Fort Worth Assault and Domestic Violence Lawyer

How assault and family violence charges from Fort Worth are graded, where they are heard, and what local programs exist.

In short: Most Fort Worth 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 Tarrant County Criminal Courts at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St., and prosecuted by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office. Some family violence cases are felonies, and some partner cases may qualify for the county's Domestic Violence Diversion Program.

Our office is in downtown Dallas. We do not have an office in Fort Worth, but we defend assault and family violence cases in the Fort Worth and Tarrant County courts.

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 Fort Worth assault cases heard?

Class C assault by threat or offensive contact can be filed in the Fort Worth Municipal Court, 1000 Throckmorton St., which hears fine-only Class C cases. Source: City of Fort Worth Municipal Court
Class A family violence and assault cases go to the Tarrant County Criminal Courts in the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St. Source: Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 4
Felony assault and family violence cases go to the Tarrant County felony courts in the same building. Source: Tarrant County Felony Courts

Who prosecutes domestic violence in Fort Worth?

The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes family violence and has an Intimate Partner Violence unit. A special team handles felony cases, and a misdemeanor court handles lower-level domestic violence offenses. The prosecutor can ask the court for a bond condition that bars contact with the alleged victim beyond an emergency protective order, but the court decides. Source: Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney

What happens after a family violence arrest in Fort Worth?

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 In family violence cases, 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 Fort Worth domestic violence case be diverted?

Possibly. Tarrant County runs a Domestic Violence Diversion Program. Its published criteria are:

Partner-on-partner violence.
No current or prior protective order violations.
No stalking activity.
No open warrants and no other pending charges.
No prior history of diversion.
Commitment to completing a prescribed program.
Consent of the alleged victim.

Source: Tarrant County Domestic Violence Diversion Program

The county's Deferred Prosecution Program for people age 17 to 26 excludes offenses where someone was injured or placed in danger, so an assault case alleging injury does not qualify for it. Source: Tarrant County CDA Deferred Prosecution Program Guidelines

Can the alleged victim drop a Fort Worth 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, and the diversion program above requires the alleged victim's consent. See Can the Victim Drop Charges?

What defenses apply to Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth?

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 Fort Worth domestic violence court?

Misdemeanor and felony family violence cases are heard at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth.

Can I contact the alleged victim after a Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth?

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.

Does Tarrant County have a domestic violence diversion program?

Yes. The Domestic Violence Diversion Program accepts some partner-on-partner cases that meet its criteria, including the alleged victim's consent and no prior diversion.

What is the punishment for assault bodily injury in Fort Worth?

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

How do I get started?

Talk with Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC about your Fort Worth case. Call 817-854-4745 for a free consultation. Criminal defense consultations are free. Your consultation is with our Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. If you hire us, an attorney handles your case.

Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC, 325 N St. Paul Street, Suite 3129, Dallas, TX 75201.

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.