Deadly Conduct
If you or someone you care about is facing a deadly conduct charge in Dallas, it is important to know what is on the line. Police, prosecutors, and courts take deadly conduct accusations very seriously and prosecute them vigorously. A deadly conduct conviction can result in lengthy jail or even prison time and hefty fines. Moreover, it can carry other serious consequences like damage to your reputation and a permanent criminal record. This can cause lifelong damage to you, your family, and your employment opportunities. A felony deadly conduct conviction can even make you ineligible to own or possess a firearm. An experienced Dallas deadly conduct lawyer is vital to help you understand the law and your rights as well as to help you avoid a bad outcome.
We understand that innocent people get arrested, charged, and even convicted when they don’t have a dedicated Dallas deadly conduct attorney on their side. Don’t put yourself or your loved one in just anyone’s hands; you need an experienced Dallas deadly conduct attorney in your corner.
Dallas Deadly Conduct Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been accused of deadly conduct in Dallas, contact the Law Office of Mike Howard. Most importantly, Dallas deadly conduct lawyer Mike Howard has the experience, trial skills, and dedication that you need when you are fighting for your life. We will do everything we can to fight for you. Moreover, Mr. Howard will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain the law and your legal options.
A Different Kind of Lawyer
We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, our philosophy is that being a great lawyer is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, our team works to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of lawyer you’ve come to the right place.
Our Case Process
Listen & Understand
We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.
Open Communication
We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.
Fight for Justice
Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.
Deadly Conduct Charges in Dallas
A person commits deadly conduct (Texas Penal Code § 22.05) if they:
- recklessly engage in conduct that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury. OR
- knowingly discharges a firearm at or in the direction of a habitation, building, or vehicle and is reckless as to whether the habitation, building, or vehicle is occupied.
Texas law presumes recklessness and danger if the actor knowingly points a firearm at or in the direction of another. Surprisingly, it does not legally matter whether or not the actor believed the firearm to be loaded.
Related Charges
Disorderly conduct is a similar offense to deadly conduct. For more information on disorderly conduct charges, see our disorderly conduct page. See our violent crimes page for more information about other related violent crimes.
Resources and Information
See our criminal defense resource center for more information on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more.
Deadly Conduct Penalties
There are several different penalties ranges for deadly conduct depending on how the prosecutor charges the crime. Deadly conduct by recklessly engaging in conduct that places another in fear of imminent danger of serious bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor. As a result, you could face up to 1 year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine. Deadly conduct involving a firearm is a third-degree felony. As a result, you could face 2 – 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Defending Deadly Conduct Charges in Dallas
First and foremost, the prosecutor must prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot rule out each and every possible reasonable doubt, the presumption of innocence prevails. As a result, the court must find you not guilty. This means you don’t have to prove that you didn’t do it. You don’t have to prove anything!
The only way the prosecution wins is if the jury believes their story is the only reasonable way it could’ve happened. If they have any reasonable doubts that it actually happened, they must find you not guilty. If they reasonably think it could’ve happened another way, they must find you not guilty. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. When implemented by a skilled Dallas deadly conduct attorney, it can be a powerful weapon.
Choosing the Right Deadly Conduct Lawyer in Dallas
Searching for deadly conduct lawyers in Dallas can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Attorneys are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interest. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.
First, talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you, who make big promises. No attorney should ever make a guarantee about a case. Absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.
What Makes Mike Howard Different
Many lawyers take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach. A knowledgeable client is a happy client. Therefore, we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Dallas Deadly Conduct Attorney Mike Howard
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas deadly conduct attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.
Client-Centered
The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals. I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.
Willing to Fight
Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas deadly conduct attorney has a reputation as a skillful trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it makes all the difference in the world.
