Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
Assault charges in Dallas can escalate quickly. What starts as a misdemeanor can become a felony depending on the injuries, the circumstances, or whether a weapon is involved. And the consequences can follow you for years. But a charge is not a conviction.
These cases often come down to what actually happened—and whether the state can prove intent and harm.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we defend assault cases by challenging the evidence and protecting your rights from the start.
If you’ve been accused, speak with an experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer now.
Call (972) 528-0116 for a confidential consultation.
The hours following an assault charge are critical. Prosecutors in Dallas County move quickly to build their case against you, and every moment you wait is an opportunity for crucial evidence to disappear or witnesses’ memories to fade.
Security camera footage gets recorded over, witnesses become harder to locate, and physical evidence changes or deteriorates. Meanwhile, anything you say to police, friends, family members, or on social media can be used against you.
When you hire our firm, we can:
Protect your constitutional rights: We ensure you don’t inadvertently incriminate yourself while talking to law enforcement.
Begin gathering evidence: Our team will identify and preserve critical evidence including surveillance footage, witness statements, medical records, and physical evidence that supports your defense.
Interview witnesses while memories are fresh: We act quickly to document accounts that may exonerate you or cast doubt on the prosecution’s version of events.
File necessary motions: We can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge improper procedures, or address constitutional violations.
Negotiate with prosecutors from a position of strength: Early involvement allows us to present exculpatory evidence before they’ve committed to a specific theory of the case.
Call our Dallas criminal defense attorneys at (972) 528-0116 today to ensure your rights are protected from day one.
After an assault arrest in Dallas County, you’ll typically be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center at 111 West Commerce Street in downtown Dallas—the primary detention facility for all Dallas County arrests. Your actions from this point forward can significantly impact your case. Follow these critical steps:
When you retain our firm, you’re getting a dedicated team of criminal defense professionals who will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Here’s how we’ll protect your rights and build the strongest possible defense:
Immediate case evaluation and strategic planning:
We’ll review every aspect of your case including the arrest report, witness statements, physical evidence, and any other relevant information to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a customized defense strategy.
Thorough investigation of the alleged incident:
Our team will conduct an independent investigation to uncover evidence that supports your defense, including interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance footage, consulting with experts, and visiting the scene.
Protection of your constitutional rights:
We’ll ensure that law enforcement followed proper procedures during your arrest and investigation. If your rights were violated, we’ll file motions to suppress evidence obtained through those violations.
Skilled negotiation with prosecutors:
Our longstanding relationships with prosecutors and familiarity with Dallas County courts give us an advantage in negotiation. We’ll work to get charges reduced, dismissed, or resolved through alternative programs when appropriate.
Aggressive trial representation when necessary:
While many cases can be resolved through negotiation, we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if that’s in your best interest. With over 1,000 cases dismissed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we have the courtroom experience necessary to achieve favorable verdicts.
Guidance through every step:
Criminal proceedings can be confusing and overwhelming. We’ll explain what’s happening at each stage, answer your questions, and ensure you understand your options.
Contact our legal team today to discuss how we can help with your assault charges.
Understanding the arrest and court process helps you know what to expect. Here’s the typical timeline for assault charges in Dallas County:
After your arrest anywhere in Dallas County—whether by Dallas PD, Irving Police, Carrollton PD, or any other local agency—you’ll be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center (111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202) for booking and processing. The booking process typically takes 2-4 hours and includes fingerprinting, photographing, health screening, and entry into the Dallas County jail database.
You can be located in the system by calling the jail information line at (214) 761-9025 or using the Dallas County Jail Lookup online system. Keep in mind it may take several hours after arrest before you appear in the system, especially during overnight or weekend bookings.
Within 24 to 48 hours of your arrest, you’ll appear before a magistrate judge who will inform you of the charges against you and set a bond amount. For many offenses, Dallas County uses a bond schedule, which means bond may be set before the magistration hearing occurs.
