This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Brian LaVine following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Brian LaVine the Founding Partner, 10+ years of legal experience as criminal defense attorney.

At LaVine Law Firm, our Houston violent crime lawyer understands how fast your life can change after an arrest. A violent crime accusation can damage your name, your job, and your future before you ever stand in court. Texas treats these cases with extreme force, and the numbers back it up. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, over 80,000 aggravated assaults were reported in Texas in a recent year, highlighting the intense focus on prosecuting these crimes. This means police officers, the district attorney's office, and even federal courts may move fast to build a case against you.
When you face criminal charges for a violent crime, every choice matters. A single claim of aggravated assault, domestic violence, sexual assault, or aggravated robbery can lead to serious penalties and a criminal record that follows you for life. Many of these offenses are first-degree felony charges under the Texas Penal Code, with long prison terms and harsh sentencing practices. We know these stakes well, and we work to protect your freedom from the start. When you hire our criminal defense team, you place your future in the hands of a firm ready to fight.
We step in early to challenge evidence, review the criminal investigation, and build defense strategies backed by legal expertise. We understand how the criminal justice system works because we have handled many criminal defense cases across Harris County and beyond. Our goal is simple: protect you, defend you, and push for the best possible result. When the prosecutor's office aims to secure a conviction, we stand between you and the most serious criminal charges you may face.
We believe every person deserves strong legal representation when accused of a violent crime. From the moment we are hired, we move fast to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. We know that a criminal offense can bring fear and confusion, so we work to provide clarity at every step. Our defense team focuses on your needs, your future, and the details of your case. We aim to secure outcomes that protect your life from long-term harm.
As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we understand how to confront aggressive tactics used by the prosecutor's office and police. We study the evidence, question each part of the criminal investigation, and push for results that help you move forward. Our approach is direct and driven by years of experience inside Houston criminal defense. We fight to uncover weaknesses in the state’s case and work to avoid a criminal conviction whenever possible. No matter how tough the charges appear, we stay committed to your defense.
Our legal team uses proven defense strategies to protect clients facing felony offense, misdemeanor offenses, and the most serious criminal charges under Texas law. We work to reduce charges, challenge unlawful arrests, and negotiate favorable plea deals when they serve your best interests. When needed, we prepare your case for trial and push for a fair trial. We know how much is at stake, and we fight for the best possible outcome for you.

Violent crimes are among the most serious offenses under the Texas Penal Code, and a conviction can change your life forever. These cases move fast, and the state often brings strong charges with the help of an assistant district attorney who wants a quick conviction. When you face these accusations, you need skilled criminal defense lawyers who understand criminal law and the criminal defense process. At our law office, we work to protect your rights and guide you through each step with clear advice. We use our legal insight to build strong defenses in even the toughest criminal cases.
Assault charges often involve bodily injury or the threat of harm against another person. Aggravated assault raises the stakes because it may include serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon. These charges can lead to long prison terms and heavy fines. We review the evidence and challenge weak claims to achieve the best outcome. A skilled criminal defense attorney can make a major difference in these cases.
Robbery combines the use of force or threats with theft, making it more serious than simple theft. Aggravated robbery goes further and may involve deadly weapons or severe bodily injury. These charges can bring harsh penalties, especially in major Texas courts. As Houston criminal defense lawyers, we know how to challenge these claims from the start. We focus on your rights and fight for fair treatment.
Murder and capital murder charges sit at the top of the most serious offenses in Texas. A capital murder case may involve special factors, such as certain victims or other extreme details. These charges can lead to the harshest sentences the state allows. Our team prepares these cases with care and deep legal insight. We work toward results that protect your future, including the possibility of a not-guilty verdict.
Kidnapping and unlawful restraint involve limiting another person’s freedom without legal authority. These cases often depend on detailed facts and witness statements. We examine each part of the case to find weak points. Our Houston criminal attorney team works hard to protect you from unfair charges. We push for outcomes that protect your freedom and your future.
A conviction is more than a mark on your record; it can affect your entire life long after your court date is over. You may face severe penalties, difficulties with everyday tasks, and restrictions on your rights. Many people also struggle to find work or stable housing after a conviction. This is why it is critical to seek legal representation early. Our defense lawyer team works to protect you from these lasting harms.
Texas has a strong reputation for strict sentencing, especially for violent crimes. A conviction can bring decades in prison, steep fines, and long-term limits on your freedom. These penalties strike hard and leave a lifelong impact. As experienced attorneys, we fight to reduce the damage these charges can bring. We prepare defense strategies built on facts, strong arguments, and proven methods.
A felony conviction can change your life in ways many people do not expect. It can affect your right to vote, limit your ability to own a gun, and even threaten your driver’s license. You may also face trouble with future job opportunities or professional licenses. As Houston criminal lawyers, we work to protect you from these long-term losses. We aim to keep your record as clean as possible.
A felony record can make it difficult to find work or stable housing. Many employers and landlords run background checks, and criminal records often raise concerns. This can make it harder to support yourself or your family. We understand how serious this is for clients facing criminal charges. Our goal is to avoid or reduce these barriers whenever possible.
Some violent crimes, especially certain sex crimes, require mandatory registration. A sex crime conviction can change every part of your daily life. You may lose key civil rights and face strict rules about where you can live or work. We take these cases very seriously because the stakes could not be higher. Our Houston criminal defense attorney team works to protect your rights from the start, giving you the quality legal representation you deserve.

