El Paso Deadly Conduct Attorney

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In Texas, the crime of deadly conduct is defined as engaging in conduct that is reckless and could cause serious bodily injury or death. This offense is a type of assault crime. However, unlike most types of assault, deadly conduct does not require direct physical contact between the defendant and the alleged victim. Instead, it is enough that the defendant’s conduct was reckless and that the conduct could have caused serious bodily injury or death. The offense of deadly conduct is a serious criminal charge that can carry severe penalties. If you are facing deadly conduct charges, get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer near you right away.

What is Deadly Conduct?

Deadly conduct is a crime that involves the reckless use of a deadly weapon or the discharge of a firearm. The offense is defined in Section 22.05 of the Texas Penal Code. Under this statute, a person commits the crime of deadly conduct if they recklessly engage in conduct that places another person in imminent danger of serious bodily injury and that involves the discharge of a firearm or the display or brandishing of a firearm or another deadly weapon.

Note that the statute defines a “firearm” as any device that is designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance, or any device that is readily convertible to such a use.

Importantly, deadly conduct does not require that a person actually be injured. Instead, it is enough that the defendant’s conduct was reckless and that it placed another person in imminent danger of serious bodily injury. The offense is a type of assault crime, but it does not require direct physical contact between the defendant and the alleged victim.

For example, suppose that a person is angry at their neighbor and decides to shoot a gun into the air near the neighbor’s house. In this case, the person could be charged with deadly conduct, even if they did not intend to harm the neighbor and the neighbor was not actually injured. The neighbor was placed in imminent danger of serious bodily injury by the defendant’s reckless conduct, and this is enough to support a deadly conduct charge.

What is the Difference Between Deadly Conduct and Aggravated Assault?

Deadly conduct is a type of assault that involves the reckless use of a deadly weapon or the discharge of a firearm. The offense is similar to the crime of aggravated assault. However, deadly conduct does not require that a person cause serious bodily injury. Instead, it is enough that the defendant’s conduct was reckless and that it placed another person in imminent danger of serious bodily injury. Aggravated assault, on the other hand, requires that a person cause or attempt to cause serious bodily injury to another person.

Aggravated assault is a more serious crime than deadly conduct. In Texas, deadly conduct is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $4,000, or both. Aggravated assault, by contrast, is a second-degree felony, which is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Is Deadly Conduct a Felony in Texas?

Deadly conduct is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor in Texas. However, the offense can be elevated to a third-degree felony in certain situations. For example, if the defendant is shown to have engaged in deadly conduct against a family member, household member, or current or former dating partner, the offense is a third-degree felony. The same is true if the defendant is shown to have engaged in deadly conduct against a public servant or a security guard while the person was on duty.

Is Deadly Conduct a Crime of Moral Turpitude?

Deadly conduct is generally classified as a crime of moral turpitude under Texas law. Crimes of moral turpitude are those that involve a lack of honesty or integrity. They are considered to be crimes that are contrary to the accepted rules of morality and the duties owed between people or society in general. Convictions for crimes of moral turpitude can have severe consequences for non-U.S. citizens, including loss of immigration status and deportation.

What Are the Penalties for Deadly Conduct in Texas?

Deadly conduct is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor in Texas. This is the most serious type of misdemeanor offense in the state. Convictions for Class A misdemeanors can carry severe penalties, including up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both. In some cases, however, the offense of deadly conduct can be elevated to a third-degree felony. The penalties for a third-degree felony conviction include a prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

How Can Setra Law Firm, P.C. Help?

At Setra Law Firm, P.C., we know that people make mistakes. We also know that people are often wrongfully accused of crimes that they did not commit. If you are facing deadly conduct charges, we can help. Our criminal defense attorney is an experienced advocate for the accused, and has a track record of success in defending clients against all types of criminal charges. We will fight for your rights and work to get you the best possible outcome in your case.

When you choose our firm, you can expect the highest level of legal representation and client service. We are committed to providing our clients with the personalized attention they deserve, and we will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns at every stage of your case. You can also rely on us to keep you fully informed about the status of your case and to provide you with the information you need to make the best decisions for yourself and your future.

Call Our Firm Today

If you have been charged with deadly conduct in Texas, you need a strong legal defense. Call (915) 221-9115 or contact us online today for a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. We are ready to fight for you.