Facing deadly conduct charges in Texas is serious and can lead to significant consequences. If you or someone you know is facing such charges, it’s essential to understand what the crime involves, how it is charged, and how we can help protect your rights. At Daniel Collins Law, we provide strong legal representation and are committed to helping you fight these charges.
What Is Deadly Conduct in Texas?
Under Texas law, deadly conduct is defined as an act that places someone at substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death. This can happen in a variety of situations, including reckless actions with firearms or other dangerous weapons.
Here’s what qualifies as deadly conduct:
- Reckless endangerment: When someone consciously disregards the risk they are causing to others. For example, firing a gun in a crowded area without aiming at anyone specifically.
- Discharge of a firearm: If a firearm is fired in the direction of a person, vehicle, or building, regardless of whether anyone is actually injured.
This crime does not require the prosecution to prove that harm was caused, only that the person’s actions put others in significant danger. Even if no one is hurt, deadly conduct can still lead to severe legal consequences.
How Is Deadly Conduct Charged?
In Texas, deadly conduct can be charged as either a Class A misdemeanor or a third-degree felony. The specific charge depends on the nature of the act and the circumstances involved.
- Class A misdemeanor: If the conduct is reckless but does not involve the discharge of a firearm, it can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. This can occur when someone places another person at risk of serious bodily injury in a reckless manner (such as brandishing a weapon in a threatening way).
- Third-degree felony: If a firearm is discharged in the direction of a person, vehicle, or building, it is considered a third-degree felony. This applies even if no one is injured, but the discharge creates a significant risk to others.
Whether charged as a misdemeanor or felony, deadly conduct is a serious offense.
Potential Penalties and Long-Term Consequences
The penalties for deadly conduct depend on how the charge is classified. However, both misdemeanor and felony charges carry significant consequences.
- Class A misdemeanor: If convicted, you could face up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000
- Third-degree felony: If convicted, you could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
In addition to jail time and fines, there are long-term consequences that can impact many aspects of your life. These include a permanent criminal record, the loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment or securing housing, and the potential to lose professional licenses. These consequences can follow you long after your sentence is complete, which makes it even more important to work with a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help reduce these impacts.
Defending Against Deadly Conduct Charges
Several defenses can be used in deadly conduct cases. At Daniel Collins Law, we take a close look at the details of your case and develop a defense strategy tailored to the situation. Some common defenses to deadly conduct charges include:
- Lack of recklessness: If we can prove that your actions did not show a reckless disregard for the safety of others, we can work to have the charges reduced or dismissed
- No real danger: In some cases, the act may not have posed any real threat to others, especially if no one was in the immediate area or no one was harmed
- Self-defense: If the conduct was done to protect yourself or others from imminent harm, we may be able to argue self-defense as a legitimate reason for your actions
- False accusations: Sometimes, deadly conduct charges are the result of mistaken identity or false accusations
Every case is different, and a defense that works for one person may not apply to another. That’s why we carefully examine all available evidence, including witness testimony, video footage, and forensic evidence, to craft the strongest defense possible for you.
How We’ve Helped Clients Facing These Charges
At Daniel Collins Law, we’ve successfully represented many clients charged with deadly conduct. Our experience includes:
- Reducing felony charges to misdemeanors: In some cases, we’ve been able to work with prosecutors to reduce felony charges to less serious misdemeanor charges, resulting in lighter penalties for our clients.
- Dismissals: We’ve secured dismissals in cases where the evidence didn’t support the charges or where self-defense was successfully argued.
- Negotiated settlements: We have negotiated favorable plea deals that resulted in reduced charges and lighter sentences, helping clients avoid lengthy prison sentences.
Our deep understanding of Texas law and criminal procedures means we know how to approach these cases effectively, whether in court or through negotiations with the prosecution.
Contact an Experienced Fort Worth Deadly Conduct Attorney
Facing deadly conduct charges in Texas is a serious matter that can have long-lasting effects on your life. We’re here to help. If you or someone you know is dealing with these charges, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Contact Daniel Collins Law today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.