Common Types of Violent Crimes in Texas

“Violent crimes” is a term used in Texas and across the United States to describe some of the most serious criminal offenses, including homicide and rape. However, those living in the state may not be aware that robbery and assault are also common types of violent crimes in Texas and that a conviction for a violent crime can result in serious penalties.

What Is a Violent Crime?

Before breaking down some of the common types of violent crimes in Texas, it is important to understand what is meant by violent crime. For statistical purposes, crime rates in cities and states are also typically divided into violent crimes and property crimes.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines a violent crime as an offense that involves the use of or threat of force. They list violent crimes in four categories: aggravated assault, homicide, forcible rape, and robbery.

There is no one definition of violent crime in Texas, though we can typically associate violent crimes with incidents involving force or threat of force, including the above crimes, as well as acts like kidnapping, other forms of sexual assault, and crimes involving the use of a deadly weapon.

Common Types of Violent Crimes in Texas

According to data published by the FBI in 2019, the most common type of violent crime in the state was aggravated assault. There were 60,602 aggravated assaults reported that year by Texas law enforcement agencies, which represented nearly 62% of all violent crimes reported.

Homicide was the least common violent crime, with murder and nonnegligent manslaughter accounting for a little over 1% of all violent crimes. Robbery and rape cases were second and third in number of cases reported.

When looking at more recent violent crime data for Harris County, which is the largest county in Texas, the statistics show a similar pattern: The Harris County Sheriff’s Department reported handling the following total number of cases in 2023:

• Aggravated Assaults – 7,095
• Homicide – 124
• Rape – 1,064
• Robbery – 1,952

The incidence of other types of violent crimes, including those in which a deadly weapon was used, may be provided by a specific county or city’s law enforcement agencies.

Penalties for Violent Crimes in Texas

Texas imposes strict penalties for these common types of violent crimes. Since most of these crimes are felonies, a conviction for one of these is likely to result in substantial jail time, exorbitant fines, and, in limited cases, capital punishment.

These are the typical penalties associated with common violent crimes in Texas:

Aggravated Assault

Texas Penal Code § 22.02(a) defines aggravated assault as causing serious bodily injury or death to another, assaulting an intimate partner, or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the commission of assault. This is charged as a second-degree felony, with penalties ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison. In specific cases, aggravated assault can be charged as a first-degree felony and result in a sentence of life in prison.

Robbery

Though robbery is a crime against property, it is also considered a violent crime, especially if a deadly weapon is used in the commission of a crime. Robbery is a second-degree felony when theft or attempted theft leads to bodily harm or if bodily harm is threatened. The charge becomes a first-degree offense if there is serious bodily harm or death or if a deadly weapon is used.

Forcible Rape

Sexual assault, including rape and statutory rape, is a serious violent crime and is often charged as a second-degree felony. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony crime, with a minimum 25-year prison sentence handed down in specific cases.

Homicide

The most serious homicide charges include capital murder, murder in the first or second degree, and manslaughter, which is a second-degree felony.

Beyond confinement and the death penalty for capital murder, a person convicted of first or second-degree sexual assault, including aggravated assault, must register as a sexual offender in Texas. Those convicted of a felony in Texas may also be required to pay fines up to $10,000.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Four Types of Violent Crimes?

A: The four types of violent crimes, as defined by the FBI, include homicide (murder and nonnegligent manslaughter), forcible rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. Other crimes in Texas can be categorized as violent crimes, especially if they lead to serious bodily harm or death, and if a deadly weapon was used while carrying out these crimes.

Q: What Is the Most Common Form of Violent Crime in Texas?

A: In Texas, the most common form of violent crime is aggravated assault. This is an assault where serious bodily harm is caused. Simple assault is also a common crime in Texas. Robbery comes second in the number of reported cases, while forcible rape and homicide are the least common forms of violent crime in the state.

Q: Where Does Texas Rank in Violent Crime?

A: When comparing the rate of homicide in Texas against that of other states and the District of Columbia, a CDC report shows that in 2022, Texas was number 24 on the list. Texas was number two on the list of aggravated assaults reported across the U.S. in 2019, behind California.

Q: Which Felony Is the Most Serious in Texas?

A: The most serious felony in Texas is capital murder. This crime is charged when a person commits murder against a member of law enforcement during the commission of another crime, including burglary, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, arson, or in other circumstances specified under the statute. A person convicted of capital murder can receive the death penalty in Texas.

Violent Crimes Charges in Texas Are the Most Serious You Can Face

Being accused of a violent crime in Texas places you on a potentially perilous path. A criminal charge on its own can cause reputational damage and leave you with a criminal record that never completely disappears. If you receive a violent crime conviction for aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, or homicide, you can face the lifelong stigma of being a registered offender, lengthy confinement in prison, and even death.

Working with a skilled Texas violent crimes lawyer can be your ticket to minimizing the consequences of a serious mistake. Everyone has the right to adequate legal representation, even those facing violent crime charges. At Greco Neyland, PC, our compassionate attorneys can help you understand your options. Contact us today to learn more.