At LaVine Law Firm, we do not rely on a single formula for every case. We know that each client faces a unique set of facts, evidence, and risks. That is why we build a plan that fits your situation and your goals. We take the time to study what happened and explain each part of the criminal defense process. Our goal is to act early, act fast, and act with care so we can protect your future.
We start by conducting our own investigation rather than trusting the state’s version of events. We find witnesses, review forensic evidence, and study the scene to identify errors or weaknesses. This work helps us understand where the case may fall apart. It also gives us the facts we need to defend you. As the best criminal defense attorney for many clients, we know how to build strong cases from the ground up.
We do not accept the prosecution’s claims at face value. Instead, we file motions to suppress weak evidence and challenge unfair statements. We question state witnesses to expose mistakes, bias, or gaps in their stories. This step is important in violent crime cases where the stakes are high. Our legal insight comes from handling cases on both sides, including our work as former prosecutors.
Self-defense can be a complete answer to a violent crime charge. We review the facts to determine whether you were protecting yourself or another person. If the evidence supports it, we use this defense to seek dismissal or a not guilty verdict. This approach works best when we get involved early. Our defense lawyer team is ready to fight for you from day one.
Not every case goes to trial, and many can be resolved through skilled negotiation. We focus on negotiating plea deals that lower the charges or cut the penalties you face. We talk with the prosecutor to find options that help you move forward without severe harm. This is especially important in cases involving drug crimes, drug offenses, or drug charges tied to a controlled substance. Our track record shows our ability to reach favorable deals when it serves our clients.
Facing violent crime charges requires more than a lawyer who shows up on court day. You need a dedicated advocate with strong skills and reliable resources. At our law offices, we offer both. We treat your case with the care it deserves because we know your future is at stake. When you seek legal representation from us, you gain a team that stands with you.
We have long experience in the Houston courts and understand how each courtroom works. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local rules that shape your case. This knowledge helps us plan a clear path forward. It also lets us prepare for problems before they appear. As a Houston criminal lawyer team, we guide you with confidence.
We work toward positive results in every case we take. Our track record includes dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea agreements, all achieved through careful planning. We focus on what helps you move forward with the least impact on your life. Every step we take aims to protect your future. We push for outcomes that reflect fairness and justice.
Strong cases rely on strong support. We work with investigators, medical experts, and forensic professionals when needed. Their insight helps us explain key facts, challenge weak claims, and support your defense. These resources strengthen your case at each stage. We use them to give you the quality legal representation you deserve.

The moments after an arrest set the tone for everything that comes next. What you say or do during this time can help or hurt your case. This is why you should call us right away for a confidential consultation. We step in to guide you through the criminal defense process and protect your rights at each stage. Early action often leads to better results.
Police often try to gather statements from you before you have an attorney. You have the right to remain silent, and you should use it. You also have the right to a lawyer, and we make sure that right is respected. We speak for you so nothing is used against you in court. This step protects your defense from the start.
Your first court date may involve a bail or bond hearing. We work to argue for a fair and reasonable bond so you can return home while your case continues. Being free during your case helps you work, care for family, and plan your defense. We act fast to secure your release whenever possible. Our goal is to keep your life stable as we fight your charges.
Assault involves threats or bodily injury. Aggravated assault involves serious bodily injury or the use or showing of a deadly weapon. These factors raise the penalties. We review each detail to protect your rights.
Possibly, but only if you pulled back and made it clear you wanted to stop. If the other person kept using force, the law may still protect you. This needs a close legal review. We study these facts with care.
The timeline depends on the facts. A simple assault case may end in a few months. A murder case may take a year or more. We push for steady progress and fair treatment.
Stay calm and do not resist. Tell officers you want to stay silent and that you want a lawyer. Do not talk about the case with anyone else. We protect your rights from that moment on.
Yes, several defenses may apply. These include mistaken identity, lack of intent, or acting under pressure. In some cases, you may claim the property was yours. We study your facts to build the best strategy.
Not always. Many cases end through negotiation and plea agreements. Still, we prepare each case as if we will go to trial. This gives us strong leverage to fight for the best outcome.

The stakes are high when you face violent crime charges, and a conviction can change your life forever. Hope alone will not protect your freedom or your future. You need strong guidance from the start, and we provide it with skill and care. At LaVine Law Firm, we stand as your shield and fight for the best outcome possible. We know how fast these cases move and how important early action is.
When you reach out to us, we begin our investigation right away. This helps us preserve evidence and build your defense before the state gains an advantage. We move fast because every moment counts when your future is on the line. Our legal team stays focused on protecting your rights at each stage. Your freedom matters, and we are ready to help you protect it.
Secure your future and take control of your case today. Contact LaVine Law Firm for a confidential consultation and a full case review. We are here to fight for you from the first call.

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