Violent Crime Attorney in Brownsville

Contact Gustavo D. Elizondo III Today For a Free Consultation

Being arrested or investigated for a violent offense can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. Prison time, a permanent record, and damage to your family and reputation may all be on the line. If you are facing these accusations in Brownsville, TX, Gustavo D. Elizondo, III Attorney at Law is here to stand with you.

Our firm focuses on helping people through serious legal challenges, including criminal cases involving violence. Backed by generations of legal experience and deep roots in the San Benito and Brownsville legal communities, we work to protect your rights while treating you with dignity and respect. You will not be treated like a case number, and your story will be heard.

We offer free consultations and flexible scheduling, including after-hours appointments when needed. Contact our office to understand the process in Cameron County courts and discuss how a violent crime attorney in Brownsville can help you move forward—Call (956) 275-9191 now.

Understanding Violent Crime Laws in Texas

In Texas, violent crimes are classified under Title 5 of the Texas Penal Code as "Offenses Against the Person." These charges are among the most serious in the state’s penal system, often carrying mandatory prison time and permanent felony records.

Common violent crime charges handled by a Brownsville violent crimes lawyer include:

• Assault and Aggravated Assault (TPC § 22.01 & 22.02): While a simple assault may be a misdemeanor, "aggravated" assault—involving a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury—is a second-degree felony. If committed against a public servant or as part of domestic violence, it can be elevated to a first-degree felony.
• Homicide (TPC Chapter 19): This category includes Capital Murder, Murder, Manslaughter, and Criminally Negligent Homicide. In 2026, Texas continues to apply some of the harshest sentencing guidelines in the country for these offenses.
• Robbery and Aggravated Robbery (TPC § 29.02 & 29.03): Robbery involves theft by force or threat. It becomes "aggravated" if a deadly weapon is used or if the victim is elderly or disabled.
• Continuous Violence Against the Family (TPC § 25.11): This specific charge targets repeat domestic violence allegations within a 12-month period, carrying a third-degree felony status even if the individual incidents were minor.

Violent allegations cover a wide range of situations, from heated arguments that got out of control to incidents involving weapons or serious injury. Police and prosecutors often move quickly in these cases, and it can feel like your side of the story is being ignored. Our role is to make sure your rights are protected at every step.

Penalties and Sentencing for Violent Crimes in Texas

The penalties for violent crimes in Brownsville are severe and often include a mandatory "minimum" stay in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

It is important to remember that a charge is not the same as a conviction. The state still has to prove its case. Evidence can be challenged, witnesses can be questioned, and there may be defenses or alternative resolutions available. When you work with a violent crime defense lawyer in Brownsville, you have someone focused on making sure the court hears more than just the accusation.

• Capital Felony
  • Prison range: Life without parole or death
  • Maximum fine: Not applicable
• First-Degree Felony
  • Prison range: 5 to 99 years or life
  • Maximum fine: $10,000
• Second-Degree Felony
  • Prison range: 2 to 20 years
  • Maximum fine: $10,000
• Third-Degree Felony
  • Prison range: 2 to 10 years
  • Maximum fine: $10,000
• State Jail Felony
  • Prison range: 180 days to 2 years
  • Maximum fine: $10,000

Possible consequences can include years in jail or prison, fines, probation, protective orders, loss of gun rights, and a lasting criminal record. That record can make it harder to find work, rent an apartment, or hold certain licenses. For non-citizens, violent convictions can create serious immigration problems. A skilled violent crime lawyer in Brownsville to limit these risks as much as possible.

The "3G" Offenses and Parole Eligibility

Many violent crimes in Texas are classified as "3G" offenses (now referred to under Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.054). If you are convicted of a 3G offense—such as murder, aggravated robbery, or any felony where a deadly weapon was used—you are not eligible for judge-ordered community supervision (probation). Furthermore, you must serve at least 50% of your sentence (or 30 years, whichever is less) before you even become eligible to apply for parole.

How We Defend Violent Crime Cases in Brownsville

At Gustavo D. Elizondo, III Attorney at Law, defending violent crime cases in Brownsville begins with careful listening and thorough review. The team examines police reports, statements, and any physical or video evidence alongside your account and input from family. This early focus on understanding the full context allows the defense to identify key facts and begin evaluating realistic legal options.

From there, a case-specific strategy is developed, considering issues like self-defense, witness reliability, constitutional violations, and how charges may evolve. Familiarity with Cameron County courts helps guide recommendations on hearings, plea offers, or trials. Throughout the process, clients stay informed and involved, with clear explanations to support confident decision-making.

We also know that a criminal case touches more than just the legal system. Violent charges can affect child custody disputes, divorce proceedings, employment, and housing. Because our practice also handles family law matters, we are mindful of how a criminal allegation may interact with other parts of your life, and we work to coordinate strategies where appropriate.

Affirmative Defenses: Stand Your Ground and Self-Defense

In many violent crime cases in Brownsville, the question isn't whether an incident occurred, but whether it was justified. Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9, you have the legal right to defend yourself.

• Self-Defense (§ 9.31): You are justified in using force when you reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect yourself against another's use or attempted use of unlawful force.
• Deadly Force in Defense of Person (§ 9.32): You may use deadly force if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent murder, sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery.
• Stand Your Ground: In 2026, Texas continues to uphold the principle that you have no duty to retreat if you have a right to be in a location, have not provoked the attacker, and are not engaged in criminal activity.
• Defense of Property (§ 9.41 & 9.42): Texas law provides unique protections for using force (and sometimes deadly force) to protect your home, vehicle, or "castle" from an unlawful intruder.

As a violent crime attorney in Brownsville, Attorney Elizondo meticulously reconstructs scenes and interviews witnesses to prove that our clients were acting within their legal rights to protect themselves or their families.

Why Choose Our Firm For Violent Crime Defense