Mavericks Assistant Coach Case: Legal Insights from Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys

Mavericks Assistant Coach Case: Legal Insights from Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC

Mavericks Assistant Coach Case: Legal Insights from Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys

A recent headline out of Dallas has drawn attention at Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC: “Dallas Mavericks assistant coach assaulted girlfriend after she read his texts, police say.” According to reports, Darrell Armstrong faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly hitting his girlfriend with a firearm and pointing it at her. Here’s what we discussed about the case and the legal implications.

The incident involves two key actions: Armstrong reportedly struck his girlfriend with a gun and then threatened her by pointing it at her. Striking someone with a gun could be considered assault bodily injury, a Class A misdemeanor that applies when the act causes pain, a bruise, or a cut. However, pointing the gun and threatening her elevates the charge to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony carrying a penalty of two to 20 years in prison. This escalation happens because using a firearm as a threat—rather than just a blunt object—introduces the deadly weapon element.

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon doesn’t require physical injury. Threatening someone with a gun, such as pointing it and saying, “I’m going to kill you,” or even just aiming it with clear intent, qualifies as a felony. This type of threat-based aggravated assault is common and can jump from a minor offense—like a Class C assault by threat (akin to a traffic ticket)—to a serious crime in moments. Adding a deadly weapon to a threat transforms a Class C or a Class B terroristic threat (if imminent fear is involved) into a second-degree felony.

A deadly weapon isn’t limited to guns. Under Texas law, it includes anything capable of causing serious bodily injury or death based on its use or intended use—think knives, vehicles, or even a poison dart frog if wielded to kill. Prosecutors track examples of unconventional deadly weapons, showing how broad this definition can stretch.

On a related note, Texas Penal Code Section 22.01 includes a unique Class B misdemeanor for assaults by non-sports participants (like fans) against sports participants (like players or coaches) during or in retaliation for their duties. For example, throwing a drink at a basketball player on the court, without causing injury, is a Class B misdemeanor—less severe than a Class A for punching someone nearby. With sports betting growing, this obscure law might see updates as fan stakes rise.

In Armstrong’s case, the firearm’s dual role—bludgeoning and threatening—drives the felony charge. Whether injury occurred or not, the act of pointing it at his girlfriend supports the aggravated assault accusation, risking a significant prison term. For more on this case or help with your own legal situation, reach out to us at Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC—we’re here to dig into the details and fight for you.