An Aggravated Crime Means Different Circumstances Apply

Aggravated in reference to a crime is something different. There
needs to be certain factors present in order to charge a crime as an
aggravated one; say aggravated assault, for instance.

"Aggravating factors that need to be present may include whether or
not there was a dangerous weapon involved, if there was a threat to use
a dangerous weapon, and if bodily harm was caused as a result of the
crime in question, etc," explained Daniel H. Wannamaker, board
certified criminal defense attorney of Wannamaker and Associates, an
Austin law firm with offices in Dallas and Houston.

"The factors are what "converts" a regular crime to an aggravated
crime, and while that may sound simple enough on the surface, it rarely
is," said Wannamaker. So, there may be the crimes of aggravated
assault, aggravated battery and even aggravated murder. "Although
having said that, what makes a murder an aggravated one is slightly
different," added Wannamaker.

In cases of aggravated murder, the key to the charge being changed
from murder to aggravated murder has to do with the location and
situation of the murder. "For instance, the murder of an inmate by
another inmate, while in prison. The location makes the charge
aggravated murder," explained Wannamaker.

Generally speaking, most aggravated crimes tend to have higher
penalties attached to them; however, each case is different and
involves different factors. "If you're in a situation where you have
been charged with an aggravated crime, call me, we need to talk about
your options," said Wannamaker.

To learn more about Dallas criminal defense lawyer, Houston criminal defense lawyer, Austin criminal defense lawyer, visit Wannamakerlaw.com.