Arlington Violent Crimes Lawyer | Former Prosecutor Defense

Being charged with a violent crime in Texas carries devastating consequences that can destroy your future. Prison sentences spanning decades, permanent felony records, and the loss of fundamental rights await those who don’t mount an aggressive defense. At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our Arlington violent crimes attorneys understand the gravity of these charges and fight relentlessly to protect our clients’ freedom.

Our legal team brings over 35 years of combined experience defending violent crime cases in Tarrant County courts. Led by an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Arlington, we use deep local knowledge to develop strategic, effective defenses.

📞 Contact our Arlington violent crimes attorneys today at (972) 528-0478 for a confidential consultation. Your freedom depends on acting quickly.

What Qualifies as a Violent Crime in Texas?

Under Texas law, violent crimes involve the intentional use or threatened use of physical force against another person. Common violent crimes include:

• Assault and battery (causing bodily injury or threatening imminent harm)
• Aggravated assault (using a deadly weapon or causing serious injury)
• Murder and manslaughter (intentionally or recklessly causing death)
• Robbery and aggravated robbery (theft by force or threat)
• Domestic violence (assault against family or household members)
• Kidnapping (unlawfully restraining another person)
• Sexual assault (non-consensual sexual contact)

Penalties depend on factors like weapon involvement, extent of injuries, victim’s relationship to defendant, and prior criminal history. Even seemingly minor altercations can escalate to felony charges with life-altering consequences.

Common Types of Violent Crime Charges We Defend

Assault & Battery

Texas law distinguishes between simple assault and more serious forms of violence. Simple assault occurs when someone intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury, threatens imminent harm, or makes unwanted physical contact.

Charges escalate to felonies when involving:

• Strangulation or suffocation
• Previous domestic violence convictions
• Public servants or security officers
• Elderly or disabled victims

Class A misdemeanor assault carries up to one year in jail and $4,000 in fines. Our Arlington assault defense attorneys examine every detail, seeking weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault represents one of the most serious violent crime charges in Texas. This second-degree felony involves causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon during an assault. Convictions carry 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you:

• Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused serious bodily injury
• Used or exhibited a deadly weapon during the assault
• Had the requisite mental state for the charged offense

Self-defense, defense of others, and lack of intent provide viable defenses against aggravated assault charges. Our legal team investigates every angle to protect your rights.

Domestic Violence / Family Violence

Family violence cases receive special treatment in Texas courts. These charges involve assault against current or former spouses, dating partners, family members, or household residents. Beyond criminal penalties, defendants face:

• Protective orders restricting contact with alleged victims
• Loss of gun rights under federal law
• Child custody complications in divorce proceedings
• Professional licensing issues for certain careers

Texas courts often issue emergency protective orders immediately after arrest. These orders can force you from your home and limit contact with your children.

Robbery & Aggravated Robbery

Robbery differs from simple theft by involving force or intimidation. Texas defines robbery as intentionally causing bodily injury while committing theft, or threatening someone with imminent harm.

Aggravated robbery becomes a first-degree felony when defendants:

• Use or exhibit a deadly weapon
• Cause serious bodily injury
• Threaten or injure someone 65 years or older or disabled

First-degree felony convictions carry 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment plus up to $10,000 in fines.

Tarrant County Robbery Statistics (2023)

Source: Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office Annual Report

Homicide / Murder / Manslaughter

Homicide charges represent the ultimate stakes in criminal defense. Texas recognizes several forms:

• Murder: Intentionally or knowingly causing death
• Capital Murder: Murder with aggravating circumstances (multiple victims, law enforcement officer, etc.)
• Manslaughter: Recklessly causing death
• Criminally Negligent Homicide: Failing to perceive substantial risk that results in death

Capital murder cases may result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. First-degree murder carries 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

If you’ve been charged with homicide in Arlington, contact us immediately at (972) 528-0478. These cases require immediate legal intervention.

Weapon-Related Offenses

Texas has complex laws governing firearm possession and use. Weapon-related violent crimes often involve unlawful carrying in prohibited locations, felon in possession charges, or deadly conduct. Federal authorities frequently prosecute weapon charges alongside state violent crime cases, creating additional penalties.

Kidnapping / Unlawful Restraint

Kidnapping charges arise when someone intentionally restraints another person by restricting movement without consent. Even brief restraint during other crimes can result in additional felony charges. For example, preventing someone from leaving during a domestic dispute may constitute unlawful restraint.

What to Do If You’re Charged with a Violent Crime in Arlington

Initial Processing and Booking

If arrested in Arlington, you’ll likely be processed at the Arlington Police Department (620 W Division St, Arlington, TX 76011) before being transported to Tarrant County Jail (100 N Lamar St, Fort Worth, TX 76196). The booking process typically takes 4-8 hours depending on jail capacity.

Your actions immediately after arrest significantly impact your case outcome. Follow these essential steps:

Remain Silent Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Police officers are trained to extract incriminating statements through seemingly casual conversation. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court.

Refuse Searches and Statements Never consent to vehicle, home, or personal searches without a warrant. Politely but firmly state: “I do not consent to any searches.” Don’t provide written or recorded statements without legal representation.

