
Being charged with a violent crime can alter the course of your life, and a conviction only makes things worse. Texas’s violent crime laws cover a wide range of charges, from misdemeanor simple assault to felony murder. Even the lowest possible charge can leave you facing serious consequences, sometimes for the rest of your life. Luckily, a Farmers Branch violent crimes lawyer can help you with your defense.
If you’re facing charges in Farmers Branch, look no further than Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC. Our team brings over four decades of combined criminal law experience to the table, and we’re ready to put our knowledge and skills to work for you. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, it’s imperative that you learn about the basics of Texas violent crime laws to make it through your case. We’re here to help you do just that.
Criminal activities are typically categorized as crimes against people, crimes against property, and crimes against society. Crimes against people are labeled as violent crimes if the offender used or threatened to use physical force against the victim. Texas law enforcement agencies generally track four major categories of violent crimes, in accordance with the conventions of the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program:
There are many distinct charges that fall under the umbrella of violent crimes under Texas law. Each specific charge has its own potential penalties and legal nuances; you must know what these are to form the right defense in your particular case. This can get convoluted, which is why it’s recommended to hire a violent crimes attorney to support you.
Certain property crimes and white-collar crimes can also include elements of violent crimes, and vice versa, which can impact a final sentence. Every case is unique, and this can make navigating your charges all the more difficult. It’s critical to have a cohesive defense in place to support your side of the story.
In 2025, there were 237 total assault offenses reported by Farmers Branch PD, according to data from Texas’s Uniform Crime Reporting System. Nearly all (96%) of crimes against persons in the Farmers Branch Police Department’s jurisdiction that year were assault offenses.
Assaults also accounted for around 15.5% of the total reported crimes in Farmers Branch. Other violent offenses were comparatively rare; for example, there was only a single reported homicide in 2025.
Violent crimes are often prosecuted harshly under Texas law. Even a charge by itself can affect your life at a profound level. Fortunately, if you’re facing criminal charges, you don’t have to defend yourself on your own. Instead, you can turn to a Farmers Branch violent crimes attorney.
An attorney can help protect your rights from the moment you’re arrested; they can be present during police interrogation to help keep you safe from police tactics that could produce a worse outcome in your case. Whether your case goes to trial or is handled through plea bargaining, your violent crimes attorney in Farmers Branch, TX can guide you through the right moves and offer objective, honest advice to keep you grounded in a very stressful time.
Don’t take on these challenges alone. Your future is worth it.
Under Texas law, factors like the offender’s intent, the severity of the act, and the use of a weapon can influence the severity of the charges in a violent crime case. Violent crimes that are usually charged as felonies in Texas include aggravated assault, murder, robbery, and sexual assault. Simple assault cases are typically handled as misdemeanors, but certain aggravating factors specified in Sec. 22.01(b) of the Texas Penal Code can escalate charges.
The penalties for violent crimes in Farmers Branch vary depending on the nature and severity of the crime. You can typically expect violent crimes to carry serious consequences, including fines and time in jail or prison. Having a conviction on your record can also lead to long-term issues with employment, housing, and relationships. In some cases, you may be able to achieve a sentence involving alternative consequences like diversion programs and/or community service.
If and how you can avoid jail time for a violent crime in Farmers Branch ultimately depends on your charges and the facts of your case. It can be possible to negotiate a plea bargain, but successfully avoiding jail time for a violent crime can be challenging, especially without legal representation. It’s wise to hire a violent crime lawyer to help with your defense.
A viable defense against a violent criminal charge in Farmers Branch must be personalized for the charges against you. A Farmers Branch violent crimes lawyer can review your case and help you form a defense based on the facts. Common defenses include having an alibi, arguing for a lack of intent, or claiming self-defense or defense of others. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to challenge the prosecution’s case to dismiss the charges.
At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, our attorneys are focused on your future and on providing effective representation to protect your rights and freedoms. No matter how complicated matters seem, you can turn to us for honest counsel and steadfast advocacy.
We’re very familiar with procedures in local criminal courts. Our lead attorneys, Keith Harris and Kevin Harris, have extensive experience handling cases on both sides of the courtroom as former prosecutors.
If you’re ready to get the support you deserve in your case, contact our office to set up a consultation today. Our office is conveniently located in Dallas’s City Center District, just a short trip via the I-35E S from Farmers Branch, with convenient parking options nearby.