Strategic Defense for Violent Crime Charges
A violent crime case may begin with a few chaotic minutes but be judged from reports written after the scene has settled.
At Odefey, Witte, Wall & Villafranca, LLP, Attorney Jordan G. Fries represents people facing allegations involving assault, aggravated assault, family violence, deadly conduct, robbery, manslaughter, murder, and related offenses.
As a former prosecutor, Jordan knows an assault case may turn on who initiated the encounter. A robbery case may turn on identification and intent; a homicide case may turn on causation and mental state. He identifies the part of the state’s theory carrying the most weight and determines whether the available evidence supports it.
Many people assume every violent crime carries the same penalties. In reality, there are several important factors that determine the penalty.
The seriousness of a case often depends on:
These distinctions can separate a misdemeanor accusation from a felony carrying substantially greater exposure.
Violent crime cases do not always begin with an arrest at the scene.
Some start with an immediate police response, while others develop over days or weeks as investigators gather statements, records, video, and physical evidence.
Common investigations may involve:
How the case began often determines which evidence prosecutors rely on first, but that evidence must still establish every required element of the specific charge.
The required elements depend on the charge, but prosecutors generally must prove the accused person’s identity, prohibited conduct, required mental state, and any fact used to increase the offense level beyond a reasonable doubt.
Depending on the allegations, the State may need to establish issues such as:
Drug cases often involve factual disputes about ownership, knowledge, possession, and the legality of the investigation itself.
Defense strategies may involve examining:
Because every investigation is unique, no single defense strategy applies to every case.
Prosecutors often organize a violent crime case around one persuasive fact: an injury photograph, a recorded statement, a weapon, an alleged admission, or a witness who appears certain.
Jordan’s former prosecutor experience helps him recognize which fact is likely to become the state’s anchor—and whether it proves the charged offense or merely creates a damaging first impression
That perspective also makes his conversations with prosecutors more focused. Rather than arguing every point at once, Jordan can address the issue most likely to influence charging decisions, plea discussions, and trial preparation.
Yes. The complaining witness does not control whether a criminal prosecution is dismissed, although that person’s willingness to participate may affect how the evidence is evaluated. The attorney representing the state requests dismissal, subject to the court’s permission.
Yes. Texas assault law also covers certain threats of imminent bodily injury and offensive or provocative physical contact.
The central questions often include who initiated the confrontation, what threat was reasonably perceived, and whether the response matched the circumstances. Recordings and statements made closest to the event can become especially important.
A detailed interview can commit you to particular wording before you know what evidence investigators have collected. Speak with Jordan before agreeing to answer questions about the incident.
Violent Crime charges can have lasting consequences, but an arrest does not determine the outcome of your case.
If you have been accused of performing a violent crime in the South Texas region, contact Odefey, Witte, Wall & Villafranca, LLP to schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Jordan G. Fries.
