Fort Worth Assault Attorneys

Skilled Legal Defense for Assault Charges in Tarrant County

An assault conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record. If you are convicted of an additional crime in the future, this conviction is factored into how the court determines your sentencing, and you may be presented with a harsher sentence.

If you are a victim of assault, you will want to ensure your physical safety moving forward and may need to obtain a protective order. Contact the Crime Victims Hotline at Freephone 116 006 as well as an experienced attorney. 

Call the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress today at (817) 497-8148 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our assault attorney in Fort Worth!

Texas Law’s Definition of Assault

Texas law defines assault as three different kinds of actions. These actions are:

• “Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” causing physical harm or injuries
• Threatening another individual with physical harm
• Offensive or inappropriate physical contact

What are the Penalties for Assault in Texas?

The state of Texas recognizes six different types of assault. They are as follows:

Class C Misdemeanor Assault

This is the lowest level of criminal offense in Texas. This type of assault is also referred to as “assault by threat” or “assault by offensive contact.” You can be charged with this offense if you physically touch someone offensively or provocatively or even if you intentionally or knowingly threaten to harm someone without doing so.

You will face a fine of up to $500 for this offense.

Class B Misdemeanor Assault

This charge only happens in the context of a sports game. If an individual causes a sports referee or player physical harm or threatens harm, he/she can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor assault. This charge can result in a fine of up to $2,000 and confinement in jail for up to 6 months.

Class A Misdemeanor Assault

Class A misdemeanors are considered some of the most severe offenses. This kind of assault occurs when you physically harm another person. It can escalate to a third-degree felony if the harm was committed against a police officer, family member, first responder, or government official. The punishment for this type of offense is up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

An assault becomes a felony when the individual attacked is a:

• Public servant
• Family member
• Roommate
• Government contractor for Family Services
• Emergency first responder or another medical professional
• Security professional

Third-Degree Felony Assault

The punishment for a felony is much more severe than a misdemeanor. You could face up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Second-Degree Felony Assault

This charge is used for assault with a deadly weapon or assault that caused an individual bodily severe harm. This type of assault carries a penalty of up to 20 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.

First-Degree Felony Assault

This is the most severe assault charge. Examples include attempted capital felonies like murder, arson causing death, aggravated robbery, felonies using a deadly weapon, and sexual assault. The penalties for this type of assault include anywhere between 5 years to life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Defenses Against Assault Charges in Texas

If you are facing assault charges, there are several possible defenses that an experienced attorney can explore to help reduce or dismiss your charges. Some common defenses include: 

• Self-Defense: One of the most frequently used defenses, self-defense, applies if you protect yourself from imminent harm or danger. Texas law allows individuals to use force when necessary to defend themselves from an unlawful threat.
• Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, this defense is used when you are protecting another person from being harmed. This could be a valid legal defense if you reasonably believed that the individual you were defending was in danger.
• Lack of Intent: In some cases, an assault may have occurred without the intent to cause harm. For instance, accidental actions that result in injury may not meet the legal definition of assault under Texas law.
• Consent: In rare situations, if the alleged victim consented to the act that led to the assault charges (such as during a sports event), it may serve as a valid defense.

Every case is different, making it crucial to have an experienced attorney review your circumstances and identify the best defense strategy.

Sexual Assault in Texas

Texas defines sexual assault as one individual intentionally or knowingly doing the following:

• Penetrating the sexual organ or anus of another individual without that person’s consent
• Penetrating the mouth of another individual using a sexual organ without that person’s consent
• Causing the sexual organ of another person, without consent, to touch or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person

Without consent refers to one person forcing another person to perform or receive a sexual act using physical force, violence, or coercion. It can also refer to an individual who is unconscious, under the influence of a substance, physically unable to resist this assault due to a mental disease or defect, unaware of the sexual assault, or afraid to deny the act as the individual committing it is in a position of power and influence.

What to Do if You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault

If you are a victim of sexual assault, the first step you should take after someone assaults you is to focus on your safety. Call 911 to notify law enforcement and file a police report. Contact a hotline, such as the Rape Abuse Incest National Network, at 800-656-4673 to gain access to resources and establish a plan with details about how to protect yourself. Hire a lawyer to learn more about obtaining a protective order and potentially filing a lawsuit against your attacker.

What to Do if You Have Been Falsely Accused of Committing Sexual Assault

The ramifications of sexual assault in Texas – especially repeat offenses – are harsh. You could face fines and significant jail time. The first step you should take after being wrongly accused is to contact a lawyer at our firm. We are happy to assist you as you navigate this difficult time.

Contact Our Forth Worth Assault Attorney Today

Assault should not be taken lightly – especially if you were falsely accused. There are long-term consequences for everyone involved in an assault case. If you were falsely accused, you should contact us today to learn how we can defend you.

If you are a victim of assault, we cannot even begin to imagine what you have been through, but we are ready and willing to do everything in our power to make sure your rights are protected.

Contact the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress today to schedule a meeting with our assault lawyer in Fort Worth!