Dallas Assault and Domestic Violence Lawyer
How assault and family violence charges in Dallas are graded, where they are heard, and which Dallas County programs exist.
In short: Most Dallas assault and domestic violence cases are Class A misdemeanors under Texas Penal Code Section 22.01, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000. They are heard in the Dallas County Criminal Courts at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., and family violence cases are prosecuted by the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Family Violence Division. Some family violence cases are felonies, and County Criminal Court No. 11 runs a diversion program for some misdemeanor assault cases involving people under 25.
Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street.
How are assault charges graded in Texas?
| Conduct | Usual level | Punishment range |
|---|---|---|
| Threat of imminent bodily injury, or offensive contact | Class C misdemeanor | Fine up to $500 |
| Causing bodily injury | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year jail, fine up to $4,000 |
| Bodily injury to a family, household or dating partner with a qualifying prior, or by impeding breathing | Third degree felony | 2 to 10 years, fine up to $10,000 |
| Impeding breathing of a family, household or dating partner when the person has a qualifying prior | Second degree felony | 2 to 20 years, fine up to $10,000 |
| Serious bodily injury, or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon | Second degree felony | 2 to 20 years, fine up to $10,000 |
| Using a deadly weapon and causing serious bodily injury to a family, household or dating partner | First degree felony | 5 to 99 years or life, fine up to $10,000 |
Source: Texas Penal Code § 22.01 Source: Texas Penal Code § 22.02 Source: Texas Penal Code Chapter 12
"Bodily injury" means physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition, so a visible injury is not required. Source: Texas Penal Code § 1.07 For the full breakdown, see Class A vs Class C Assault in Texas and Aggravated Assault in Texas.
Where are Dallas assault cases heard?
- Class C assault by threat or offensive contact can be filed in the Dallas Municipal Court, 2014 Main St. Source: Dallas Municipal Court
- Class A family violence and assault cases go to the Dallas County Criminal Courts in the Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd. Source: Dallas County Criminal Court No. 1
- Felony assault and family violence cases go to the Dallas County Criminal District Courts in the same building. Source: Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 2
Who prosecutes domestic violence in Dallas?
The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office has a Family Violence Division focused on intimate partner violence, from assault and stalking cases up to the most serious charges. The same division represents people seeking protective orders. That means the office prosecuting the assault may also be helping the complainant seek a protective order, so what you say in one case can matter in the other. Source: Dallas County DA Family Violence Division
What happens after a family violence arrest in Dallas?
The person must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours after arrest. That is a deadline for seeing a magistrate, not a promise of release. Source: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 15.17 The magistrate may issue an emergency protective order, and must issue one when the arrest involves serious bodily injury or a deadly weapon. It can bar contact and require staying away from the residence, and it generally lasts 61 to 91 days, or 91 to 121 days when the arrest involved a deadly weapon. Source: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 17.292 Bond conditions in a family violence case are a separate order and can impose similar limits. Source: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 17.49
Violating a bond condition or protective order in a family violence case can be a separate criminal offense. Source: Texas Penal Code § 25.07
Can a Dallas assault case be diverted?
Possibly. Dallas County Criminal Court No. 11 runs Intercepted, a nine-month pretrial diversion program for adults charged with a misdemeanor assault. Its published requirements:
- Under age 25 with an unadjudicated, pre-plea misdemeanor assault charge.
- No prior convictions for assault and no violent charges in their history.
- No prior felony convictions, no pending charges, and not currently on probation.
On completion of all three phases, the pending charge is dismissed. Source: Dallas County Criminal Court No. 11, Intercepted Admission is screened, so ask early whether a case qualifies.
Can the alleged victim drop a Dallas assault charge?
No. The case belongs to the State. The prosecutor decides whether to ask for a dismissal, and a dismissal requires the judge's consent. Source: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 32.02 What the alleged victim wants can still matter. See Can the Victim Drop Charges?
What defenses apply to Dallas assault charges?
- No bodily injury. Without pain or impairment, a bodily injury charge may fit only Class C, though threat and contact assault do not require injury.
- Self-defense or defense of others. Texas law justifies force in defined situations. Source: Texas Penal Code § 9.31
- No qualifying relationship or prior. Felony enhancements require specific facts the State must prove. Lacking them can defeat the enhancement even if the underlying assault remains.
- Credibility and evidence. 911 audio, body camera video, photos and medical records often decide these cases.
Common questions
Is domestic violence a felony in Dallas?
Usually not on a first case. Family violence assault causing bodily injury is usually a Class A misdemeanor. It becomes a third degree felony with a qualifying prior family violence conviction or when the assault involved impeding breathing or circulation.
Where is the Dallas domestic violence court?
Misdemeanor and felony family violence cases are heard at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas.
Can I contact the alleged victim after a Dallas family violence arrest?
Not if a bond condition or protective order forbids it. Violating those conditions can lead to a new charge and revocation of bond.
Can I go back home after a family violence arrest in Dallas?
Not if an emergency protective order or bond condition orders you to stay away from the residence. Those orders control until a court changes them, even if the alleged victim invites you back.
Is there a diversion program for assault in Dallas County?
Yes, for some cases. County Criminal Court No. 11's Intercepted program takes some misdemeanor assault cases for people under 25 with no violent history, and completion leads to dismissal.
What is the punishment for assault bodily injury in Dallas?
Assault causing bodily injury is usually a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.
Last updated October 2026
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This page is general information about Texas law, not legal advice about your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.