective orders. These issues highlight the importance of prompt action so you can develop a strong legal defense.

Texas Self-Defense Laws: When ‘Stand Your Ground’ Applies

In the state, you have the right to defend yourself, your family and your property against immediate danger. Under the Castle Doctrine, you have no duty to retreat if an intruder enters your home, vehicle or workplace. You can even legally use physical force to stop imminent harm or prevent property destruction.

However, police often misinterpret these situations and file charges anyway. As your violent crime defense attorneys, we will build defense strategies to prove you did not violate any laws.

The Hidden Costs Of A Violent Crime Conviction

A conviction damages far more than your criminal record. If you are a professional, a veteran or a student, you face severe collateral consequences that may destroy your career. An arrest or conviction revokes your Concealed Handgun License rights and strips you of your firearm ownership.

State licensing boards may also suspend or revoke credentials for nurses, teachers, real estate agents and executives. A single charge may derail your education, end your military service and eliminate employment opportunities.

How Our Prosecution Background Helps Clients In Texas

In Texas, prosecutors must present felony violent crime cases to a grand jury. Attorney Jarvis uses his prosecution background to target this critical early stage. As the former elected Grayson County District Attorney from 1988 to 2000, he understands how prosecutors evaluate evidence and build cases.

Our legal team will present defense evidence directly to the grand jury to secure a dismissal, known as a no-bill, before trial starts. This proactive defense may halt criminal prosecution before the case reaches trial in North Central Texas state and federal courts.

Former Prosecutors Putting 45 Years Of Combined Experience On Your Side

The attorneys at the Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm can protect your rights after a violent crimes arrest for murder, manslaughter, assault, family violence, armed robbery, home invasion, sexual assault of a child or another serious offense. Are you a military veteran, college student, juvenile or business professional charged with assault? We are proud to offer our proven track record and name you can trust to defend you in county, state or federal court. Contact the Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm to discuss your case in the utmost detail and complete confidence. Our Sherman law offices can take your call right now. Reach us at 903-202-0516 or send an email message.