Experienced Assault Defense Lawyer in Houston, TX

Types of Assault Charges in Texas

Texas law covers several types of assault, each with varying degrees of severity. The type of charge you face will depend on the specifics of the incident, including whether a weapon was used, the severity of the injury inflicted, and the relationship between the parties involved.

1. Simple Assault: This can involve causing bodily harm to another person, threatening harm, or making physical contact that is offensive or provocative, even without injury. Simple assault is generally charged as a misdemeanor.

2. Aggravated Assault: This involves causing serious bodily injury to another person or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the assault. Aggravated assault is a more serious charge and is often prosecuted as a felony.

3. Domestic Assault: This charge applies when the alleged victim is a family member, household member, or someone with whom the accused has an intimate relationship. Domestic violence cases often carry additional penalties, including restraining orders and potential loss of child custody.

4. Sexual Assault: Involves non-consensual sexual contact or activity, often resulting in felony charges with severe penalties.

Consequences of an Assault Conviction

Assault charges carry severe penalties, and a conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. Depending on the circumstances of the case, potential consequences include:

1. Fines: Assault convictions can result in fines ranging from $500 for a misdemeanor to $10,000 for a felony offense.

2. Imprisonment: Jail or prison sentences are common, with aggravated assault potentially leading to significant time behind bars. Misdemeanor convictions may result in up to one year in jail, while felony convictions can carry sentences of several years.

3. Criminal Record: A conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect your ability to secure employment, housing, or loans. It may also limit your civil rights, such as the right to own firearms or vote.

4. Restitution: In some cases, the court may require you to pay restitution to the victim to cover medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage resulting from the assault.

5. Loss of Rights: Convictions for certain types of assault, especially those involving domestic violence or aggravated assault with a weapon, can result in the loss of your right to own firearms or affect child custody arrangements.

Building a Strong Assault Defense

Arnold Lopez Attorney At Law takes an aggressive approach to defending assault charges. We understand that assault cases are often highly emotional and involve multiple perspectives on the same event. That’s why we thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify inconsistencies in witness statements, and challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution. Our goal is to have charges reduced or dismissed altogether, protecting your future and your reputation.

Common defenses in assault cases include:

1. Self-Defense: Texas law allows individuals to defend themselves if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger of bodily harm. If you acted in self-defense, we will work to prove that you were not the aggressor and that your actions were justified.

2. Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, this defense applies when you use reasonable force to protect another person from harm.

3. Lack of Intent: In some cases, the prosecution must prove that you intended to cause harm. If the contact was accidental or unintentional, we can argue that you did not have the intent necessary for an assault conviction.

4. False Allegations: Unfortunately, false accusations of assault do occur. We will thoroughly investigate the motivations behind the accusations and work to expose any falsehoods or inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.

5. Lack of Evidence: Assault charges require proof that you caused harm or made a credible threat. If the prosecution’s evidence is weak or based on unreliable testimony, we will challenge the validity of their case.

We understand that assault charges can be intimidating, and our legal team is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need. We will keep you informed at every stage of the legal process, ensuring that you understand your rights and options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Charges in Texas

1. What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and felony assault in Texas?

2. Misdemeanor assault typically involves minor injuries or threats of harm, while felony assault involves serious bodily injury or the use of a weapon. Felony charges carry more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences.

3. Can assault charges be dropped if the victim doesn’t want to press charges?

4. In Texas, the decision to pursue assault charges is made by the prosecutor, not the victim. While the victim’s wishes may be considered, the state can still move forward with the case even if the victim no longer wants to press charges.

5. What is the punishment for aggravated assault in Texas?

6. Aggravated assault is typically charged as a second-degree felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of 2 to 20 years and fines of up to $10,000. If certain aggravating factors are present, such as assault on a public servant, the charge may be elevated to a first-degree felony.

Contact Arnold Lopez Attorney At Law for Assault Defense

If you are facing assault charges in Houston, TX, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side. Arnold Lopez Attorney At Law will fight to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

Call us today at 713-695-2000 or visit arnoldlopez.net to schedule a consultation and start building your defense. Don’t let an assault charge define your future—let us help you protect it.