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A criminal charge in Fort Worth carries real weight. A conviction can mean jail or prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent record that follows you into hiring decisions, housing applications, and professional licensing. If you are accused of assault, drug possession, theft, DWI, or any other offense in Tarrant County, you deserve a criminal defense attorney who knows Texas criminal law and how cases actually move through the local courts. Our team works to protect your rights, test the strength of the state’s evidence, and steer your case toward the best result available. We defend everything from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, and we shape each defense around the facts, the evidence, and the circumstances in front of us. If you have been arrested or believe you are under investigation in Fort Worth, reach out to talk through your options and begin building your defense.
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We Fight for Dismissals and Never Back Down from Trial
Our criminal attorneys in Fort Worth defend clients across a wide range of charges in state and federal court. Because no two cases are alike, we give each client’s situation careful, detailed attention, investigate the evidence thoroughly, and press hard when the case demands it.
Criminal Law
Criminal defense work in Fort Worth, Texas takes command of state statutes, local court procedures, and the specific habits of the prosecutors and judges who work throughout Fort Worth, TX. Whether you face felony accusations, misdemeanor charges, or allegations involving assault, theft, drug 0ffenses, DWI, or sex crimes, the criminal defense attorney you choose has to understand how Texas criminal law reaches your particular circumstances.
DWI Charges
DWI and DUI: Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. A DWI conviction can lead to license suspension, fines, jail time, and increased insurance costs.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence: Assault or other offenses committed against a family member or household member. These cases often involve protective orders and enhanced penalties.
Drug Charges
Drug crimes: Possession, delivery, or manufacturing of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs without authorization. Penalties vary based on the type and quantity of the drug.
Expungement Lawyer
Expunctions and record sealing: Clearing eligible arrests, charges, or criminal records from public view through expunctions or nondisclosure orders. A successful expunction can help protect employment opportunities, housing applications, professional licenses, and your reputation.
Sex Assault Lawyer
Theft Attorney
Theft and burglary: Taking property without consent or entering a building with intent to commit theft or another felony. Theft charges range from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies based on the value of the property.
Assault Attorney
Assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon: Allegations of causing bodily injury, threatening harm, or using a weapon during an altercation can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity and circumstances.
Prostitution and Solicitation Lawyer
Prostitution and solicitation offenses: Allegations involving the exchange or attempted exchange of money or other compensation for sexual conduct. These charges can carry fines, jail time, a permanent criminal record, and serious consequences for employment and reputation.
Fraud Attorney
Fraud offenses: Allegations involving deception or misrepresentation for financial gain, including credit card fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, and check fraud. Convictions can result in substantial fines, restitution, probation, or prison time depending on the amount involved and the circumstances of the case.
Intoxication Manslaughter
Fraud offenses: Allegations involving deception or misrepresentation for financial gain, including credit card fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, and check fraud. Convictions can result in substantial fines, restitution, probation, or prison time depending on the amount involved and the circumstances of the case.
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Top-rated attorneys in Texas
Who We Are
A criminal charge of any type has the ability to send an accused individual's life into complete upheaval.
A criminal accusation in Fort Worth can upend your life, put your freedom at risk, and cloud your future. Once the criminal justice system turns its attention to you, the choices you make in the hours and days after an arrest often decide whether you protect your rights or slide toward conviction and steep penalties. A Fort Worth criminal attorney gives you the seasoned representation needed to work through complicated criminal proceedings, contest the evidence, and safeguard your constitutional rights at every step.
Criminal defense work in Fort Worth, Texas calls for command of state statutes, the way local court procedures run at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, and the habits of the prosecutors and judges who staff Tarrant County. Whether you face felony accusations, misdemeanor charges, or allegations tied to assault, theft, drug offenses, DWI, or sex crimes, the criminal defense attorney you hire has to understand how Texas criminal law maps onto your specific situation. No two criminal cases share the same facts, evidence, and legal pressure points, so each one needs a strategy built for it.
The consequences of a criminal case reach far past the sentence itself. A conviction can bring jail time, prison sentences, sizable fines, probation conditions, loss of professional licenses, immigration fallout, and a permanent record that shadows employment, housing, and personal relationships for years. Picking the right attorney at law for your defense ranks among the most consequential decisions you will make while facing criminal charges in Fort Worth or anywhere in Tarrant County.
Unwavering commitment to protecting your rights.
Handling complex cases across all Texas courts.
