When you are accused of a violent crime in Texas, the clock starts ticking immediately. Law enforcement in Dallas and Collin counties move aggressively to secure evidence, interview witnesses, and build a case against you. If you wait to see how things play out, you are already losing.
At Lewis & Ashworth, PLLC, our experience as former prosecutors has shown us that the most crucial window in any violent crime case is the first 48 hours. What you do — and more importantly, what you don’t do — during this time can determine whether you face decades in prison or walk away with your freedom intact.
If you or a loved one are under investigation or have been arrested for assault, aggravated assault, robbery, or any other violent offense, you need a violent crimes lawyer in Dallas who understands how the state builds its case and how to dismantle it from the inside out.
Why the First 48 Hours Matter More Than Anything Else
In violent crime cases, evidence is highly volatile and disappears fast. Witness memories begin to fade and are easily influenced by police questioning within hours of an incident. Surveillance footage from businesses, traffic cameras, and private residences is routinely overwritten within 24 to 48 hours if no preservation request is made. Physical evidence at the scene can be compromised, contaminated, or simply lost in the chaos of an active investigation.
Perhaps most critically, the narrative is set in the first 48 hours. Police reports are written quickly, and they almost always reflect the version of events provided by the complainant. Once that narrative is established in official documentation, it becomes the foundation of the prosecution’s entire case. Changing it later is an uphill battle.
As a leading Dallas violent crimes attorney team, we know that early intervention is the key to a successful defense. We don’t wait for the prosecution to hand over their evidence; we conduct our own parallel investigation immediately.
The Three Biggest Mistakes People Make
When faced with serious allegations, panic sets in. That panic leads to critical mistakes that can destroy an otherwise defensible case.
Talking to the Police is the single most common and devastating error. You cannot talk your way out of a violent crime charge. Detectives are trained interrogators who use psychological tactics — including false statements about what other witnesses have said — to elicit confessions or inconsistent statements. Even if you are entirely innocent, a minor inconsistency in your account can be used as evidence of guilt. The rule is simple: invoke your right to remain silent and demand an attorney. Say nothing else.
Contacting the Alleged Victim is the second most common mistake. In assault and family violence cases, the accused often tries to reach out to “work things out” or offer an apology. This is a catastrophic error. Any contact — regardless of your intent — can be construed as witness tampering or intimidation, leading to additional felony charges and the immediate revocation of your bond.
Discussing the Case with Anyone Other Than Your Attorney is equally dangerous. Jail phone calls are recorded and routinely reviewed by prosecutors. Conversations with friends and family can be subpoenaed. Social media posts can be used as evidence of your state of mind, your intent, or your whereabouts. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your attorney.
How a Dallas Violent Crimes Lawyer Protects You in the First 48 Hours
When you hire Lewis & Ashworth, PLLC immediately after an accusation or arrest, we deploy a comprehensive defense strategy without delay.
Securing and Preserving Evidence is our first priority. We issue preservation letters to businesses, municipalities, and private parties to ensure that surveillance footage is not overwritten. We dispatch investigators to the scene to locate and interview witnesses the police may have overlooked or whose accounts differ from the official narrative. We gather digital evidence — text messages, GPS data, financial records, and social media activity — that can establish an alibi or prove that you acted in lawful self-defense.
Pre-Charge Intervention is one of the most powerful tools available to an experienced Collin County assault lawyer or Dallas defense attorney. If you have not yet been formally charged, we contact the investigating detectives and the District Attorney’s office directly. We present exculpatory evidence and legal arguments demonstrating why charges should not be filed or why they should be significantly reduced. This proactive approach has saved countless clients from the devastating consequences of a felony indictment.
Aggressive Bond Representation is critical if you have been arrested. Securing your release is our immediate priority. We represent you at the initial bail hearing to argue for a reasonable bond and manageable conditions. We understand the nuances of the Texas bail system and we fight to keep you out of custody while your case is pending, so you can continue working, supporting your family, and actively participating in your own defense.
Building an Affirmative Defense begins the moment we are retained. We don’t simply look for weaknesses in the state’s case; we build a compelling counter-narrative supported by hard evidence and expert testimony. Whether we are arguing self-defense, defense of a third party, mistaken identity, or lack of criminal intent, we construct a case that gives the jury a reason to acquit.
The Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction in Texas
The stakes in a violent crime case could not be higher. First-degree felonies such as aggravated robbery and murder carry potential life sentences. Aggravated assault, a second-degree felony, carries 2 to 20 years in prison. Even a conviction for a third-degree violent offense can result in 2 to 10 years in prison, a permanent felony record, the loss of your right to vote and possess a firearm, and the destruction of your career and professional licenses.
If you have prior felony convictions on your record, the stakes are even higher. Under Texas’s habitual offender enhancement statutes, a third felony conviction can result in a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in prison — even for offenses that would normally carry far lighter penalties.
Don’t Face the State Alone
The prosecution has vast resources, experienced investigators, and the full weight of the government behind them. You cannot fight them alone, and you cannot afford to wait.
At Lewis & Ashworth, PLLC, our violent crimes lawyers in Dallas and Plano have successfully tried over 250 misdemeanor and felony cases. We know how the state builds violent crime cases, and we know how to beat them. We have the professional relationships, the courtroom experience, and the tenacity to protect your future.
If you or a loved one are facing violent crime allegations, call us immediately at 214-239-8007 for a free, confidential consultation. The first 48 hours are everything — don’t waste them.
Lewis & Ashworth, PLLC | Criminal Defense Attorneys | 101 E. Park Blvd, Suite 230, Plano, Texas 75074 | Serving Dallas-Fort Worth