An assault defense attorney would agree that there’s no need for actual physical contact for an assault to happen. With all the state and federal laws in place, everybody must be careful with their actions and words. However, there are times when conflicts happen, and tempers are triggered. You may not have meant anything you said or did during the altercation, but now you are facing criminal charges. How can an assault lawyer help you at this point?
What Is Assault, And How Can You Be Charged With It?
In Texas, assault is any action that causes offensive physical contact or bodily injury to another person. Additionally, assault can also be charged if someone makes another person fear that they will be immediately harmed. The operational definition of fear allows another person to charge you with an assault if they believe you could cause them bodily injury and that you would do so imminently. This means that a verbal threat of harm such as "I'm going to punch you in the face" can be used as a basis for an assault charge.
Assault Is A Serious Crime In Texas
Texas Penal Code 22.01 lays the legal definition for assault. The penalties for assault in Texas depend on the classification of the offense and the damages caused. If the assault were committed against a public servant or family member, it would be considered a third-degree felony. The punishment for a third-degree felony in Texas includes a fine not exceeding $10,000 and imprisonment not exceeding ten years.
On top of these penalties, if you are charged and convicted of assault, you will also have a permanent criminal record. This could make it very difficult for you to find employment or housing in the future. You may also lose your right to vote or possess a firearm.
Your Assault Defense Attorney Can Help
If you are facing assault charges, you must seek the help of a qualified assault defense attorney. They can help you build your defense by:
- Investigating The Incident. Your attorney will look at the incident report and talk to witnesses to get more information about what happened. This will help them identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's case against you. Your attorney will also ask for your version of the story. Your attorney will work with you whether you are guilty or not.
- Reviewing The Evidence. Once your attorney has gathered all the information about the incident, they will review all details to see if there are any grounds for dismissal or reduction of charges. For example, if the assault was committed in self-defense, your attorney may be able to get the charges against you dropped.
- Negotiating With The Prosecutor. If the evidence against you is strong, your attorney may still be able to negotiate with the prosecutor for a lighter sentence through a plea deal. They may be able to convince the prosecutor to drop the charges against you or reduce them to a lesser offense. However, you must plead guilty to a lesser charge to bargain for a plea deal. It would help if you discussed this with your attorney before deciding.
- Building Your Defense. If you decide to go to trial, your assault defense attorney will work tirelessly to build a strong defense for you. They will cross-examine witnesses and introduce evidence that will support your innocence.
- Protecting Your Rights. Throughout the process, your assault defense lawyer will ensure your rights are protected. They will ensure that you are treated fairly and not taken advantage of by the criminal justice system.
The Medlin Law Firm
Facing assault charges can be a terrifying experience. However, with the help of an experienced assault defense attorney, you can rest assured knowing that someone is fighting for you and working hard to protect your rights. Assault defense attorneys from The Medlin Law Firm are known to be zealous advocates for their clients. They have a proven success record of getting assault charges reduced or dismissed. If you face assault charges in Fort Worth, Texas, call The Medlin Law Firm today for a free consultation. Defense you can trust.
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The Medlin Law Firm
1300 S University Dr #318
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(682) 204-4066