Texas criminal law is governed primarily by the Texas Penal Code, which defines criminal offenses, penalties, and defenses. In Fort Worth, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office and heard in Tarrant County Criminal Courts. Misdemeanor cases are typically handled in the Tarrant County Criminal Courts, while felony cases proceed through the Criminal District Courts and the district courts, all of which sit at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center at 401 W. Belknap Street in Fort Worth. Understanding the court process, filing deadlines, and procedural rules is critical to building an effective defense.
| Offense Level | Examples | Potential Penalties | Court Jurisdiction | Where It's Heard in Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class C Misdemeanor | Theft under $100 , minor traffic offenses | Fine up to $500 | Municipal or Justice Court | Tarrant County Criminal Court |
| Class B Misdemeanor | First DWI , possession of small amounts of marijuana | Up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000 | County Criminal Court | Tarrant County Criminal Court |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Assault causing bodily injury , theft $750-$2,500 | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $4,000 | County Criminal Court | Tarrant County Criminal Court |
| State Jail Felony | Theft $2,500-$30,000 , certain drug possession | 180 days to 2 years in state jail, fine up to $10,000 | District Court | Criminal District Court (Tim Curry Justice Center) |
| Third-Degree Felony | Aggravated assault , some drug delivery charges | 2 to 10 years in prison, fine up to $10,000 | District Court | Criminal District Court (Tim Curry Justice Center) |
| Second-Degree Felony | Sexual assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon | 2 to 20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000 | District Court | Criminal District Court (Tim Curry Justice Center) |
| First-Degree Felony | Murder, aggravated robbery with serious injury | 5 years to life in prison, fine up to $10,000 | District Court | Criminal District Court (Tim Curry Justice Center) |
The severity of penalties depends on the offense level, prior criminal history, and aggravating factors such as use of a weapon, injury to a child, or commission of the crime in a school zone. Conviction can also result in probation conditions, community service, mandatory counseling, and loss of professional licenses. Our criminal defense attorney team reviews every element of the charge and the evidence to identify defenses and mitigation strategies that can reduce the impact on your life.
Every criminal case demands a defense built for its own facts, its own evidence, and the law that governs it. Our Fort Worth criminal defense process opens with a close consultation so we understand your situation, the charges, and what you want to achieve. From there we run an independent investigation, comb through police reports and witness statements, examine forensic evidence, and flag constitutional violations that could support suppression of evidence or dismissal of the charges.
Key components of our defense process include:
Our aim is the strongest outcome available, whether that is dismissal, acquittal, reduced charges, or lighter penalties. We keep you in the loop at every stage and bring you into the strategic decisions that shape your defense.
Helping Good People Through Tough Times
Strong criminal defense often comes down to testing the prosecution’s evidence and building reasonable doubt. Depending on the facts of your case, we may raise one or more of the following defenses:
We match the defense to the specific charges and the facts in front of us. Our criminal lawyer team has the experience to handle the complex evidentiary and procedural fights that can separate conviction from acquittal.
Choosing the right attorney is one of the most important calls you will make after a criminal charge. Our Fort Worth criminal defense practice rests on experience, aggressive advocacy, and close personal attention. We treat every client with respect and work relentlessly toward the best result on the table.
What sets our firm apart:
Our attorneys in Fort Worth treat a criminal charge as the crisis it is. We respond fast, investigate deeply, and advocate hard for you. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, we bring the skill and commitment your defense requires.
Understanding the criminal justice process in Tarrant County helps you know what to expect and how to protect your rights at each stage. The process typically unfolds as follows:
| Stage | Description | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest | You are taken into custody by police and transported to Tarrant County Jail for booking. | Request an attorney immediately and do not make statements to police without legal counsel. |
| Initial Appearance | Within 48 hours, you appear before a magistrate who informs you of the charges and sets bail. | Attorney can argue for reasonable bail or personal recognizance bond. |
| Bail and Release | You post bond and are released pending trial, or remain in custody if bail is denied or unaffordable. | Comply with all bond conditions, including check-ins, curfew, and no-contact orders. |
| Discovery and Investigation | Defense attorney reviews evidence, interviews witnesses, and files pre-trial motions. | Work with your attorney to identify alibi witnesses, gather documents, and develop defense strategy. |
| Pre-Trial Hearings | Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery are heard by the court. | Attorney argues legal issues and seeks favorable rulings that weaken the prosecution’s case. |
| Plea Negotiations | Prosecutor and defense attorney discuss possible plea agreements to resolve the case without trial. | Evaluate offers carefully with your attorney; accept only if the terms are in your best interest. |
| Trial | If no plea is reached, the case proceeds to jury trial or bench trial. | Attorney presents opening statement, cross-examines witnesses, and argues for acquittal. |
| Sentencing | If convicted, the court imposes sentence based on the offense level and your criminal history. | Attorney presents mitigation evidence and argues for minimum sentence or probation. |
| Appeal | After conviction, you may appeal legal errors or challenge the sufficiency of the evidence. | Attorney files notice of appeal and briefs outlining grounds for reversal. |
At every stage, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer protects your rights and improves your chances of a favorable outcome. We handle the legal complexities while you focus on your family, job, and life.
With Over 500 5-Star Reviews TCGD Have a Track Record of Client
When you hire a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth, you gain more than a lawyer, you gain a strategic partner who fights to protect your rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. Our approach is thorough, client-focused, and results-driven.
