Violent crime charges upend lives fast. The moment police make an arrest, everything shifts. Work, family, reputation, and freedom all hang in the balance. Texas prosecutors push hard on these cases, and the penalties can reshape your future in ways that don’t fade with time. When the stakes are this high, you need a defense that’s both relentless and precise. Our team has defended clients facing violent crime charges throughout San Antonio, giving us insight into local court procedures and expectations.

What We Defend Against in Violent Crime Cases

Every violent crime charge brings its own set of challenges, and the law doesn’t leave much room for error. We see the full range of accusations, each with details that can make or break a case. Here’s what we handle most often:

• Aggravated Assault: Serious injuries or weapons used during a fight can turn a simple altercation into a felony with years behind bars on the line.
• Armed Robbery: The presence of a weapon during a theft moves the charge to first-degree territory, where sentences stretch long and parole gets harder to reach.
• Domestic Violence: When accusations involve family or partners, the fallout extends beyond court. Protective orders, custody battles, and public scrutiny all come into play.
• Weapons Charges: Carrying or using a gun during a violent act brings extra charges, and Texas courts rarely show leniency here.
• Murder or Manslaughter: These are the most severe cases, with life sentences or decades in prison possible even when intent is disputed.

San Antonio courts don’t overlook details. Prosecutors dig deep, and every fact gets tested. We know how to spot weak links in the state’s case and use them to your your advantage.

How Convictions Change Lives

When a violent crime conviction lands, the effects ripple out for years. It’s not just about time in prison. Every part of life gets harder. Consider what’s at risk:

• Prison Time: Sentences start at two years and can run to life, depending on the charge and circumstances.
• Heavy Fines: Felony convictions often bring financial penalties that reach $10,000 or more, draining savings and limiting options after release.
• Permanent Record: A violent felony never really disappears. Background checks, housing applications, and even travel plans get complicated.
• Lost Rights: Convictions strip away the right to own firearms and, in many cases, the right to vote.
• Career Impact: Employers hesitate to hire anyone with a violent record, closing doors in nearly every field.

We’ve seen firsthand how these consequences play out. Clients come to us worried about their families, their jobs, and their futures. Our job is to fight for every possible advantage, from the first hearing to the final verdict.

How We Build a Defense That Holds Up

When the facts are stacked against you, a defense needs more than just legal knowledge. It needs strategy, timing, and relentless attention to detail. We start by breaking down every piece of the prosecution’s case, looking for gaps and inconsistencies that others might miss. Our approach covers:

• Evidence Analysis: We dig into police reports, physical evidence, and every witness statement, searching for errors or oversights that can shift the case.
• Self Defense Claims: Sometimes force is justified, and we know how to present those facts clearly and convincingly.
• Constitutional Rights: If police cut corners during arrest or evidence collection, we challenge those violations head-on.
• Witness Credibility: Not every story holds up under pressure. We test the reliability of every accusation and expose contradictions.
• Mental State: The law cares about intent. We examine what was happening in the moment, bringing in context that can change the outcome.

Preparation is everything. We don’t just react. We anticipate, plan, and negotiate from a position of strength. That’s how we protect our clients when the odds look steep, especially in San Antonio where local prosecutors are known for their thorough approach.

What to Do When Charges Hit

With violent crime accusations, waiting only makes things harder. Evidence fades, memories shift, and the prosecution gets a head start. The sooner we get involved, the more options we have to shape the case and protect your future in San Antonio.

Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights

Call the Law Offices of Gary Churak at 210-545-3850 or schedule a consultation to discuss your defense options today.