Southlake Assault Defense Attorney

Arrested for Assault in Southlake, TX? Let Us Defend You!

If you or someone you love has been accused of assault, you must hire an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and freedom. In Texas, assault is a criminal offense that is punishable by fines, probation, and even jail or prison time.

At the Law Offices Of Mark M. Childress, we are committed to helping you secure the most favorable outcome in your case, whether that is getting your entire case dismissed or reducing the charges or penalties you face. We can review your case, determine all your available legal options, and fight for you inside and outside the courtroom.

Contact a Southlake assault lawyer from The Law Office of Mark M. Childress today at (817) 497-8148 to discuss your legal options.

What is Assault in Texas?

In Texas, assault is a criminal offense that involves intentionally causing physical harm or the reasonable fear of physical harm to another person. It is important to note that assault does not have to result in actual injury to be charged and prosecuted. Even if the victim sustains no injuries, the defendant can still be charged with assault.

There are two main types of assault charges in Texas: simple assault and aggravated assault. Simple assault involves intentionally or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person or intentionally threatening them with imminent bodily harm, while aggravated assault involves causing serious bodily injury to another person or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault.

Penalties for a Conviction for Assault

In Texas, simple assault is typically considered a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties may include up to one year in county jail, fines of up to $4,000, or both.

The penalties for aggravated assault can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, the use of a deadly weapon, and the victim's status (e.g., a public servant or a family member). Penalties can range from a second-degree felony, which can result in 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000, to a first-degree felony, which can result in 5 to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

If you are convicted of assault, you may also be required to pay restitution to your victim. Restitution is money that the court orders the defendant to pay to the victim to cover medical bills, property damage, or other losses related to the crime.

Why You Need a Southlake Assault Defense Lawyer

Let our firm guide you throughout the entire legal process, while protecting your rights, reputation, and future. We understand the seriousness of the charges you face, which is why we can provide you with aggressive and personalized defense services.

Here are some common legal defenses that may be used in your assault case:

• Self-Defense: Self-defense is a common defense in assault cases. If you can demonstrate that you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger of physical harm and that your use of force was proportionate and necessary to protect yourself, you may be able to argue self-defense. The key is showing that you had a genuine fear of harm and that your actions were a reasonable response to that fear.
• Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, if you used force to protect someone else from harm, you may argue that you were defending another person. To use this defense, you typically need to show that you reasonably believed the other person was in immediate danger of physical harm and that your actions were necessary to protect them.
• Defense of Property: Some jurisdictions allow the use of force to protect property, but the use of force must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat. You must show that you believed your property was in immediate danger, and the use of force was necessary to protect it.
• Lack of Intent: In assault cases, the prosecution must often prove that you had the intent to cause harm or put someone in fear of harm. If you can show that you did not have the required intent, you may have a valid defense. For example, if you accidentally tripped and bumped into someone, it may not be considered assault because there was no intent to cause harm.
• Mistaken Identity: If you can prove that you were not the person who committed the alleged assault, this is a valid defense. Eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage can sometimes help establish mistaken identity.
• Consent: In some situations, consent can be a defense to assault charges. However, the consent must be genuine and freely given. This defense is more commonly used in cases involving certain activities, such as contact sports or BDSM, where participants willingly accept a certain level of physical contact.
• Alibi: If you can prove that you were not present at the location where the alleged assault occurred at the time it occurred, you may have an alibi defense.
• Police Misconduct or Violation of Rights: If law enforcement officers violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, evidence obtained unlawfully may be suppressed, which could weaken the prosecution's case.

Our legal team can assess your case and determine which legal defenses apply to your situation. Do not hesitate to let us help you get your life back on track.

Contact a Southlake assault attorney from The Law Office of Mark M. Childress at (817) 497-8148 if you have been charged with assault. Our legal team is available to help you 24/7!