Aggressive Defense Of Assault Charges
When police respond to calls involving people fighting, they usually arrest anyone involved. Even in cases where someone is simply defending themselves against an aggressor, it’s not uncommon for police to arrest them, too.
Charges Involving Assault
The Shapiro Law Firm represents clients charged with assault involving the following:
- Bar fights
- Road rage
- Fights at parties
- Domestic violence/dispute
- Parking lot disputes
- Assaulting a police officer
- Spousal abuse
- Fights at a sporting event
- Drunk and disorderly conduct
At the Shapiro Law Firm, our defense lawyers investigate the circumstances surrounding assault charges against our client. Working with private investigators, we interview witnesses, review security camera footage when available and present the context within which the alleged assault took place. We’re also prepared to hire psychologists and other medical experts when the effects of medication, post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychological conditions are involved.
Before you talk to the police, call the Shapiro Law Firm today at 972-833-8196. Our Collin County criminal defense attorneys will review and evaluate your case to determine how best to proceed to help you avoid further legal complications.
Understanding Assault Charges
Assault charges in Texas range from simple misdemeanors to first-degree felonies based on the severity of the injury and the weapon involved. A standard assault occurs when a person causes “bodily injury,” which the law defines broadly as any physical pain, illness or impairment. A simple slap or a bruise often meets this threshold.
The situation becomes far more critical if the state charges you with “aggravated assault.” This happens if the accuser suffers “serious bodily injury.” These injuries can include broken bones or other injuries that could lead to death.
Prosecutors also elevate charges to aggravated assault if you used or exhibited a “deadly weapon.” This category includes firearms and knives, but also applies to any object capable of causing death or serious harm, including cars or household items. Allegations of “impeding breath” or strangulation in a domestic setting also trigger automatic felony charges because lawmakers view these actions as precursors to lethal violence.
Assaults against public servants, police officers or security guards carry enhanced penalties. This element could turn a misdemeanor charge into a high-level felony case.
Defending You Against Charges Of Assault
Regardless of whether a fight occurs in a bar, a parking lot or in your neighbor’s front yard, people don’t always know or see what caused it to happen in the first place. As a result, when the police arrive, those present may blame you for starting the fight when you were only defending yourself. Cops can arrest everyone present and let the courts sort out who to blame.
In Texas, you can claim self-defense if you reasonably believed that force was immediately necessary to stop someone from hurting you. This means you do not have to wait until you are actually injured to react, but your reaction must match the threat.
Texas also honors “stand your ground” protections. You have no duty to retreat from a threat before using force. If you had a legal right to be there, did not provoke the incident and were not committing a crime at the time, you can stand your ground.
Reducing The Charges Against You
Investigating the circumstances around an alleged assault, collecting eyewitness statements and reviewing police reports, our criminal defense attorneys tell your side of the story. In explaining the circumstances surrounding your arrest, we may be able to persuade the court to reduce the charges against you. Depending on your criminal history, our criminal defense lawyers explore alternatives to jail and a permanent criminal record in exchange for community service and anger management counseling.
Consequences For A First Offense
A first-time assault conviction carries immediate legal punishments and permanent life consequences. If the state charges you with a Class A misdemeanor, you face up to one year in the county jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Felony charges for aggravated assault or family violence lead to years in state prison.
Beyond the sentence, the collateral damage to your personal life is severe. A conviction often triggers the loss of professional licenses or termination from employment. Noncitizens face immediate risks of deportation or being barred from re-entering the country.
Universities may initiate Title IX hearings that result in expulsion, and landlords frequently deny housing applications based on violent criminal records. Even international travel becomes restricted, as nations like Canada often deny entry to individuals with assault convictions.
The outcome of your case also depends heavily on where the arrest occurred. Criminal procedures and judge expectations vary significantly across Texas. A strategy that works in Dallas County might fail in Collin County.
Local judges set different policies regarding mandatory court appearances and bond conditions. Furthermore, eligibility for pretrial diversion programs – which can eventually clear your record – changes from one jurisdiction to another.
Our assault defense attorneys use their decades of experience in these specific local courts to identify the best path for you. We will help you understand the unwritten rules of the specific courthouse where your case is pending to protect your future.
Contact the Shapiro Law Firm Today
Don’t let a charge for assault affect your job and criminal record – contact us at the Shapiro Law Firm and speak with one of our attorneys. Call our office at 972-833-8196 and schedule a consultation.