Typical bond amounts for assault charges in Dallas County:
| Charge Type | Typical Bond Range |
|---|---|
| Class C Assault (Contact) | $500 – $1,000 |
| Class B Assault (Threats) | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Class A Assault (Bodily Injury) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Assault Family Violence | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| Aggravated Assault | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Assault with Deadly Weapon | $25,000 – $100,000+ |
Important: These are guidelines only. Judges have discretion based on criminal history, severity of injuries, flight risk, and community safety concerns. Texas Senate Bill 6 prohibits personal recognizance bonds for defendants accused of violent crimes, including assault.
Once bond is set, you have several options for posting bail:
Cash Bond: Pay the full amount in person at the Lew Sterrett bond desk (open 24/7). Dallas County accepts cash, cashier’s checks, and money orders. The full amount is refundable after case conclusion (minus court fees) if you attend all court appearances.
Surety Bond: Work with a licensed bail bondsman who charges a non-refundable fee of approximately 10% of the total bond amount. For example, on a $10,000 bond, you’d pay the bondsman $1,000, and they post the full amount with the court.
After release on bond, your case will be handled at the Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75207), which houses all Dallas County criminal courts. Depending on the severity of your charge, you’ll appear in either:
County Criminal Courts (3rd and 4th floors): Handle Class A and Class B misdemeanor assault cases Criminal District Courts (6th floor): Handle felony assault charges including aggravated assault
The building is located in downtown Dallas near the Trinity River, accessible via DART rail (Cedars Station on the Green and Orange Lines is about a 10-minute walk). Parking is available in nearby lots, though it can be expensive and limited—plan to arrive early for court appearances.
Your first court appearance (arraignment) will occur at Frank Crowley Courts, typically within a few weeks of your arrest. At arraignment:
Our attorneys will be with you at every court appearance, handling all legal arguments and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
When you’re facing assault charges that could impact the rest of your life, the attorney you choose makes all the difference. Here’s why clients throughout Dallas County trust the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy:
Over 35 years of criminal defense experience in North Texas courts. Since 2002, our firm has handled more than 6,000 criminal cases across Dallas County and surrounding areas. This extensive experience means we understand how local courts operate, know the prosecutors and judges, and have developed effective strategies for defending assault charges in this jurisdiction.
Deep familiarity with Dallas County courts and prosecutors. We appear in Dallas County courtrooms regularly, giving us insight into how specific judges rule on motions, which arguments resonate with local juries, and how prosecutors handle assault cases. We know the Frank Crowley Courts Building inside and out—from which courtrooms hear which types of cases to the best strategies for each of the County Criminal Courts (Courts 1-10 on the 3rd and 4th floors) and Criminal District Courts (Courts 1-7 on the 6th floor).
Proven track record of successful outcomes. Our firm has secured over 1,000 case dismissals in the DFW area, including numerous assault charges. We’ve successfully defended clients charged with everything from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Exclusive focus on criminal defense. Unlike general practice firms that handle a little bit of everything, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. This specialization means we stay current on the latest developments in criminal law and maintain relationships with prosecutors and judges.
Personalized attention to every case. We understand that you’re not just a case number—you’re a person whose future hangs in the balance. We take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
Aggressive advocacy when you need it most. We don’t back down from prosecutors or accept unfavorable plea deals just to close a case quickly. We fight tenaciously for our clients, whether that means negotiating favorable resolutions or taking cases to trial when necessary.
We represent clients facing assault charges throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas:
Dallas County: Dallas, Irving, Carrollton, Richardson, Mesquite, Garland, Grand Prairie, Farmers Branch, Addison, Balch Springs, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, University Park, Highland Park
Neighboring Counties: Tarrant County (Fort Worth, Arlington), Denton County (Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound), Collin County (Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen), Rockwall County, Kaufman County, Ellis County
Whether you were arrested near Downtown Dallas, the Design District, Deep Ellum, Las Colinas in Irving, or any other location in North Texas, our team is ready to defend your rights.
Understanding the legal definition and classifications of assault in Texas is critical to mounting an effective defense. The Texas Penal Code defines assault more broadly than most people realize, and what seems like a minor incident can result in serious criminal charges.
Under Texas Penal Code § 22.01, assault occurs when a person:
Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person. This is the most common form of assault charge. “Bodily injury” means physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition. Importantly, the injury doesn’t need to be severe—even minor injuries like bruises, scratches, or temporary pain can support an assault charge.
