What is Deadly Conduct?
Deadly conduct is any behavior that puts another person at serious risk or imminent danger of severe injury. It is not typically charged on its own but is instead included as a lesser offense in assault or aggravated assault cases. In situations, for instance, where you were accused of assault, the prosecutor might get you to accept a plea deal in exchange for only pleading to the deadly conduct charge.
In most cases, deadly conduct is charged as a misdemeanor.
However, deadly conduct can be charged as a felony when it is charged as a firearm offense. For instance, if you fire a gun in the direction of one or more individuals or fire a gun at an occupied vehicle or house, you’ll face felony deadly conduct charges.
Keep in mind that no one has to be hurt or killed for you to be charged with deadly conduct. You also don’t need to be intending to hurt anyone to be charged with deadly conduct; all it takes to be charged is for your behavior to put someone at imminent risk of serious harm. If you have a firearm you think is empty but discharges unexpectedly, you’ll still face serious consequences.
How Do I Fight Deadly Conduct Charges?
Like we mentioned earlier, you’re likely facing assault or aggravated assault charges if you’ve been charged with deadly conduct. The only way to successfully fight your charges is with an experienced litigator. At Gracia & Mintz, our firm includes a former law enforcement officer and a former prosecutor. We understand how the system works, and we can use that knowledge to give your case a competitive advantage.
Our firm has defended our clients from serious charges of all kinds, from sex offenses to assault of a police officer to murder. We have the experience and skill to give your defense the best possible chance of success. Speak with us for a free consultation to discuss your defense options.
Call (301) 842-8584 or contact us online for help with your deadly conduct case.