Violent Crime Attorney in Dallas

Serious Charges, Clear Guidance & Strong Defense

Being arrested or investigated for a violent offense can put your freedom, record, and future at risk. You may be worried about prison, your job, and how this will affect your family. At Aulbaugh Law, we represent people facing serious violent crime charges in Dallas and work to guide them through every stage of the process.

Our firm is led by Attorney James Aulbaugh, a criminal defense lawyer who is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a former Chief Felony Prosecutor who has handled more than 10,000 criminal cases and participated in over 120 jury trials. When you contact us, you get a calm, informed explanation of your situation and your options, not scare tactics.

We know that time matters when someone is in custody or under investigation. We offer free initial consultations and operate with a transparent fee structure and payment plans. To discuss your case directly with our team, you can call (214) 380-3383 or reach out online for a confidential consultation.

Types Of Violent Crime Cases We Handle in Dallas

Texas law treats violent offenses very seriously, particularly when there are allegations of weapons, serious bodily injury, or a history of prior convictions. We represent people accused of a wide range of felony and misdemeanor violent crimes, and we work to explain how the specific charge affects possible outcomes in each case.

Common cases we defend include:

• Assault and aggravated assault. These can involve claims of physical contact that caused pain, threats of harm, or injuries that prosecutors describe as serious bodily injury. Factors such as the use of a weapon, the relationship between the parties, and any prior assault convictions can influence how these cases are filed and punished.
• Family and dating violence. Accusations of family violence or domestic assault often involve protective orders, restrictions on returning home, and potential firearm consequences. A single heated argument can quickly result in a criminal case and long-term conditions if not handled carefully.
• Robbery and aggravated robbery. This typically involves allegations of force or threats during a theft. These offenses are generally treated as serious felony cases, and prosecutors often pursue significant prison time, especially when weapons or injuries are alleged.
• Serious allegations such as sexual assault or homicide. These cases can involve intensive investigations, forensic evidence, and substantial media or community attention. Our role is to provide steady, informed guidance, to examine the evidence carefully, and to work to protect the client’s rights at every stage.

Certain violent cases can be filed or investigated in federal court, particularly when they involve alleged conduct across state lines or specific federal statutes. As a violent crime attorney in Dallas, our firm is able to address those situations when they arise and explain how federal procedures may differ from state proceedings.

Penalties of Violent Crime Convictions in Dallas

The Texas Penal Code is notoriously unforgiving toward violent offenders. A violent crime attorney in Dallas fights to keep you out of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and avoid these life-altering outcomes:

Statutory Penalties

• First-Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison; fines up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison; fines up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison; fines up to $10,000.
• State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility.

Collateral Consequences

• Firearm Prohibitions: Under both Texas and Federal law, a felony conviction results in a lifetime ban on possessing firearms or ammunition.
• The "Violent Offender" Label: This status often prevents you from qualifying for certain types of community supervision or early parole.
• Professional Licensing: Convictions for crimes of violence are considered "crimes of moral turpitude" and will lead to the immediate revocation of licenses for nurses, teachers, pilots, and other professionals.
• Housing and Employment: Most landlords and employers in North Texas utilize background checks that automatically disqualify individuals with violent felony records.

What To Do After A Violent Crime Arrest

The hours and days after a violent crime arrest are often confusing and frightening. You may not know what to say, what not to say, or how the court process will work. Taking a few careful steps can help protect your rights and give your attorney a better opportunity to assist you.

The most important step is to exercise your right to remain silent until you have spoken with a criminal defense lawyer. Law enforcement officers and detectives may want detailed statements or interviews. Anything you say can be used in court, and it can be difficult to correct or explain later. Politely stating that you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions is a lawful and important choice.

Helpful steps to take after a violent crime arrest:

• Ask for a lawyer and avoid answering detailed questions about the incident
• Avoid discussing the case on recorded jail calls, text messages, or social media
• Have a trusted family member or friend contact our office quickly
• Gather names and contact information for any witnesses or people who were present
• Keep paperwork from the arrest or court, including any bond conditions or protective orders

The earlier a violent crime defense lawyer in Dallas becomes involved, the more opportunities there may be to address bond, preserve favorable evidence, and prepare for the first hearings. We aim to keep clients and their families informed as the case progresses so they are not left wondering what comes next.

How We Defend Violent Crime Charges

Every violent crime case requires an individualized defense. We focus on understanding the specific facts, evidence, and legal issues involved, then build a strategy grounded in careful preparation and realistic guidance. Our goal is to help clients make informed decisions based on how their case actually looks, not on assumptions or a one-size-fits-all approach.

We closely review police reports, witness statements, body camera footage, medical records, and digital evidence, paying special attention to how that evidence was collected. Many violent crime defense Dallas cases turn on issues such as self-defense, misidentification, lack of intent, or witness credibility, and we evaluate whether the evidence truly supports the allegations.

Drawing on Attorney Aulbaugh’s experience as a former Chief Felony Prosecutor, we prepare cases with trial in mind while also evaluating any plea discussions. We anticipate how prosecutors may present the case, identify weaknesses, and explain options clearly at each stage. Throughout the process, we prioritize communication so clients understand what is happening and what choices lie ahead.

Why Choose Our Violent Crime Defense in Dallas

Attorney Aulbaugh is Board Certified in Criminal Law, which is a credential held by a relatively small number of criminal defense attorneys in Texas. Board Certification requires significant trial work, rigorous testing, and ongoing practice in criminal law. For someone whose future is on the line, that additional level of training and review can be an important factor when choosing counsel.

Our background is not just on paper. Over more than 10,000 cases and 120 jury trials, our attorney has worked on a wide range of serious felonies, including offenses involving allegations of violence. This level of courtroom experience can be critical when plea offers are on the table or a case is set for a jury trial.

We also handle cases in both Texas state courts and the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Some serious allegations can involve federal investigations or charges, and our licensing allows us to represent clients in those courts when needed. From our office in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, we serve people throughout the DFW metroplex who are seeking a violent crime lawyer in Dallas.

Key reasons people choose our firm for serious charges:

• Board-certified criminal defense led by Attorney James Aulbaugh
• Former Chief Felony Prosecutor with extensive felony trial experience
• More than 10,000 cases handled and over 120 jury trials
• Representation in Texas state courts and the Northern District of Texas
• Transparent fees, payment plans, and free initial consultations

Talk With A Dallas Violent Crime Attorney Today

If you or a loved one is facing a violent crime accusation, you do not have to navigate this alone. Speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges, the process, and the options that may be available in your situation.

At Aulbaugh Law, we bring Board Certification in Criminal Law, former Chief Felony Prosecutor experience, and thousands of criminal cases to every new matter. We serve clients throughout the DFW metroplex from our office in the Oak Lawn neighborhood and work to provide honest advice, clear communication, and steady guidance.

We offer free consultations and a straightforward fee structure with payment plans, so you can focus on the decisions ahead rather than worrying about hidden costs. Call (214) 380-3383 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.