At Barbieri Law Firm, P.C., we defend people facing violent crime charges in Collin County, Denton County, Dallas County, and Rockwall County. Since 2000, our team has handled serious criminal cases where a client’s freedom and reputation are both at risk.
A violent crime charge can range from a Class A misdemeanor assault to a second-degree aggravated assault or a felony involving a weapon. The classification drives the potential penalties, the court that hears the case, and how prosecutors approach it. Knowing where your charge falls is the first step.
These offenses are prosecuted aggressively. Texas recorded 113,867 violent crimes statewide in 2022, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Texas Crime Report.
For a professional in a tight suburban community, the exposure is not only legal. Word can spread before a verdict is ever reached, which is why we defend both the case and the client’s reputation from the first call forward.
How Texas Classifies and Prosecutes Violent Crimes
The charge level decides everything about your exposure. Under the Texas Penal Code, Title 5, violent crimes range from Class A misdemeanors carrying up to one year in jail to first-degree felonies punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison. Where your case falls on that spectrum shapes every strategic decision that follows.
Prosecutors set charge severity by weighing specific facts: whether a weapon was used, the level of bodily injury, the status of the alleged victim, and any prior record. A deadly weapon finding, a family or household member relationship, or a public servant victim can push a charge to a higher degree and trigger mandatory minimums.
In Texas, felony cases move through a grand jury, which decides whether to return an indictment. That indictment fixes the charge level, and the charge level drives sentencing exposure, from a state jail felony to life imprisonment. It also determines whether deferred adjudication is even on the table.
Getting the charge level right, or reduced, is often the single most important early move in your case. That evaluation starts the moment you call us.
Our Violent Crime Defense Services in Texas
- Aggravated assault defense
- Simple assault defense
- Murder and capital murder defense
- Manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide defense
- Robbery and aggravated robbery defense
- Kidnapping and unlawful restraint defense
- Domestic violence and family violence assault defense
- Deadly weapon charge defense
- Felony violent crime defense
- Pre-charge and grand jury intervention
- Motion practice and suppression hearings
- Trial representation
Facing charges? Talk to a Frisco defense attorney today.
What the Prosecution Must Prove in a Texas Violent Crime Case
The State carries the entire burden of proof. Prosecutors must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, and you are presumed innocent until they do. The gaps in their evidence are where a strong defense lives.
The elements vary by charge:
- Assault: that you intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another person.
- Aggravated assault: assault plus serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon.
- Robbery: an assault committed during or in connection with a theft.
- Murder: intent to cause death, or a death caused during another felony under the felony murder rule.
Texas law also gives you affirmative defenses. Self-defense (Penal Code 9.31), defense of a third person (9.33), defense of property (9.41), and the castle doctrine (9.32) can all apply depending on the facts.
Texas district courts disposed of over 86,000 felony cases in fiscal year 2022, according to the Texas Office of Court Administration’s Annual Statistical Report. How the burden of proof plays out depends heavily on the evidence in each case.
Why Choose Barbieri Law Firm for Violent Crime Defense in Texas
Board Certified in Criminal Law
Our founding attorney has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2005. Fewer than 10% of licensed Texas attorneys hold this credential, which requires proven trial experience, peer review, and a written examination.
In-House Investigation From Day One
Our investigation team is embedded with the legal team from the start, led by an investigator with decades of experience in serious criminal cases. They reconstruct timelines, analyze forensic and digital evidence, and expose gaps in police work faster than firms that rely on outside vendors.
In-House Reputation Management
Few defense firms offer this. Our in-house PR support manages media coverage, controls the narrative, and shields your professional standing during and after the case.
Early Intervention and Direct Attorney Access
The firm engages before charges are filed when possible, shaping the investigation rather than reacting to it. Caseloads are intentionally limited so you work directly with your attorney, backed by 25 years of practice and 55+ cumulative years of team experience.
About Barbieri Law Firm, P.C.
Barbieri Law Firm has defended serious criminal cases across North Texas since 2000. Headquartered in Frisco, the firm handles cases in Denton, Dallas, and Rockwall counties. Twenty-five years in this market means the firm knows these courthouses and the prosecutors who work in them.
Heather Barbieri is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential she has held since 2005 and recertified in 2010, 2015, and 2020. Attorneys seeking this credential must pass a written examination, demonstrate substantial involvement in criminal practice, and receive favorable peer evaluations, a process fewer than one in ten Texas attorneys complete.
The firm focuses on cases where both freedom and reputation are on the line: violent crimes, felony charges, sex crimes, federal matters, and white collar allegations. The legal team carries 55+ cumulative years of experience and works alongside an in-house investigator and reputation management support, embedded from day one.
Caseloads are kept intentionally limited. That means direct attorney access and the discretion these cases demand.
What Is the Difference Between Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault in Texas?
Texas law refers to the lower-level offense as assault, although it is commonly called simple assault. A person may be charged with assault for causing bodily injury, threatening someone with imminent bodily injury, or making physical contact that is reasonably considered offensive or provocative.
The charge may range from a Class C misdemeanor to a felony depending on the conduct, the alleged victim, and any prior convictions.
Under Texas Penal Code § 22.02, assault becomes aggravated assault when it causes serious bodily injury or involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. Aggravated assault is generally a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Certain circumstances can elevate the charge to a first-degree felony.
The distinction often depends on the severity of the injuries, whether a weapon was allegedly involved, and the relationship between the people involved. Because aggravated assault carries significantly greater penalties, the evidence surrounding the incident must be examined carefully.
