Former Prosecutors Defending Serious Violent Charges in Travis County
Violent crime charges move fast, and the decisions made in the earliest days of an investigation shape what happens in court. At Lance Kennedy Law, we represent clients facing violent crime allegations throughout Austin, Travis County, and the surrounding region. Our founder, Lance Kennedy, is a former Assistant United States Attorney and former Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted these cases before dedicating their career to defense. That background gives us a concrete understanding of how violent crime cases are built and where they can be challenged.
Two attorneys at our firm are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a designation that requires demonstrated experience, peer review, and a written examination. When the charges are serious, the depth of the defense team matters.
Contact us now for a free case review with our violent crime attorney in Austin. Our team is reachable at (737) 324-7540.
Violent Crime Charges We Defend
Violent offenses in Texas range from Class A misdemeanors to capital murder, with felony classifications that determine sentencing exposure, collateral consequences, and the investigative resources the government brings to bear. We handle the full range of these charges, including cases that draw federal involvement from agencies such as the FBI, ATF, and DEA.
Charges our team defends include:
Homicide and Murder: capital murder, first and second-degree murder, and criminally negligent homicide
Manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary manslaughter allegations
Assault Charges: aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a public servant, and related offenses
Domestic Violence: assault, family violence, and assault by strangulation, which carries felony exposure even when the underlying conduct would otherwise be a misdemeanor
Robbery and Aggravated Robbery: Charges under Texas Penal Code Section 29.02 and related provisions
The Advantage of Having Former Prosecutors on Your Side
Violent crime cases are typically assigned to the most experienced prosecutors in a district attorney’s office, and law enforcement conducts thorough investigations, often involving multiple agencies, before charges are ever filed. Our attorneys worked directly alongside the FBI, DEA, ATF, Texas Rangers, and local law enforcement before entering criminal defense. We understand how those investigations are structured, what evidence prosecutors prioritize, and where procedural gaps arise.
We prepare every case for trial from day one. Prosecutors negotiate differently when they know the defense team has real jury trial experience, and that reality shapes the entire arc of a case. Where early intervention is appropriate, we work to engage with the government before indictment. At that stage, the trajectory of a case can sometimes be shaped significantly. For clients concerned about cost, payment plans are available to help support access to experienced defense from the start.
Texas Sentencing Ranges for Violent Crimes
The classification of a violent charge under Texas law determines the sentencing range a conviction carries. That framework matters early, because the facts a defense team contests often bear directly on which classification applies.
Texas felony and misdemeanor ranges for violent offenses:
Capital Murder: Life without parole or the death penalty
First-Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison, fine up to $10,000
Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000
Third-Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison, fine up to $10,000
State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years, fine up to $10,000
Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail, fine up to $4,000
Texas habitual offender provisions can substantially increase these ranges for defendants with prior felony convictions. Beyond incarceration, a felony conviction strips the right to possess firearms under federal law. Under Texas Penal Code Section 46.04, that prohibition applies at the state level as well, though individuals who have completed their sentence may have limited rights restored after five years. Convictions can also affect professional licensing, employment background checks, security clearances, and child custody proceedings.
Defense Strategy in Violent Crime Cases
Effective defense requires analyzing the specific facts, the classification of the alleged offense, and the investigative methods the government used. Several categories of legal arguments arise regularly in these cases.
Self-Defense and Offense Classification
Self-defense and defense of others under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 are affirmative defenses that can negate criminal liability when force was reasonably necessary under the circumstances. The difference between a second-degree and first-degree felony charge can turn on whether a deadly weapon was used or whether serious bodily injury resulted. Those factual distinctions are worth scrutinizing from day one.
Evidence Challenges and Federal Exposure
Eyewitness identification errors are a documented source of wrongful convictions in violent crime cases, and challenging identification procedures and witness credibility is a core component of defense in cases that rely heavily on witness testimony. Fourth Amendment suppression motions can exclude evidence obtained through unlawful searches or seizures, sometimes fundamentally altering the prosecution’s case. When federal agencies were involved in the investigation, federal charges may be filed, triggering different sentencing guidelines and procedural rules than state proceedings. Engaging counsel during the investigation stage, before an indictment is returned, can sometimes result in reduced charges or avoidance of the most serious counts.
I appreciate his compassion and proactive strategy that got my son the best possible outcome.
“Lance took the time to talk to me explained the process and scenarios, he answered all my questions I felt completely confident he was the one we needed to represent my son.”
- Jenny B.
I highly recommend Lance for your legal needs.
“Lance Kennedy Law provided excellent service when I needed legal representation for a family member. Their communication was prompt, keeping me up to date on our case.”
- Sandy S.
All in all, I’d give him a 10/10! Great job!
“He was very professional, answered all my questions in a timely matter. Even on the same day”
What Sets Lance Kennedy Law Apart for Violent Crime Defense in Austin
Our team has handled thousands of criminal cases across Texas, including hundreds of state and federal jury trials collectively. Two of our attorneys hold Board Certification in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential that reflects peer-reviewed, tested experience in complex criminal matters. Lance Kennedy brings experience as both a violent crime attorney and a former federal prosecutor, a combination that directly serves clients whose cases carry federal exposure. We offer flat-fee representation through trial, meaning our fee doesn’t increase if your case goes to a jury. Payment plans are also available.
Speak with a violent crime lawyer about what you’re facing. We serve clients throughout Austin, Travis County, and across Texas.
Contact us at (737) 324-7540 to schedule your free case review with our violent crime lawyer in Austin. We can help you understand your options.
If authorities arrested you or a family member in Austin, here are some key steps to consider:
Exercise your right to remain silent. Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your lawyer.
Request an attorney immediately. If you can’t afford one, ask for a court-appointed lawyer.
Contact a family member or trusted friend to inform them of your situation.
Do not resist arrest or argue with law enforcement, even if you believe the arrest is unjustified.
Remember details about your arrest, including officer names and badge numbers if possible.
Attend your arraignment, where you’ll be informed of charges and can enter a plea.
Gather relevant documents and information for your case.
Follow all court orders and attend all scheduled hearings.
Consider contacting a bail bondsman if bail is set and you need assistance posting it.
Contact Lance Kennedy Law for a free consultation about potential defense strategies and the next steps in your case.
Whether you should plead guilty or not guilty is a serious legal decision that requires careful consideration of the specific details of your case. This choice can have major consequences for your future.
The best course of action is to consult criminal defense attorney Lance Kennedy, who can review the evidence, charges, and circumstances of your case. I’ll examine your case at no cost, advise you on the potential outcomes of different pleas, and help you make an informed decision. Contact Lance Kennedy Law as soon as possible so we can get started on your case.
Three things: Contact a criminal defense lawyer in your county and then call a bail bondsman to see about getting your friend or family member released.
Tell your friend or family member not to answer any questions about the incident and to ask for a lawyer, which should stop any police questioning.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. As dedicated federal criminal defense attorney with years of experience, I am committed to providing personalized legal counsel for your defense. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you have an ally to help get your life back.
1
Get a Free Case Review
Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
2
Resolve Your Case
I will lead you every step of the way. Together, we will fight for a dismissal.
3
Get Your Life Back
Work to get the best results possible so you can get your life back.
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Austin is an important decision. At Lance Kennedy Law, our criminal defense attorneys understand the weight of this choice and the trust you place in your legal representative. Our promise to you goes beyond just words, it’s a tangible commitment to excellence, transparency, and relentless advocacy as we navigate your case together.
