The Law Offices of Matt Horak
A violent crime is a criminal offense that involves the threat or act of violence. In some cases, violent crimes may also involve the use of an illegal weapon, such as a firearm. When someone is suspected of committing a violent crime, law enforcement must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that: the crime was committed intentionally, a weapon was used during the commission of the crime and that a victim suffered an injury due to the offender’s behavior. If these elements can be proven, then law enforcement can charge a person with a violent offense.
After a person has been charged with or arrested for a violent crime in Houston, numerous things can happen if the person is convicted. First, if the violent crime is categorized as a felony or involved the use of a weapon, the person could spend a year or more in jail. Second, the person may be sentenced with fines, probation and community service. Finally, in some cases, the convicted offender may have to undergo counseling or anger management courses. While these penalties vary in severity, the end result is a diminished quality of life for those who are found guilty.