Do Crime Victims Need a Lawyer in Texas?

At Texas Defenders, we occasionally receive calls from people who were the victims of a crime — not the ones accused. Many are understandably shaken and unsure of what to do next. They want justice and believe that hiring a lawyer is the best way to make that happen.

However, if you are a victim of a crime in Texas, you usually do not need to hire a criminal defense attorney — and in fact, we may not be the right kind of law firm for your needs.

Here's what you need to know.

Who Handles Criminal Cases in Texas?

In Texas, criminal cases are handled by the State, not by private individuals. That means:

• The police investigate the crime

• The District Attorney (DA) decides whether to press charges

• The State of Texas prosecutes the case in criminal court

You, as the victim, are a witness and key part of the process, but you are not responsible for hiring a lawyer to prosecute the case. The case will be titled State of Texas vs. [Defendant] — not you vs. the defendant.

The DA's office represents the public interest and works to pursue justice on behalf of victims like you. They will contact you as needed and can connect you with a victim advocate for support throughout the case.

What Texas Defenders Does — And Why You Likely Don't Need Us

Texas Defenders is a law firm that handles criminal defense cases only. We represent people who have been accused of crimes, not the victims.

If you're a crime victim:

• We do not file charges or prosecute defendants

• We do not handle protective orders

• We do not file civil lawsuits

• We do not represent victims in any legal capacity

We're happy to point you in the right direction, but we are not the firm to call if you're looking for help as a victim. The police and District Attorney will handle the case from here.

When Might a Victim Need a Different Type of Lawyer?

There are some special circumstances where a crime victim might need legal help from a different kind of attorney — not a criminal defense lawyer. These include:

• Filing for a protective order

• Pursuing a civil lawsuit for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering

• Navigating complex legal issues involving harassment, threats, or stalking

In those cases, you may need to speak with a civil attorney or a family law attorney, depending on the situation. Again, Texas Defenders does not handle those types of cases.

What to Do as a Victim of a Crime

Even though you don't need your own criminal attorney, there are still steps you should take:

• Stay in contact with the prosecutor or victim assistance coordinator

• Document everything — police reports, medical records, or photos

• Cooperate with the police and DA if asked to testify or provide statements

• Know your rights under the Texas Crime Victims' Rights Act

You have the right to be notified about court proceedings, to give input during sentencing, and to be treated with dignity throughout the legal process.

Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer Instead?

If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in Dallas, Tarrant, or Collin County, that's where we come in. Texas Defenders is dedicated to protecting your rights and defending your freedom in court.

But if you are the victim of a crime, your best contacts are the police and the District Attorney's Office — they are responsible for handling the prosecution, not private attorneys like us.

📞 Call Texas Defenders at 214-306-9696 if you've been charged with a crime and need experienced, aggressive criminal defense in North Texas.