Contact an Attorney Immediately The sooner you involve experienced legal counsel, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Our experienced Arlington criminal defense attorney team provides immediate consultation and begins investigating your case right away.

Don’t Discuss Your Case Avoid discussing your arrest or charges with friends, family, or cellmates. Prosecutors can subpoena anyone you’ve spoken with about the case.

Court Appearances and What to Expect

Arlington Municipal Court (currently at 101 S Mesquite St in the City Tower building) handles Class C misdemeanor cases. For more serious violent crimes, you’ll appear at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center (401 W Belknap St, Fort Worth, TX 76196), which houses all Tarrant County criminal courts.

 Arraignment Process:

• First appearance within 24-48 hours for bond setting
• Formal arraignment where charges are read and you enter a plea
• Pretrial conferences for plea negotiations and case management
• Trial setting if the case doesn’t resolve through plea agreement

Parking and Access:

• Tim Curry Justice Center has no free parking – metered street parking and nearby garages available
• Jurors can park free at La Grave Field (301 N.E. 6th St) with shuttle service
• Arrive early as parking can add significant time to your schedule
• Arlington Municipal Court parking available at 101 S Mesquite St

What to Bring:

• Photo identification
• Any court paperwork or subpoenas
• Contact information for your attorney
• Appropriate business attire (no shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops)

Bond and Release Information

Bond amounts for violent crimes vary significantly based on charge severity, criminal history, and flight risk assessment:

🏛️ Bond Processing Locations:

• Tarrant County Jail: 100 N Lamar St (24/7 bond window)
• Arlington Municipal Court: 101 S Mesquite St (business hours only)
• Authorized bail bondsmen: Multiple offices near Arlington City Hall and downtown Fort Worth

⏰ Release Timeline:

• Bond processing: 2-4 hours after payment
• Weekend arrests: Delays until Monday magistrate appearances
• Federal charges: Detention hearings required before release

Arlington’s Entertainment District Considerations

Many violent crime arrests in Arlington occur near major venues:

• AT&T Stadium area (1 AT&T Way) during Cowboys games and events
• Globe Life Field (734 Stadium Dr) during Rangers games
• Arlington Entertainment District along Collins Street
• Six Flags Over Texas (2201 Road to Six Flags) during peak seasons

Our attorneys understand how crowd dynamics, alcohol consumption, and heightened emotions at these venues can escalate minor disagreements into serious criminal charges. We’ve successfully defended numerous clients arrested near Arlington’s entertainment venues.

How Our Arlington Violent Crime Attorneys Can Help You

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

Our legal team conducts thorough investigations examining police reports for inconsistencies, interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence including forensics and surveillance footage, and assessing constitutional violations like illegal searches or Miranda rights violations.

Strategic Defense Development

We develop customized defense strategies including self-defense claims, alibi defenses with corroborating evidence, mistaken identity arguments, and mental health defenses involving psychiatric evaluations.

Aggressive Prosecution Negotiation

Our attorneys leverage decades of experience seeking charge dismissals, reduced charges from felonies to misdemeanors, alternative sentencing including probation, and plea agreements minimizing long-term consequences.

Trial Representation

When cases proceed to trial, our former prosecutors provide aggressive courtroom advocacy through strategic jury selection, compelling opening and closing arguments, effective cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, and expert witness testimony supporting defense theories.

Why Choose Us for Violent Crime Defense in Arlington?

Proven Track Record

Our firm has successfully defended thousands of criminal cases with numerous dismissals and not guilty verdicts. We bring decades of combined experience defending clients against violent crime charges in Tarrant County courts.

Former Prosecutor Advantage

Richard C. McConathy served as a prosecutor before dedicating his career to criminal defense. This insider knowledge provides understanding of prosecution strategies, familiarity with local judges and prosecutors, knowledge of plea negotiation processes, and insight into jury selection and trial tactics.

Local Expertise

As an Arlington-based law firm serving Tarrant County for over 35 years, we understand the local legal landscape through relationships with court personnel at Tim Curry Justice Center, experience with Arlington Police Department investigations, familiarity with Tarrant County prosecutors, knowledge of local judges across all 20 criminal courts, and understanding of community attitudes toward violent crimes.

Comprehensive Defense Team

Our legal team includes experienced criminal defense attorneys, investigators, and support staff dedicated to protecting your rights with Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist credentials, 35+ years combined experience, extensive trial experience, and 24/7 availability for emergency consultations.

Potential Penalties for Violent Crimes in Texas

Texas violent crime penalties are among the harshest in the nation. Understanding potential consequences emphasizes the importance of aggressive legal representation:

Enhanced Punishments

Prior felony convictions significantly increase penalties: One prior felony increases minimum sentence to next higher category, while two prior felonies result in 25 years to life under habitual offender laws. Deadly weapon use can trigger additional punishment enhancements.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond imprisonment and fines, violent crime convictions create lifelong consequences:

Loss of Civil Rights: Voting rights (restored after sentence completion), gun ownership and possession, jury service eligibility, and public office candidacy.

Employment and Housing Obstacles: Background check failures, professional license disqualification, security clearance denial, educational program exclusion, rental application rejections, public housing disqualification, and mortgage qualification challenges.

