Accused of a Violent Crime in Texas? Read This Before Talking to Police

If you’ve been accused of a violent crime in Texas, the most important thing you can do right now is pause – and get informed before you speak. Whether the accusation stems from a misunderstanding, a heated moment, or a situation that escalated quickly, how you respond in these first critical moments can affect the outcome of your entire case.

At Chernoff Law, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. Many of our clients are good people facing serious charges for the first time in their lives. If that sounds like you, know this: you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to protect your rights and help you make smart decisions from the start.

Attorney Ed Chernoff brings over 35 years of criminal trial experience to the table, defending individuals across Houston and surrounding communities who are facing life-altering accusations. If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken an important first step – now let’s talk about what to do next.

Your Right to Remain Silent Is Powerful – Use It

When police start asking questions, many people feel the urge to explain themselves or “clear things up.” That instinct is understandable – but dangerous.

Law enforcement officers are trained to gather statements that support prosecution, not to help you defend yourself. Even casual or offhand remarks can be twisted and used as evidence later. In Texas, police are legally allowed to use deceptive tactics during questioning. That means they can lie about what evidence they have or what others have said about you.

Your best move? Politely but firmly decline to answer questions until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

• Say this: “I want to remain silent and speak to my lawyer.”

And then stop talking. Even if you’re innocent or think you can explain everything, silence is your strongest protection until you have legal counsel in your corner.

What Counts as a Violent Crime in Texas?

In Texas, violent crimes typically involve physical harm or the threat of harm to another person. These are serious offenses that prosecutors pursue aggressively – and they often carry severe penalties, including years or even decades in prison.

Common violent charges Chernoff Law defends include:

• Aggravated assault
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Domestic violence
• Attempted murder
• Homicide
• Robbery or armed robbery
• Sexual assault

If you’re facing any of these charges – or fear you might be – it’s critical to involve an experienced defense lawyer early. Building a strong defense strategy often depends on acting quickly before law enforcement controls the narrative.

What Happens After You’re Accused?

Whether you’ve already been arrested or are under investigation, a violent crime accusation triggers a process that moves faster than most people expect.

Here’s what you may be facing:

• Police Investigation: Officers gather statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence.
• Formal Charges or Indictment: Prosecutors decide whether to press charges and what level of offense to pursue.
• Bail or Bond Conditions: You may be released under restrictions or held until trial.
• Court Appearances Begin: This includes arraignment, pretrial hearings, and potentially trial.

These steps can unfold quickly – sometimes within just days. In violent crime cases, prosecutors and judges often move fast, especially if a weapon was involved or serious injury occurred. The sooner you have legal representation, the more control you’ll have over the process.

What If Someone Filed a False Report Against Me?

False accusations happen more often than most people realize – particularly in emotionally charged situations like domestic disputes or neighborhood conflicts. But once a report is filed, even if the allegations are exaggerated or completely false, the legal system often treats them seriously from the start.

In Texas, prosecutors can choose to pursue charges even if the alleged victim later recants or refuses to cooperate. That’s why it’s essential to have an attorney who can challenge credibility, uncover contradictions, and push back against a one-sided narrative.

At Chernoff Law, we know how quickly a false allegation can spiral into a formal prosecution. If you believe you’ve been wrongly accused, don’t wait for the situation to “blow over.” Protect yourself by getting legal guidance as early as possible.

Innocent? You Still Need a Lawyer

Many people think that if they didn’t do anything wrong, they’ll be fine. Sadly, that’s not how the system works.

Even innocent people get charged and convicted. Why?

• Eyewitnesses can misremember
• Police reports may be inaccurate or biased
• Prosecutors can overcharge cases to pressure plea deals
• Evidence can be misleading or taken out of context

Even if you haven’t been charged yet, the moment you learn you’re under investigation is the moment to get a lawyer involved. Getting ahead of the process may prevent charges from being filed – or at the very least, ensure your rights are protected from day one.

Ed Chernoff understands how quickly things can spiral out of control. His role isn’t just to tell your side of the story – it’s to protect your future, challenge the case at every turn, and push back hard against overreaching prosecutions.

Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Serious Charges

When your future is on the line, even small missteps can carry huge consequences. Here’s what you should not do:

• Don’t talk to the police without legal counsel.
• Don’t post about your case on social media.
• Don’t reach out to the alleged victim, even if you think you can “make it right”.
• Don’t assume it’s all a misunderstanding that will resolve itself.
• Don’t delay hiring a lawyer – timing matters more than you think.

You don’t have to have all the answers today. But you do need the right attorney guiding your next move.

What You Should Do Right Away

If you’ve been accused of a violent crime:

• Stay silent. Don’t answer questions until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
• Contact a Texas criminal lawyer immediately.
• Avoid talking about your case, especially on social media or via text.
• Gather any evidence or details that may help your defense.
• Follow any release conditions or court orders carefully.

Take Control of Your Defense with Help from Chernoff Law

If you’re facing violent crime charges in Houston, Harris County, or nearby areas such as Sugar Land, Missouri City, Pearland, The Woodlands, or anywhere in Southeast Texas, it’s critical to take action early – before the system moves forward without your side of the story.

At Chernoff Law, we offer focused, strategic defense for individuals accused of serious violent offenses. With decades of courtroom experience and a long history of guiding clients through high-stakes cases, Ed Chernoff brings both clarity and force to every case he handles.

When you call, you’ll speak directly with Ed Chernoff – a seasoned Houston trial lawyer who will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and help you take control of what happens next.

Call today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your confidential consultation. The right defense starts with the right attorney – don’t wait to protect your future.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Chernoff Law. Every case is unique, and you should consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney to discuss the specific facts of your situation.