At Barbieri Law Firm, P.C., we defend people charged with violent crimes in Plano and throughout Collin County. Our founding attorney, Heather Barbieri, is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys hold.
The firm has handled high-stakes cases since 2000, with 55+ years of combined team experience and 260+ client reviews.
Violent crime charges cover any allegation involving force, threat, or injury: assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, robbery, or a terroristic threat. In Texas, these range from Class A misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, and the level assigned at filing shapes the penalty, the publicity, and the professional fallout.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, aggravated assault consistently accounts for roughly two-thirds of all violent crimes reported to police, a factor prosecutors weigh heavily alongside weapon use and injury severity when filing charges. Those same two details often determine what pushes a case into felony territory rather than keeping it a misdemeanor.
What Plano Clients Say About Barbieri Law Firm, P.C.
“From the top down everyone here is professional and 100% engaged in assisting you and fighting for you until the end.” Josh H.
“They care about you and your reputation and will not back down.” Lisa G.
“She was extremely helpful through the whole process, as I was clueless on what to do and felt I had nowhere to turn.” Lydia S.
“As a fellow criminal defense attorney, I have had the privilege of observing the work of the Barbieri Law Firm, and I am consistently impressed by their dedication and results.” Angelica C.
What Sets Barbieri Law Firm, P.C. Apart in Plano
Board Certified in Criminal Law
Heather Barbieri has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2005. Fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys hold that credential.
In-house investigation from day one
An investigator with decades of criminal defense experience works alongside the legal team, rebuilding timelines, reviewing digital and forensic evidence, and finding gaps in police work. Witness accounts in an altercation case rarely match, and early independent investigation often separates a filed charge from a rejected one.
In-house reputation management
Media coverage and professional exposure are handled directly by in-house PR support, not left to chance. Very few defense firms offer this, and for licensed professionals it matters as much as the courtroom result.
Early intervention before charges are filed
Contacting a defense firm during an investigation is a protective step, not an admission. Engaging early lets the team shape what prosecutors see, which affects how a family violence case gets resolved and whether it stays quiet.
Limited caseloads, direct attorney access
Caseloads are kept intentionally small so you speak with the attorney handling your case, not a rotating team. With 26 years in business, 55+ years of combined team experience, and 260+ reviews, that direct access is the standard here.
Our Violent Crimes Services for Plano Clients
- Assault defense
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Domestic and family violence charges
- Murder and homicide charges
- Manslaughter charges
- Sex crimes
- Robbery charges
- Kidnapping charges
- Terroristic threat charges
- Evading arrest with a vehicle
- Weapons and firearm offenses
Facing charges? Talk to a Frisco defense attorney today.
How Does Bail And Bond Work For Violent Crime Charges In Plano?
Bail for a violent crime charge in Collin County is typically set higher than for non-violent offenses, and judges often attach conditions on top of the dollar amount. After a Plano arrest, you are booked and brought before a magistrate, usually within 48 hours, who sets bail and reads the charges.
Conditions can include no-contact orders, GPS monitoring, firearm surrender, or travel limits.
Judges weigh criminal history, community ties, flight risk, and the nature of the allegation. You can post a cash bond, a surety bond through a bondsman for a percentage of the total, or in some cases a personal bond. If the amount is out of line with the facts, your attorney can request a bail reduction hearing in the Collin County district courts in McKinney.
Conditions matter as much as the dollar amount. A no-contact order that bars you from your home, or a monitoring requirement visible to an employer, carries real professional exposure. Those terms are negotiable with the right advocacy early.
According to the National Center for State Courts’ Court Statistics Project, fewer than 3% of criminal cases nationwide are resolved by jury trial. Negotiation leverage built early, while facts are still being gathered, shapes most outcomes. when the allegation involves a death, the stakes climb sharply and that early window matters most.
What Qualifies as a Violent Crime Charge in Plano, TX?
| Criminal Charge | Classification | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault by Threat or Offensive Contact (TX Penal Code § 22.01) | Class C misdemeanor | Fine up to $500 |
| Assault Causing Bodily Injury (§ 22.01) | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or $4,000 fine |
| Family Violence Assault (§ 22.01) | Class A misdemeanor to felony | Up to 1 year in jail for a basic offense; 2–10 years for certain third-degree felony offenses; higher penalties in qualifying cases |
| Aggravated Assault (§ 22.02) | Second-degree felony, potentially first-degree | 2–20 years in prison; 5–99 years or life for qualifying first-degree offenses |
| Robbery (§ 29.02) | Second-degree felony | 2–20 years in prison |
| Aggravated Robbery (§ 29.03) | First-degree felony | 5–99 years or life in prison |
| Sexual Assault (§ 22.011) | Generally second-degree felony | 2–20 years in prison; higher penalties in qualifying cases |
| Kidnapping (§ 20.03) | Third-degree felony | 2–10 years in prison |
| Aggravated Kidnapping (§ 20.04) | First-degree felony, potentially second-degree | 5–99 years or life; potentially 2–20 years when statutory conditions are met |
| Manslaughter (§ 19.04) | Generally second-degree felony | 2–20 years in prison; higher penalties in qualifying cases |
| Murder (§ 19.02) | Generally first-degree felony | 5–99 years or life in prison |
Penalties reflect standard statutory sentencing ranges. Prior convictions, enhancements, and case-specific circumstances can affect the applicable punishment. Felony convictions may also carry fines of up to $10,000.
What Factors Can Increase a Violent Crime Charge?
Several circumstances can elevate a misdemeanor to a felony or result in more severe penalties:
- Serious bodily injury: An assault resulting in serious bodily injury can qualify as aggravated assault, a second-degree felony.
- Use of a deadly weapon: Using or exhibiting a firearm or another deadly weapon during an assault can result in aggravated assault charges.
