People charged with violent crime in Texas may try to dispute the allegations against them with claims that their behavior was in self-defense. Whether or not authorities agree with these claims rests heavily on the circumstances surrounding an act of violence.
Knowing the difference between self-defense and violent crime can help people identify a good strategy and articulate their defense with confidence.
Unexplained violence
Proving a violent crime becomes significantly more challenging if victims succumb to their injuries and cannot tell their side of the story. Even in cases where victims survive, conflicting accounts of what happened could leave everyone feeling unsure of the facts. According to the National Institute of Justice, violent crime includes the following offenses:
- Murder
- Sexual assault
- Robbery
- Assault
- Rape
When an investigation reveals that perpetrators mercilessly injured or killed their victims without any justifiable reason, authorities allege violent crime. Depending on the charges against them, perpetrators may face serious consequences including the possibility of life in prison.
Proactive self-defense
Ruling out violent criminal conduct requires investigators to consider varying angles of a situation to assess the intent of both parties. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, self-defense is the use of force to protect oneself, another person or personal property.
People acting in self-defense but facing charges of violent crime deserve a rigorous investigation into their actions. Because the penalties of violent crime can completely change a person’s life, getting to the bottom of what really happened can literally preserve a person’s reputation and freedom. A strong legal defense can aid people in organizing the facts of their case and presenting the truth in a manner that shows sincerity.
