Violent Crimes in Dallas, Texas
Police, prosecutors, and courts take crimes of violence very seriously in Dallas. A conviction for a violent crime can result in lengthy jail time and hefty fines. Moreover, they can damage your reputation, give you a permanent record, and prevent you from owning a firearm. The possible negative impacts violent crimes in Dallas can have on you, your family, and your future make it absolutely vital that you secure the best Dallas violent crimes lawyer possible.
Types of Violent Crime Charges in Texas
Violent crimes have many definitions. Many of these charges are similar, but the unique circumstances of each case will affect how your case plays out. A skilled Dallas criminal defense attorney can explain your charges and devise a defense strategy that works for you.
Assault
Assault causing bodily injury (Texas Penal Code § 22.01) is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Threatening or making offensive contact without injury is a Class C misdemeanor. You could be accused of assault and battery, domestic violence, assault family violence, injury to children, or assault that impedes breathing.
Aggravated Assault
A person commits aggravated assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.02) if they commit assault as described above and:
- cause serious bodily injury. OR
- uses or exhibit a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault.
Generally, aggravated assault is a second-degree felony.
Murder
A person commits murder (Texas Penal Code § 19.02) if they intentionally, knowingly cause the death of a person. Also, a person commits murder if they intend to cause serious bodily injury and commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes death. Finally, a person commits murder if they commit a felony and commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes death.
Murder is generally considered a first-degree felony, but certain factors can increase the charges or sentences you face.
Manslaughter
A person commits manslaughter (Texas Penal Code § 19.04) if they recklessly cause the death of an individual. Generally, manslaughter is a second-degree felony.
Criminally Negligent Homicide
A person commits criminally negligent homicide (Texas Penal Code § 19.05) if they cause the death of an individual by criminal negligence. Generally, criminally negligent homicide cases are state jail felonies.
Robbery
Robbery (Texas Penal Code § 29.02) occurs when someone injures or threatens another during a theft. It is a second-degree felony.
Aggravated Robbery
A person commits aggravated robbery (Texas Penal Code § 29.03) if they commit robbery and cause serious bodily injury or show a deadly weapon. Aggravated robbery is considered a first-degree felony.
Disorderly Conduct
A person can commit disorderly conduct (Texas Penal Code § 42.01) in a variety of ways, most of which results in a Class C misdemeanor ticket. Disorderly conduct is a Class B misdemeanor if the person intentionally or knowingly:
- discharges a firearm in a public place other than a public road or a sport shooting range, or
- displays a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm
Disorderly conduct involving a firearm, as explained above, carries a possible range of punishment of up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. Learn more about this charge on our disorderly conduct page.
Deadly Conduct
A person commits deadly conduct (Texas Penal Code § 22.05) if they:
- recklessly engage in conduct that place another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury. OR
- a person commit an offense if he knowingly discharge a firearm at or in the direction of one or more individuals or a habitation, building, or vehicle and is reckless as to whether the habitation, building, or vehicle is occupied.
For more information about deadly conduct charges in Dallas, see our deadly conduct page.
Terroristic Threat
A person commits terroristic threat (Texas Penal Code § 22.07) if they threaten to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to:
- cause a reaction of any type to his threat by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies. OR
- place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. OR
- prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a building, room, place of assembly, place to which the public has access, place of employment or occupation, aircraft, automobile, or other form of conveyance, or other public place. OR
- cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or other public service. OR
- place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury. OR
- influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state.
For more information about terroristic threat charges in Dallas, see our terroristic threat page.
Unlawful Restraint
A person commits unlawful restraint (Texas Penal Code § 20.02) if they intentionally or knowingly restrains another person. “Restrain” means to restrict a person’s movements without consent, so as to interfere substantially with the person’s liberty, by moving the person from one place to another or by confining the person. For more information about unlawful restraint charges in Dallas, see our unlawful restraint page.
Kidnapping
A person commits kidnapping (Texas Penal Code § 20.03) if they intentionally or knowingly abduct another person. “Abduct” means to restrain a person with the intent to prevent his liberation by: (a) secreting or holding him in a place where he is not likely to be found, or (b) using or threatening to use deadly force. For more information about kidnapping charges in Dallas, see our kidnapping page.
Aggravated Kidnapping
A person commits aggravated kidnapping (Texas Penal Code § 20.04) if they intentionally or knowingly abduct another person and use or exhibit a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense or abducts another person with the intent to:
- hold him for ransom or reward. OR
- use him as a shield or hostage. OR
- facilitate the commission of a felony or the flight after the attempt or commission of a felony. OR
- inflict bodily injury on him or violate or abuse him sexually;
- terrorize him or a third person. OR
- interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function.
For more information about aggravated kidnapping charges in Dallas, see our aggravated kidnapping section.
Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction in Texas
A conviction for a violent crime in Texas carries severe and lasting consequences. Depending on the type of offense, the severity of harm caused, and any aggravating factors, penalties may range from misdemeanor jail time to life imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Violent Crime Penalties
Some lower-level violent offenses, such as simple assault or disorderly conduct, may be charged as misdemeanors.
- Class C Misdemeanor – Punishable by a fine of up to $500. No jail time is imposed.
- Class B Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
- Class A Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
A Class A misdemeanor conviction can result from assault causing bodily injury, domestic violence, or unlawfully displaying a firearm in a threatening manner.
Felony Violent Crime Penalties
Most violent crimes in Texas are felony offenses, which come with significant prison time and heavy fines.
- State Jail Felony – Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and fines up to $10,000. Example: Criminally negligent homicide
- Third-Degree Felony – Punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Example: Some robbery cases, deadly conduct involving a firearm
- Second-Degree Felony – Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Example: Manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault.
Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction in Texas
A conviction for a violent crime in Texas carries severe and lasting consequences. Depending on the type of offense, the severity of harm caused, and any aggravating factors, penalties may range from misdemeanor jail time to life imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Violent Crime Penalties
Some lower-level violent offenses, such as simple assault or disorderly conduct, may be charged as misdemeanors.
- Class C Misdemeanor – Punishable by a fine of up to $500. No jail time is imposed.
- Class B Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
- Class A Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
A Class A misdemeanor conviction can result from assault causing bodily injury, domestic violence, or unlawfully displaying a firearm in a threatening manner.
Felony Violent Crime Penalties
Most violent crimes in Texas are felony offenses, which come with significant prison time and heavy fines.
- State Jail Felony – Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and fines up to $10,000. Example: Criminally negligent homicide
- Third-Degree Felony – Punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Example: Some robbery cases, deadly conduct involving a firearm
- Second-Degree Felony – Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Example: Manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault
- First-Degree Felony – Punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and fines up to $10,000. Example: Murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping
For first-degree felony charges, penalties may vary based on circumstances, such as the use of a deadly weapon or the victim’s status (e.g., if they were elderly or disabled).
Capital Felony (Death Penalty Eligible Offenses)
The most severe violent crimes in Texas, including capital murder, may be charged as a capital felony.
- Punishable by life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
- Typically applies to murders involving multiple victims, murder for hire, or killing a law enforcement officer.
Additional Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction
Beyond prison time and fines, a conviction for a violent crime can lead to:
- Permanent Criminal Record – This can impact future employment, housing, and professional licensing.
- Loss of Firearm Rights – Convicted felons cannot legally own or possess firearms.
- Restrictions on Child Custody & Visitation – Family courts consider violent offenses when making custody decisions.
- Deportation (for Non-Citizens) – Violent crime convictions can result in removal proceedings for non-U.S. citizens.
- Loss of Voting Rights – Felony convictions result in temporary disenfranchisement until rights are restored.
If you’re facing violent crime charges, securing experienced legal defense is crucial to avoid life-changing penalties. An experienced defense attorney can fight for case dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing options to help protect your future.
Resources and Information
See our criminal defense resource center for more information from Dallas violent crimes lawyer Mike Howard on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more.
Visit our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
“Mike and his team made me feel the most comfortable...
I called a few Attorneys and Mike and his team made me feel the most comfortable. This is my first time being in a situation like this but the professionalism and communication really put me at easy especially because I’m out of state I needed someone I could trust with my life. He broke down everything for me step by step and helped me through a situation that could’ve ruined my career. So I’d like to thank Mike again for getting my case rejected!!
Ashley Thompson
Contact a Dallas Violent Crimes Lawyer Now
If you or someone you love has been accused of a violent crime in Dallas, contact the Law Office of Mike Howard. As a Dallas violent crimes attorney, Mike Howard has the experience, trial skills, and dedication you need when you are fighting for your life.
We put our clients first, working to understand your charges and how we can help you. We prepare to take your case to trial, and we fight for you to ensure you have the best shot at freedom as possible.
Start with a Case Evaluation
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When you’re ready to take the next steps, attorney Mike Howard is here to discuss your situation and design a plan. Trust our experience, empathy, and ability to help put charges behind you.
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See our Proven Track Record
J.C. – Assault Impeding Breathing
My client was a professional boxer and a world champion. He was wrongly accused of brutally beating up an ex-girlfriend. The problem was the woman had no injuries and was shaking him down for a payout. We took the case to trial and exposed her true motives in court. The jury found my client not guilty.
M.B. – Murder
My client’s brother shot someone and killed him in an argument. The victim’s brother witnessed the shooting and wrongfully claimed that my client was present and is the one who provoked his brother to shoot the victim.
Investigating fully, I was able to prove by triangulating his cell phone signal that he was 45 minutes away at the time of the shooting. Case Dismissed.
D.B – Capital Murder & Engaging in Organized Crime
My client was facing life in prison. I was able to cast enough doubt on the evidence that the prosecution offered a reduction and minimum offer, which D.B. simply couldn’t refuse.