Crime Rates in Fort Worth, Texas
The Fort Worth Police Department publishes crime reports on a quarterly basis. The first quarter report for 2026 showed a general decrease in reported criminal offenses, though there were still 3,144 crimes against people and 6,395 crimes against property reported.
At the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, we understand the anxiety that comes with criminal accusations. If you have been accused of a criminal offense, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney is prepared to provide a strong defense to help you avoid a conviction.
Criminal Charges in Fort Worth, TX
The most common criminal charges in Fort Worth, TX include:
- Theft: The illegal taking of one’s property without their consent to deprive them of it is known as larceny, or theft. In the first quarter of this year, there were 3,684 theft offenses.
- Simple assault: Threatening to harm another person, causing bodily harm, or causing fear of imminent bodily harm is charged as simple assault. There were 1,898 occurrences of simple assault between January and March of this year.
- Vandalism: When someone defaces or destroys someone else’s property, this constitutes vandalism. There were 1,173 incidents of vandalism in Fort Worth between January and March of 2026.
- Aggravated assault: If, in the course of committing simple assault, you cause serious bodily injury to another or use a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime, you will be charged with aggravated assault. Fort Worth experienced 564 occurrences of aggravated assault.
- Burglary: The unlawful entry of a building without the owner’s consent to commit a felony, theft, or assault is known as burglary. In the first quarter of 2026, there were 560 occurrences of burglary or breaking and entering.
Prosecution Must Prove Your Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires proving each element of your crime to a degree that no reasonable person would question that you committed the crime.
For example, burglary of a habitation requires that the government show that you:
- Entered a home or residence;
- Not open to the public; and
- With an intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault, or that you committed a felony, theft, or assault.
The law even defines what it means to “enter” a building under the statute. Under the Texas criminal code, any part of the body or physical object that enters the building counts as an entrance. So, if no part of your body enters the building, but rather you unwind a wire coat hanger to steal an inhabitant’s wallet, this would still count as burglary. Burglary is often charged as a second-degree felony, but it will be enhanced to a first-degree felony if, during the commission of the crime, you use a deadly weapon, there is bodily injury, or you commit a violent offense.
Preventing a Conviction to Avoid Immediate and Collateral Consequences
A criminal conviction is often accompanied by jail time, fines, and restitution to the victim. Even if your crime comes with no prison sentence, you may be subject to probation. Probation allows you to complete your sentence within the community, but you will need to report to a probation officer and undergo routine drug testing. Unfortunately, once your sentence is completed, you will have difficulty finding employment, suitable housing, and renewing professional licensure. At the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, we know exactly what is at stake. That is why our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer makes it his mission to negate or reduce the defendant’s liability. Let us fight for your freedom.
Speak with Our Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer
Although a past transgression should not define your future, in the criminal justice system, it often does. If you have been accused of a crime in The Lone Star State, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney is prepared to advocate on your behalf. At the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, we understand that your freedom is on the line. To arrange your initial consultation, contact us online or by phone.