Charges of assault in the
state of Texas are very serious and can have far-reaching consequences,
particularly for those who don’t take advantage of the knowledge and experience
of Texas assault lawyers. There are varying types of assault: the term
“assault” in the state of Texas encompasses the term known as assault and
battery. Texas residents can also be charged with aggravated assault, domestic
assault, or assault with a deadly weapon, all charges which benefit from the
services of Texas assault lawyers. Simple assault can be charged when there is
an intentional threat of violence, even when no actual infliction of violence
was committed on the alleged victim. Threats of violence or minor levels of unwanted
contact are generally charged as a Class C misdemeanor—still a serious criminal
charge warranting the advice of Texas assault lawyers.
Texas assault lawyers can explain the other levels of
assault charges and penalties such as:
·
When serious physical harm resulted from the
assault, the defendant could be charged with a second-degree felony; a
conviction carries a penalty of 2-20 years in prison and a fine as large as
$10,000. When actual physical harm was inflicted on the alleged victim, and
that victim is a police officer, a government official, a public servant or an
EMT, the crime can be charged as a third-degree felony.
·
Regarding threats of violence or unwanted
contact which do not result in serious bodily harm, the Class C misdemeanor
charges can increase to a Class A misdemeanor when the victim is elderly or
disabled. The Class C misdemeanor can increase to a Class B misdemeanor if the
alleged violence or unwanted contact is against an athlete or sports official.
·
The eventual penalties associated with an
assault conviction can vary depending on such issues as: the victim’s
relationship to the defendant, any past convictions, whether strangulation or
suffocation was involved, whether the defendant or the victim are public
servants, and even whether the defendant was in a motor vehicle at the time of
the alleged assault.
Assault lawyers in Texas can
offer significant benefits to those charged with assault, particularly in
offering plausible defenses should a jury trial ensue. If there was little or
no actual injury inflicted on the alleged victim, if the defendant was
mistakenly identified, or if the defendant acted in self-defense, Texas assault
lawyers can attempt to have the charges dropped or at least lessened. Well-qualified
Texas assault lawyers care about your future and will fight aggressively for
your rights.
