Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC | Fort Worth Violent Crimes Lawyer | Criminal Defense

As Fort Worth criminal defense lawyers, we fight to protect clients accused of committing violent crimes and assaultive charges in Tarrant County, Texas, including the most serious murder or capital murder charges. If you or a loved one is facing a serious assaultive, violent, murder or capital murder charge, then you need an experienced Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer. You will deal directly with our team of former prosecutors who will not only treat you with respect, but also make sure we craft the best strategy and defense to fight your case. Our entire team has been named Top Criminal Lawyers by Fort Worth Magazine for 2025 and 2026.  Our team has secured two not guilty verdicts in felony trials this past year, as well as getting a deferred probation reduction on a capital murder charge.

Once you’ve been accused of a violent crime or assaultive offense in Fort Worth, Texas or the surrounding Tarrant County area, our priority is getting you the best possible outcome, whether that’s a dismissal, no bill, not guilty, or a reduction in your charge.

If you don’t have the right lawyer who knows how to defend against these serious charges, you may face severe penalties and devastating collateral consequences, including life in prison or death depending on the charge. You need an experienced Fort Worth violent crime lawyer who can help you avoid harsh penalties by fighting for your rights in court and negotiating with prosecutors on your behalf to try and get your case dismissed, no billed, or reduced.

When you need a criminal lawyer, reach out to Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC for guidance and to establish the right strategy to fight your charge.

Fort Worth violent crime lawyer

Types of Assaultive or Violent Crimes We Defend

Assault and Violent crimes are offenses that cause severe bodily injury or leave victims coping with the severity of what they’ve been through. But what types of crimes does that include? The list below is a sample of the violent crime charges you may be suffering:

If you’re facing any of these charges or others that fall under the definition of a assault or a violent crime, it’s critical to get a lawyer as soon as possible. Calling a lawyer before you go to court may help you avoid more serious penalties.

What we offer in your Tarrant County Criminal Defense:

1. EXTENSIVE TRIAL EXPERIENCE

Our firm has extensive trial experience in criminal and DWI defense. Our criminal defense attorneys have tried over 350 combined criminal trials, including assault and aggravated offenses, DWI and DWI-related offenses, drug-related offenses, murder and capital murder charges, and sex crime offenses.

In addition, we have reviewed and successfully negotiated thousands of criminal charges in Tarrant County, Texas. This experience gives us the knowledge to advise our clients if they are getting the best outcome possible on their charge.

2. FORMER PROSECUTORS IN TARRANT, DALLAS, AND HARRIS COUNTY

Our team at Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC are all former Tarrant County prosecutors.  Being trained as a prosecutor gives us invaluable experience because we know exactly how the State of Texas will attempt to prosecute you on your criminal charges. This knowledge will allow our firm to build the best defense in fighting your criminal charge. Partner Hilary Wright is a former Chief Prosecutor in Tarrant County, Texas.

3. SUPERIOR KNOWLEDGE IN CRIMINAL LAW | BOARD CERTIFIED LAWYERS | HIGHER LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE FOR CAPITAL MURDER CASES

In addition to be trained as former prosecutors, our criminal defense attorneys know the inside and out of each and every aspect of a police investigation and State prosecution, including criminal laws, proper police procedures, DNA and blood forensic evidence, and knowing exactly how the State plans to introduce evidence into trial.

Partners Colin McLaughlin and Hilary Wright are both Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and all of our attorneys continuously attend criminal and DWI CLE seminars to make sure we are up to date on any change in the law.

For more serious murder and capital murder cases, Partners Colin McLaughlin, Dustin Trammel, Hilary Wright, and Bryan Hoeller are also certified by the District Courts to try capital murder charges, which requires a higher level of skill, courtroom and trial experience, and CLE (continuing learning education).

4. HIGHLY RATED & AWARD WINNING FORT WORTH CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

Our team has received over 300 5 star reviews on Google from our former clients.  In addition, our team has been recognized for their outstanding performance in criminal law.  Managing Partner Bryan Hoeller has been named a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters for 2023, 2024, and 2025.  Lindsay Truly and Dustin Trammel were also both named Super Lawyers Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters for 2022, 2023, and 2024.  In addition to being Board Certified, Partner Colin McLaughlin was named a Top Criminal Lawyer in Fort Worth by Fort Worth Magazine for 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Partner Hilary Wright is President-Elect for the Texas Association of Specialty Courts.

Self-Defense on Assaults and Violent Crimes | Affirmative Defense

Were you justified in your actions? Texas law allows people to defend themselves, even up to using deadly force if they feel that their life, the life of others, or their property is in danger. This is one of the most important aspects to analyze in an assaultive offense because even if you committed the conduct, if the conduct was justified, the no charges should be brought or the case should be dismissed or no billed by a Grand Jury.  To legally use deadly force, you must reasonably believe that you’re in grave danger, and you can’t use more force than is necessary. You can’t use deadly force if there’s no such threat.

First Attacker | Self-Defense Continued

As mentioned above, Texas law allows individuals to defend themselves. Even in situations where a full self-defense may fail because the person used more force than necessary, it’s still important to look at who was the first attacker.  If you were not the first attacker (i.e. the person who started the fight), than that is an important factor in determining whether the case should even be prosecuted.

Negotiating Your Case | Fort Worth Violent Crime Lawyer

If you are innocent or wrongly accused, an attorney can fight for your freedom in court. Your lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf to can fight for a dismissal or a reduction.

An experienced lawyer can help you minimize your charges by:

  • Negotiating with the prosecutor & fighting your case in court.
  • Reviewing your case to see if you qualify for one of the Diversion Programs, like Veterans Court, or one of the Assault Family Violence diversion programs.
  • Applying for an expungement or sealing if your case if the dropped.

Of course, the penalties for violent crimes are severe and can include mandatory minimum sentences, which means that judges can’t go below the specified sentence regardless of the circumstances. While your lawyer may be unable to avoid all charges for your case, they can minimize the damage to your future and possibly have the charges dropped.

Call Now to Discuss Your Case

Time is of the essence if you have been arrested for an assault or violent crime. The attorneys at Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC are ready to help right away, so your attorney can start building your defense now, not later. The more time you have to act, the better.

A Fort Worth violent crime lawyer can help you get out of jail while awaiting trial, build a strong defense, and much more. If you are charged with a violent crime, reach us by phone at 817-334-7900 or fill out our online contact form.