What are some of the legal defenses available for a violent crime charge?

In Texas, a person charged with violent crimes may have several legal defenses available to them. Generally speaking, a defendant may plead not guilty, claim self-defense, claim insanity, claim necessity, or show involuntary intoxication. Not Guilty: A person charged with violent crimes can always plead not guilty and then attempt to prove to the court that the prosecution has not provided sufficient evidence for the crime. Self-defense: Self-defense is an argument in which the defendant claims they acted in order to protect themselves from attack or threat. It is important to note that the defendant must show that the threat was imminent and that using violence was necessary to prevent the attack or threat. Insanity: Insanity is a legal defense in which the defendant is arguing they were not in the right state of mind to be held responsible for their actions due to a mental illness. Necessity: Necessity is a legal defense in which the defendant claims that their act of violence was necessary to avoid a greater harm from occurring. Involuntary Intoxication: Involuntary intoxication is an argument in which the defendant was not aware they had taken drugs or alcohol which led to the incident for which they are being charged. It is important to note that intoxication alone is not a legal defense. In Texas, the available legal defenses for violent crimes depend on the specific case. It is important for defendants to obtain legal counsel in order to determine which defense is most appropriate for their situation.

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