Have you been arrested for assault in McKinney, Texas? An assault charge can threaten your freedom, your future, and your reputation. Call Texas Defense Firm at (972) 369-0577 to learn how we can help.
Whether you’ve been accused of making threats or causing injury, the criminal justice system is already working against you. We know what it takes to protect your rights.
Our experienced McKinney assault defense lawyers have been standing up for the accused in Collin County for years. We have extensive trial experience and a proven record of results. We’re ready to challenge the state’s case and pursue the best possible outcome for you.
Contact our McKinney criminal defense attorneys today for a consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and begin building a defense.
Why Choose Texas Defense Firm for Your Assault Defense in McKinney?
When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a legal team with extensive criminal law experience and a history of securing dismissals and reduced charges for clients. Our McKinney criminal defense lawyers fit the bill.
Here’s why clients across McKinney, TX, trust Texas Defense Firm with their defense:
- A highly respected team of criminal defense attorneys with 200+ years of combined experience
- Extensive trial experience, with a reputation for winning tough cases
- Former prosecutors on staff, providing insight into how the state builds its case
- A proven track record of dismissals, reduced charges, favorable plea agreements, and not guilty verdicts
- Personalized defense strategies tailored to the unique facts of your case
- Aggressive protection of your constitutional rights
- 24/7 availability to answer your questions
Our firm has earned recognition as one of the premier criminal defense teams in North Texas. We’ve been featured on many major news outlets for our experience and success in criminal law cases. We have successfully handled thousands of cases and fought for favorable outcomes in even the most serious assault allegations.
Contact us today to schedule a case review with a McKinney assault defense attorney.
Overview of Assault Charges in Texas
Under Texas law, assault is defined broadly to cover a range of conduct. While many states distinguish between “assault” and “battery,” Texas uses the term “assault” to encompass both threats and physical contact.
According to Texas Penal Code §22.01, a person commits assault when they:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to another person
- Intentionally or knowingly threaten another with imminent bodily injury
- Intentionally or knowingly cause physical contact with another person that is offensive or provocative
Under this definition, assault can range from verbal threats to physical altercations. Notably, Texas law also extends assault protections to spouses, and family violence incidents may be subject to enhanced penalties.
The specific charges and potential punishment you face will depend on:
- Your intent and actions
- The identity of the alleged victim (e.g., a family member, public servant, or vulnerable person)
- The severity of any injuries involved
- Whether a weapon was used
- Your prior criminal history
A skilled defense attorney can examine these factors and develop the most effective defense strategy for your specific situation. Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation to help you understand the charges you’re facing and possible defenses.
Penalties for Assault in McKinney, TX
Depending on the circumstances, assault in McKinney may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Texas law imposes increasingly harsh penalties for aggravated or repeat offenses.
Common classifications and penalties include:
- Class C misdemeanor assault: Involves threats or offensive contact with no bodily injury and is punishable by a fine up to $500
- Class B misdemeanor assault: May apply to assaults against sports participants during events and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000
- Class A misdemeanor assault: Applies when bodily injury occurs or if offensive contact is made against an elderly person and is punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine up to $4,000
- Third-degree felony assault: Involves assault against a public servant, government contractor, emergency responder, or family member (with certain aggravating factors like strangulation) and is punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
- Second-degree felony assault: Involves family violence with prior convictions or acts that impede breathing or circulation and carries 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
- First-degree felony assault: Involves serious bodily injury to certain protected individuals (such as family members, police officers, or public officials) and may be enhanced to aggravated assault, which can carry first-degree felony penalties, including 5 years to life in prison
Aggravated Assault, under Texas Penal Code §22.02, is charged when an assault involves either the use of a deadly weapon or causes serious bodily injury. Depending on the circumstances, it is typically prosecuted as a Second-Degree Felony but may be enhanced to a First-Degree Felony under certain aggravating factors.
No matter the level of your charges, you cannot afford to face the criminal justice system alone. Our attorneys will fight to protect your freedom and future at every stage of your case.
Collateral Consequences of an Assault Conviction in McKinney
Many people focus on the immediate penalties of an assault conviction, such as jail time, fines, or probation. But even after serving your sentence, the consequences of an assault conviction can follow you for years and impact nearly every aspect of your life.
Common collateral consequences include:
- A permanent criminal record, visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards
- Difficulty securing employment
- Loss of professional licenses or certifications
- Loss of firearm rights if convicted of felony assault or domestic violence
- Restrictions on housing options or access to public benefits
- Damaged personal relationships and social stigma
- Ineligibility for certain loans, educational opportunities, or military service
- Harsh consequences in family law matters, such as loss of custody or visitation rights
To avoid these consequences, it’s critical to fight the charges with the help of an experienced defense team. Our McKinney assault defense lawyers understand what’s at stake and are ready to protect you from the worst collateral impacts of assault charges.
Common Defenses Against Assault Charges in McKinney
An arrest is not a conviction. No matter how serious the allegations, you have the right to defend yourself. The state must prove every element of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest burden of proof in the law.
Possible defenses include:
- Lack of intent: Assault charges require intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct. If your actions were accidental, this could be a defense.
- Self-defense or defense of others: Texas law allows using reasonable force to protect yourself or someone else from harm.
- False allegations: Assault accusations sometimes arise from personal disputes or attempts to gain leverage in family law matters.
- Mistaken identity: If you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator, we will gather evidence to establish your innocence.
- Consent: In some situations, the alleged victim consented to physical contact, such as in mutual combat scenarios.
- Constitutional violations: If your rights were violated through illegal searches or unlawful arrests, we will fight to have evidence excluded or charges dismissed.
Our McKinney assault defense attorneys will scrutinize every detail of the state’s case, expose weaknesses, and hold law enforcement accountable if your constitutional rights were violated.
Assault Charges and Domestic Violence Allegations
Many assault charges in McKinney involve allegations of family violence. Texas law treats these cases with particular severity, often enhancing penalties and imposing additional restrictions, even before a conviction occurs.
Domestic violence assault may involve:
- A spouse or former spouse
- A dating partner or romantic partner
- A family member, including siblings, parents, or children
- A member of your household
Enhanced penalties in these cases may include felony charges for repeat offenses or choking allegations. You may be subject to protective orders restricting contact with the alleged victim and immediate removal from your home. Of course, a court may also limit your right to possess a firearm.
Our McKinney assault defense lawyers know how emotionally charged these cases can be. False or exaggerated allegations often stem from heated arguments, breakups, or attempts to manipulate family court proceedings. We are experienced in both criminal law and the complexities of family violence allegations.
Our team will work to clear your name and prevent an assault accusation from derailing your life.
Contact a McKinney Assault Defense Lawyer Today for Help
If you’ve been arrested for assault in McKinney or anywhere in Collin County, don’t wait to get legal help. Prosecutors will aggressively pursue a conviction; you need an equally aggressive defense.
At Texas Defense Firm, we are ready to stand between you and the criminal justice system. We will provide honest advice about your options and possible defense strategies.
Contact us today to schedule your confidential case evaluation with an experienced McKinney assault defense attorney.