Intentionally or knowingly threatens another with imminent bodily injury. You can be charged with assault even if no physical contact occurs. If the alleged victim reasonably believed you were about to harm them, and you intended to create that fear, it can constitute assault.
Intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. This covers situations where there’s no injury and no specific threat, but unwanted physical contact occurs.
The severity of assault charges depends on several factors, including who the alleged victim is, whether a weapon was involved, and the extent of injuries.
Class C Misdemeanor Assault: Assault by contact (offensive or provocative touching without injury) is typically charged as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. While this is the least serious assault charge, it still results in a criminal record.
Class B Misdemeanor Assault: Assault involving threats of imminent bodily injury is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000.
Class A Misdemeanor Assault: Simple assault causing bodily injury is generally a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine up to $4,000. However, this charge can be enhanced to a felony under certain circumstances.
Third-Degree Felony Assault: Assault becomes a third-degree felony (punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000) when:
Second-Degree Felony Assault: Some circumstances elevate the charge to a second-degree felony (2-20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000), including assault against a family member involving strangulation where there’s a prior conviction for assault with strangulation.
Our firm defends clients against the full spectrum of assault charges prosecuted in Dallas County courts. Each type of assault charge presents unique challenges and requires specific defense strategies:
Domestic assault involves alleged violence against a family member, household member, or dating partner. These cases often arise from arguments that escalate, mutual combat situations, or false accusations made in the context of divorce or child custody disputes. Texas takes domestic violence allegations very seriously, and protective orders are routinely issued even before any conviction.
We understand the sensitive nature of family violence cases and work to achieve outcomes that protect both your rights and your relationships. Learn more about our domestic assault defense services.
When domestic assault involves serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to aggravated domestic assault—a felony that carries substantial prison time. These cases require particularly aggressive defense strategies. Read more about defending aggravated domestic assault charges.
Texas law specifically addresses assault involving impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood by applying pressure to the throat, neck, or blocking the nose or mouth. Even if no visible injuries result, assault by strangulation is charged as a felony when it involves a family member or dating partner. Learn how we defend assault by strangulation cases.
When an assault involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon, charges are enhanced to aggravated assault—a second-degree felony carrying 2-20 years in prison. A “deadly weapon” under Texas law includes not just guns and knives, but any object capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. Discover our approach to assault with a deadly weapon defense.
Simple assault cases typically involve minor injuries, threats, or offensive physical contact. While these are usually charged as misdemeanors, they still carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Our firm has successfully defended numerous assault charges throughout Dallas County:
These results demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes across a wide range of assault cases, from simple assault to serious felony charges.
Every assault case is unique, and effective defense requires a strategy tailored to the specific facts, evidence, and circumstances of your situation. We may pursue one or more of the following defense approaches:
Self-Defense: Texas law allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves from harm. If you were defending yourself against an attack, we’ll gather evidence demonstrating that your actions were justified.
Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, Texas law permits the use of reasonable force to protect another person from harm.
Lack of Intent: Many assault charges require proof that you acted “intentionally” or “knowingly.” If the alleged injury was accidental, this can be a viable defense.
False Accusations: False assault allegations occur frequently, often motivated by relationship disputes, child custody battles, revenge, or attempts to gain advantage in civil proceedings. We’ll investigate thoroughly to uncover evidence of false accusations.
Consent: In certain situations, consent may be a defense to assault charges. This defense is most commonly raised in cases involving mutual combat or contact sports.
Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of an assault charge beyond a reasonable doubt. We’ll scrutinize the evidence to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or weaknesses that create reasonable doubt.
Violation of Constitutional Rights: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, we’ll file motions to suppress evidence obtained through those violations.
Mistaken Identity: In cases involving multiple people or chaotic situations, mistaken identity can be a viable defense.
The defense strategy we recommend will depend entirely on the specific facts of your case.
The consequences of an assault conviction extend far beyond the immediate criminal penalties. Understanding what you’re facing helps you make informed decisions about your defense.
Class C Misdemeanor (Assault by Contact):
Class B Misdemeanor (Assault – Threat):
Class A Misdemeanor (Simple Assault):
Third-Degree Felony (Enhanced Assault):
Second-Degree Felony (Aggravated Assault):
A conviction for assault—even a misdemeanor—creates consequences that can impact virtually every aspect of your life:
Employment challenges: Many employers conduct background checks and may be unwilling to hire someone with an assault conviction. Professional licenses may be revoked or denied.