Our Process for Defending Violent Crime Charges in Texas
1. Immediate Confidential Consultation
You speak directly with an attorney to review the facts, assess your exposure, and outline next steps. Urgent matters are escalated the same day.
2. Case Review and Strategic Fit
Our team confirms the level of the charge and matches you with the right attorney. Time-sensitive cases move to the front of the line.
3. Retention and Onboarding
Once you retain the firm, the case is formally opened and you receive clear expectations on what comes next. Caseloads are intentionally limited, so you get direct attorney access, not hand-offs to a paralegal.
4. Investigation and Defense Building
Our in-house investigator works from day one to reconstruct the timeline, preserve evidence, and expose gaps in police work. Counsel builds your defense strategy and adapts it as the case develops.
5. Resolution and Reputation Protection
We guide you through dismissal, negotiation, or trial with consistent communication throughout. Where needed, our in-house reputation management protects your professional and personal life during and after the case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Violent Crime Charges in Texas
Can a violent crime charge actually be dismissed in Texas before it goes to trial?
Yes. Charges can be dismissed when the evidence is weak, the investigation was flawed, a self-defense claim is strong, or when defense counsel intervenes early enough to shape the outcome.
What happens at a Texas grand jury for a violent felony charge?
A grand jury of twelve citizens reviews the prosecution’s evidence and decides whether there is enough to formally charge you. The process is one-sided by design, but your attorney can submit a defense packet, written arguments, or evidence for the grand jury to consider.
How does a deadly weapon finding affect my sentence in Texas?
A deadly weapon finding limits your options considerably. Under Texas law, it can make you ineligible for probation from a judge and require you to serve at least half your sentence before parole eligibility, with no good-conduct credit toward that minimum.
Can I claim self-defense in Texas if I started the altercation?
It is possible but harder. Texas self-defense law under Chapter 9 of the Penal Code generally does not protect someone who provoked the confrontation, unless you clearly abandoned the encounter and the other person continued to attack you.
What is the statute of limitations for violent crimes in Texas?
It depends on the offense. Many aggravated assault charges carry a three-year limit, but there is no statute of limitations for murder, certain sexual offenses, or continuous violent conduct.
Will I be held in jail before trial on a violent crime charge?
Not necessarily. After arrest you are entitled to a bond hearing, and a judge sets conditions based on the charge, your ties to the community, and any perceived risk.
Can a violent felony conviction be expunged in Texas?
Usually not. A conviction generally cannot be expunged, and violent felonies are typically ineligible for nondisclosure orders as well. Because a conviction can permanently affect your career, licensing, and reputation, the strongest protection is a strong defense before conviction.
How does a family violence or domestic assault charge differ from other assault charges?
A family violence finding adds consequences beyond the assault charge itself, including firearm restrictions and enhancement of future charges to felonies. Texas courts treat these cases with heightened scrutiny, and a protective order can be issued quickly.
Should I talk to police before hiring an attorney?
No. You have the right to remain silent and to counsel, and statements made to police, even ones meant to explain or clarify, are routinely used to build the case against you. Politely decline to answer questions and contact a lawyer first.
What does Board Certified in Criminal Law actually mean for my case?
Board Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is held by fewer than one percent of Texas attorneys and requires proven trial experience, peer review, and a written exam. Heather Barbieri has held this credential since 2005, with recertifications in 2010, 2015, and 2020.
What Clients Say About Barbieri Law Firm
“From the top down everyone here is professional and 100% engaged in assisting you and fighting for you until the end.” Sailingman
Direct, engaged representation from the whole team, not a hand-off to junior staff.
“She was extremely helpful through the whole process, as I was clueless on what to do and felt I had nowhere to turn.” Nikhil P.
Steady guidance for people facing a serious charge for the first time.
“They care about you and your reputation and will not back down.” Lisa G.
Protecting both the case and the client’s reputation is central to how the firm works.
“As a fellow criminal defense attorney… I’m consistently impressed by their dedication and results.” Angelica C.
Peer recognition from another attorney speaks to skill and ethical standing.
Local Resources for Violent Crime Cases in North Texas
- Dallas County Criminal Courts
State trial courts handling felony and misdemeanor criminal cases in Dallas County.
- Frank Crowley Courts Building
Main courthouse complex housing criminal district courts and related offices.
- Dallas County Jail
Primary detention facility managed by the county sheriff for pretrial and sentenced inmates.
- Texas Department of Public Safety
Statewide agency overseeing criminal history records, licensing, and law enforcement standards.
- Office of the Dallas County Sheriff
Operates county detention facilities and serves civil process and court orders.
- Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
State board that reviews and determines parole eligibility for convicted offenders.
- Dallas County Pretrial Services
Assesses defendants and monitors conditions of release while cases are pending in court.
- Texas Office of Court Administration
Provides administrative support and statistical oversight for all state courts.
- Tarrant County Criminal Courts
Handles criminal proceedings for defendants in the adjacent Tarrant County jurisdiction.
Facing Violent Crime Charges in Texas? Speak With a Board Certified Defense Attorney
Barbieri Law Firm handles these cases all across Texas.
Our in-house investigation team engages from day one, and our in-house reputation management protects your professional life while the case moves forward.
When possible, we intervene before charges are filed, shaping the investigation rather than reacting to it. Caseloads are intentionally limited, so you work directly with your attorney, not a hand-off.
Call us for after-hours response, or schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case privately.