- Family violence allegations: Certain prior convictions, allegations of impeding breathing or circulation, and other circumstances can elevate family violence assault charges. A family violence finding may also affect firearm rights.
- Prior criminal history: Previous convictions can increase the applicable punishment range.
Violent crime cases originating in Plano may fall under Collin County or Denton County jurisdiction, depending on where the alleged offense occurred. Early investigation, including reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports, can help identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and inform the defense strategy.
Get to Know Barbieri Law Firm, P.C.
Barbieri Law Firm, P.C. has defended criminal cases since 2000, and the team brings more than 55 years of combined experience. Heather Barbieri is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
The firm operates from Frisco and serves North Texas and the greater DFW Metroplex, including Plano and the rest of Collin County. It is built for high-visibility allegations where a client’s freedom and reputation are both at stake.
An in-house investigation team works the case from day one. In-house reputation management protects professional standing. Intentionally limited caseloads mean clients get direct attorney access and the discretion these matters require.
Our Process for Violent Crime Cases in Plano
1. Confidential First Contact
Reach out by phone, web form, or referral and complete a short intake. We gather the facts, the timeline, and the urgency to confirm fit before anything else happens.
2. Priority Review And Scheduling
Our intake team reviews your inquiry and schedules you with the right attorney. Urgent matters, including recent arrests and active investigations, are escalated immediately.
3. Private Consultation With An Attorney
You meet directly with an attorney to review the facts, assess exposure, and outline a defense strategy. This is where expectations, discretion, and next steps are set.
4. Engagement And Case Opening
Once retained, you sign the agreement and submit the initial payment. The case is formally opened and you receive clear communication on what happens next.
5. Investigation And Strategy Build
Our legal team starts building the defense right away, with in-house investigation, evidence review, and proactive strategy. We keep you informed throughout and adjust as the case develops.
6. Resolution And Reputation Protection
You receive ongoing updates and guidance through dismissal, negotiation, or trial. We address reputation concerns and long-term professional impact where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Violent Crimes
If I Was Arrested In Plano For Assault, Why Is My Case Being Heard In McKinney Instead Of Plano?
Plano sits in Collin County, and all Collin County criminal cases are handled at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney. Misdemeanor assault cases go to a County Court at Law, and felony charges like aggravated assault go to a District Court.
How Much Is Bail For An Assault Charge In Collin County, And Can I Get Out The Same Night?
Bail depends on the charge level, your criminal history, and whether anyone was seriously injured. Misdemeanor assault bonds are often set quickly through a magistrate, while felony assault bonds can run considerably higher and sometimes require a bond reduction hearing.
Will A Domestic Violence Arrest Show Up On A Background Check Even If The Charge Is Later Dismissed?
Yes. The arrest itself creates a public record the moment it happens, separate from the outcome of the case. That is why Barbieri Law Firm, P.C.
What Is An Emergency Protective Order And Can It Keep Me Out Of My Own Home In Texas?
A magistrate can issue an Emergency Protective Order after a family violence arrest, and it can bar you from your residence for 31 to 91 days. Violating it is a separate criminal offense, even if the other party invites you back. Do not test it.
Can The Alleged Victim Drop The Charges If They Change Their Mind?
No. In Texas, the Collin County District Attorney decides whether to pursue charges, not the complaining witness.
Is Hiring A Defense Attorney Before I Am Formally Charged Going To Make Me Look Guilty?
No. Retaining counsel during an investigation is a standard protective step, and prosecutors see it that way too. Early engagement is often the most valuable window, because Barbieri Law Firm, P.C.
What Is The Difference Between Simple Assault And Aggravated Assault In Texas?
Simple assault causing bodily injury is usually a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail. Aggravated assault involves serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon and is a second-degree felony, carrying 2 to 20 years.
Can An Assault Charge Be Sealed Or Expunged From My Record In Texas?
An expunction is available if your case is dismissed or you are acquitted, and it erases the record. An order of nondisclosure can seal records after deferred adjudication, though family violence cases face tighter restrictions.
Do I Have To Report An Arrest To My Professional Licensing Board Before The Case Is Resolved?
Many Texas boards require self-reporting within a set window after arrest or conviction, and the rules differ by profession. Check your board’s specific language before you do anything, and have your attorney review the wording of what you submit.
Local Resources in Plano for Violent Crimes
- Collin County District Court
Handles felony criminal prosecutions for cases arising in Collin County.
- Collin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
Prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the state within Collin County.
- Plano Police Department
Primary law enforcement agency responsible for arrests and investigations within the city.
- Collin County Detention Center
County jail facility that holds individuals awaiting trial or sentencing.
- Collin County District Clerk’s Office
Maintains official court records and filings for district-level cases.
- Collin County County Clerk’s Office
Stores misdemeanor court records and various official public documents.
- Collin County Justice of the Peace Courts
Handles bail hearings and preliminary proceedings for lower-level offenses.
- 380th District Court
One of Collin County’s district courts presiding over serious felony matters.
- Collin County Bail Bond Board
Regulates and licenses bail bond companies operating throughout the county..
- Collin County Adult Probation Department
Supervises individuals placed on community supervision following a court order.
- Plano Municipal Court
Adjudicates Class C misdemeanor charges and city ordinance violations.
Talk to a Plano Violent Crimes Defense Team Today
In Collin County, the window between an arrest and a filed charge is when a defense strategy carries the most weight. Barbieri Law Firm, P.C. engages early, often before charges are formally presented, with a Board Certified criminal defense attorney, an in-house investigation team, and reputation management support working the case together.
Call us to speak directly and privately with the attorney who will handle your case. Limited caseloads mean you get direct access, not a rotating team.