Defense Strategies for Violent Crimes

Self-Defense / Defense of Others

Texas law recognizes the right to defend yourself and others from unlawful force. Texas Penal Code Section 9.32 permits deadly force when reasonably believing it’s immediately necessary to protect against imminent threat of death, serious bodily injury, aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, robbery, or to prevent arson or burglary.

Our attorneys thoroughly investigate self-defense claims, gathering medical records, 911 call recordings, witness testimony, and expert testimony on reasonable force standards.

Lack of Intent

Many violent crimes require specific intent elements. Prosecutors must prove defendants intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly committed charged offenses. Challenges to intent include accident or mistake explanations, lack of premeditation in murder cases, and voluntary intoxication negating specific intent (limited applicability).

Mistaken Identity / False Accusation

Eyewitness testimony proves notoriously unreliable, especially during stressful violent encounters. Our attorneys challenge identification through cross-racial identification studies, stress and lighting factors affecting perception, suggestive identification procedures by police, and alibi evidence placing defendants elsewhere.

Research shows eyewitness misidentification contributes to 69% of wrongful convictions overturned by DNA evidence. Source: National Registry of Exonerations

We investigate thoroughly to expose false accusations of violent crimes, protecting innocent defendants from wrongful conviction.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

Police procedural violations can result in evidence suppression or case dismissal including illegal searches and seizures (Fourth Amendment), Miranda rights violations (Fifth Amendment), right to counsel denial (Sixth Amendment), and due process violations (Fourteenth Amendment).

Understanding Tarrant County Violent Crime Prosecution

District Attorney’s Office Policies

Tarrant County prosecutors take violent crimes seriously, often seeking maximum penalties. However, experienced defense attorneys can negotiate favorable outcomes by:

• Demonstrating weaknesses in prosecution evidence
• Presenting mitigation factors like community ties and employment history
• Offering cooperation in related cases when appropriate
• Proposing alternative sentencing options

Common Prosecution Strategies

Prosecutors typically build violent crime cases using:

• Victim testimony about injuries and fear
• Medical records documenting physical harm
• 911 call recordings capturing immediate aftermath
• Surveillance footage when available
• Expert witness testimony on injury patterns

Plea Negotiation Opportunities

Even strong prosecution cases may have negotiation opportunities:

• Charge reductions from felonies to misdemeanors
• Alternative sentencing including probation or treatment programs
• Deferred adjudication avoiding conviction records
• Time-served agreements for pretrial detention periods

Protecting Your Rights During Investigation

Pre-Charge Investigation

Police investigations often continue for weeks or months before filing formal charges. During this period:

• Remain silent about the incident
• Document your whereabouts and activities
• Preserve evidence that supports your defense
• Contact an attorney immediately

Grand Jury Proceedings

Felony cases require grand jury indictments before trial. Our attorneys can:

• Present exculpatory evidence to grand jurors
• Challenge witness testimony for inconsistencies
• Argue against probable cause for indictment
• Negotiate pre-indictment resolutions when possible

📞 Contact an Arlington Violent Crimes Defense Attorney Today

Violent crime charges threaten everything you’ve worked to build. Your freedom, family relationships, career prospects, and reputation hang in the balance. The prosecution has unlimited resources and experienced attorneys working against you – you need equally skilled legal representation fighting for your rights.

At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we understand the stakes and fight aggressively for every client. Our 35+ years of combined experience, hundreds of case dismissals, and thorough understanding of Tarrant County courts provide you with the best possible defense.

Don’t wait – time is critical in violent crime cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and prosecution builds stronger cases with each passing day.

Call (972) 528-0478 now for a confidential consultation with an experienced Arlington violent crimes attorney. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and begin building your defense immediately. 

Your future depends on the decisions you make today. Choose experienced, aggressive legal representation. Choose the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy.

We also have a location in Frisco, Dallas, and Fort-Worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a violent crime in Texas?

Texas defines violent crimes as offenses involving the intentional use or threatened use of physical force against another person. This includes assault, aggravated assault, murder, robbery, domestic violence, and kidnapping. The severity depends on factors like weapon use, injury extent, and victim relationships.

Can I get probation for a violent crime in Arlington?

Probation eligibility depends on specific charges and circumstances. First-time offenders facing lower-level violent crimes may qualify for probation, while repeat offenders or those charged with serious felonies face mandatory prison sentences. Our attorneys evaluate each case individually to determine available sentencing options.

What should I do if falsely accused of assault in Texas?

Immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney and exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t attempt to “clear things up” with police, as statements can be taken out of context. Document your whereabouts during the alleged incident and preserve any evidence supporting your innocence.

How serious is an aggravated assault charge?

Aggravated assault is a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Convictions create permanent felony records affecting employment, housing, and civil rights. Enhanced punishments apply for defendants with prior felony convictions or when deadly weapons are used.

Can violent crime charges be dropped in Texas?

Yes, violent crime charges can be dismissed under various circumstances including insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, witness unavailability, or successful self-defense claims. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case seeking dismissal opportunities and negotiating with prosecutors for favorable resolutions.