We start by pulling together every piece of available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, video footage, lab reports, and any physical evidence. We interview witnesses, walk the scene of the alleged crime, and consult expert witnesses when the case warrants it. The goal is to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and shape a persuasive defense narrative.
Many criminal cases in Tarrant County turn on pretrial motions. When law enforcement runs an illegal search, takes a confession without proper Miranda warnings, or tramples your constitutional rights, we file motions to suppress that evidence. Stripped of key evidence, the prosecution may have to reduce the charges or drop the case outright.
Not every case belongs in front of a jury. When the evidence is strong or a plea serves the client’s interests, we negotiate with the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office to secure reduced charges, deferred adjudication, or alternative sentencing. Programs such as drug court, veterans court, or mental health diversion can help clients sidestep a conviction and address the underlying issues.
If your case reaches trial, our criminal lawyers stand ready to mount a vigorous defense at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the state’s evidence, call defense witnesses, and argue the law to the judge and jury. The goal is to build reasonable doubt and win an acquittal.
Texas Criminal Defense
Retaining a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth means gaining an advocate who understands both Texas criminal law and the rhythm of the Tarrant County courts. We build each defense around your goals and the realities of the case in front of us.
Fort Worth criminal cases move through the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center on West Belknap Street, where misdemeanors are heard in the Tarrant County Criminal Courts and felonies proceed through the Criminal District Courts and the district courts. Knowing how each court operates, and how the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office charges and negotiates, helps us anticipate the state’s moves and position your defense early.
Many Fort Worth cases are decided long before trial. When law enforcement oversteps with an unlawful search, a coerced statement, or a rights violation, we file motions to suppress the tainted evidence. Once that evidence is off the table, the prosecution often has to reduce the charges or dismiss the case.
Some cases resolve best through negotiation. When it serves your interests, we work with Tarrant County prosecutors toward reduced charges, deferred adjudication, or diversion programs such as drug court, veterans court, or mental health court that can keep a conviction off your record.
If your case has to be tried, our criminal lawyers are prepared to fight it in front of a Tarrant County jury. We cross-examine the state’s witnesses, challenge the physical and forensic evidence, present our own witnesses, and argue the law until reasonable doubt is on the table.
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Effective criminal defense in Fort Worth, Texas starts with a strategy shaped to the specific facts of your case, the strength of the prosecution's evidence, and the outcome you are after. Some cases turn on pre-trial motions that suppress critical evidence, others call for taking the matter to a Tarrant County jury and proving reasonable doubt, and still others are best resolved through negotiated agreements that lower the charges or reduce punishment while avoiding the risk and cost of trial.
The United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution grant fundamental rights to anyone accused of a crime. These protections cap government power and demand fair treatment throughout the criminal justice system. A knowledgeable Fort Worth criminal attorney knows how to enforce those rights and challenge government violations that can lead to suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges.
The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires law enforcement to obtain warrants supported by probable cause before searching your home, vehicle, or person in most situations. Exceptions to the warrant rule exist for searches incident to arrest, consent searches, the plain view doctrine, and exigent circumstances, but police still have to meet strict legal standards. When officers run an illegal search, the evidence they turn up may be suppressed and barred from trial.
The Fifth Amendment protects your right against self-incrimination and your right to stay silent. You cannot be forced to testify against yourself, and prosecutors cannot comment on your choice not to take the stand. The Fifth Amendment also carries the right to due process, which means the government must follow fair procedures, give notice of the charges, and allow you to defend yourself. Double jeopardy protections stop the state from prosecuting you twice for the same criminal offense.
The Sixth Amendment secures the right to a speedy trial, the right to confront the witnesses against you through cross-examination, the right to compel witnesses to testify for you, and the right to counsel. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court must appoint one in any case where a conviction could bring jail time. The right to effective assistance of counsel means your attorney has to deliver competent representation that meets professional standards.
| Constitutional Right | What It Protects | Common Violations in Fort Worth Cases | Defense Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth Amendment (Search & Seizure) | Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; warrant requirement | Warrantless home searches, illegal traffic stops, searches beyond scope of consent | Motion to suppress evidence obtained through illegal search |
| Fifth Amendment (Self-Incrimination) | Right to remain silent; cannot be forced to testify against yourself | Custodial interrogation without Miranda warnings , coerced confessions | Motion to suppress statements; exclude confession from evidence |
| Sixth Amendment (Right to Counsel) | Right to attorney representation; right to effective assistance of counsel | Questioning after request for lawyer, inadequate legal representation | Suppress post-request statements; appeal based on ineffective assistance |
| Sixth Amendment (Confrontation) | Right to cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence against you | Hearsay testimony, forensic reports without expert testimony, anonymous witnesses | Object to inadmissible evidence ; require live testimony from analysts |
| Eighth Amendment (Bail & Punishment) | Protection from excessive bail and cruel or unusual punishment | Unreasonably high bail amounts, disproportionate sentences | Bail reduction motion ; sentencing appeals and mitigation evidence |
300 Throckmorton St suite 680, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: (817) 318-6207
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