Housing limitations: Landlords frequently reject rental applications from individuals with criminal records, especially violent offenses.
Education impacts: College admissions offices consider criminal history, and assault convictions can result in application denials or loss of scholarships.
Loss of firearm rights: Felony assault convictions result in permanent loss of the right to possess firearms under federal law. Even some misdemeanor assault convictions—particularly those involving family violence—trigger firearm prohibitions.
Immigration consequences: Non-citizens convicted of assault face serious immigration consequences including deportation, inadmissibility, and denial of citizenship applications.
Professional licensing: Teachers, nurses, attorneys, and other licensed professionals may face license suspension, revocation, or denial of licensure following an assault conviction.
Child custody and visitation: Assault convictions—particularly those involving family violence—can impact child custody determinations and visitation rights in family law proceedings.
Social stigma: Beyond legal consequences, an assault conviction carries social stigma that can damage personal relationships and reputation in the community.
| Charge Classification | Maximum Jail/Prison Time | Maximum Fine | Criminal Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C Misdemeanor | None | $500 | Permanent |
| Class B Misdemeanor | 180 days | $2,000 | Permanent |
| Class A Misdemeanor | 1 year | $4,000 | Permanent |
| Third-Degree Felony | 10 years | $10,000 | Permanent |
| Second-Degree Felony | 20 years | $10,000 | Permanent |
Given the serious consequences of an assault conviction, mounting an aggressive defense is essential. Our goal is to avoid conviction entirely through dismissal, acquittal, or reduction to a lesser charge.
Assault charges can escalate quickly — especially if the situation is still developing or emotions are involved.
What starts as an accusation can turn into formal charges fast.
And once that happens, every step you take matters.
This is the point where having a defense lawyer changes everything.
At The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve spent decades defending assault cases across Dallas County. We know how these situations unfold — and how to step in early to protect your position before things get worse.
📞 Call (972) 528-0116 now to speak directly with our office.
We’ll help you understand what’s happening, what to expect next, and how to move forward the right way.
Assault can be either a misdemeanor or a felony in Texas, depending on the specific circumstances. Simple assault causing bodily injury is typically a Class A misdemeanor. However, assault becomes a felony when it involves:
Third-degree felony assault carries 2-10 years in prison, while second-degree felony assault (aggravated assault) carries 2-20 years in prison.
After an assault charge in Dallas County, you’ll be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center (111 West Commerce Street) for booking and processing. Within 24-48 hours, you’ll appear before a magistrate judge who will inform you of your charges and set bond.
The typical process includes:
Call our office at (972) 528-0116 to begin building your defense.
Yes, assault charges can be dropped (dismissed) in Texas, though it depends on the specific circumstances. Common reasons assault charges are dismissed include:
It’s important to understand that even if the alleged victim wants charges dropped, the final decision rests with the prosecutor’s office. However, an experienced assault defense attorney can present evidence and arguments that persuade prosecutors to dismiss charges. Our firm has secured dismissals in numerous assault cases throughout Dallas County.
Punishment for assault in Texas varies based on the classification of the offense:
Misdemeanor assault punishments:
Felony assault punishments:
Beyond these direct criminal penalties, assault convictions carry long-term consequences including criminal record impacts on employment and housing, potential loss of firearm rights, professional licensing issues, and immigration consequences for non-citizens.
In Texas, most assault convictions remain on your criminal record permanently unless successfully expunged or sealed through an order of nondisclosure.
Expunction (complete removal from your record): You may be eligible for expunction if:
Nondisclosure (sealing the record): If you received deferred adjudication probation for certain offenses and successfully completed probation, you may be eligible to petition for nondisclosure, which seals your record from most public access (though law enforcement and certain licensing agencies can still see it).
Important limitations: Assault convictions involving family violence generally cannot be sealed or expunged. Felony assault convictions remain permanently on your record with extremely limited expunction eligibility.
Given the permanent nature of most assault convictions, fighting the charges aggressively to avoid conviction is critical.
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
