McKinney Assault Attorneys
Assault Defense Attorney Representing Clients in McKinney, TX
In many cases, violent crimes will involve serious harm that one person has allegedly inflicted on someone else. These offenses may include assault in which someone intentionally caused an injury. However, assault charges may also involve other circumstances, and many people are surprised to learn the situations where these charges may apply. A heated argument that allegedly involved threats, a shove, or another form of brief physical contact could potentially lead to criminal charges, even if no one was seriously hurt.
At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers understand the situations where people may be charged with assault or other related crimes, and we know what defense strategies may be used in these cases. We can provide representation for clients who have been accused of violent crimes, helping them take steps to resolve criminal cases while avoiding convictions and preventing them from experiencing long-term problems that could affect their lives and their families.
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From a first-time misdemeanor to a high-stakes federal indictment, our attorneys build defense strategies matched to what you're actually facing. Give us a call at 972-369-0577 to schedule your free consultation.
How Assault Is Defined Under Texas Law
There are several reasons why a person may face assault charges in Texas. A person may be accused of intentionally injuring someone or threatening to inflict an injury. Assault charges may also apply if a person allegedly made contact with someone in a way that they knew would have been considered to be offensive. Even if no injury took place, threatening behavior or provocative contact may serve as the basis for assault charges.
There is a wide range of physical contact that may be addressed in these cases, from a shove during an argument to a slap on the face or a person poking their finger in another person's chest. Even if no contact was made and no injuries occurred, words or actions that were considered to be threatening and made someone believe that they would suffer an injury can also lead to charges of assault. The specific facts surrounding an incident, including who initiated contact and whether a person's behavior could be considered to be threatening, can play a role in a criminal case.
Situations That Can Lead to Assault Accusations
Because of the multiple types of behavior that may be classified as assault, people could face criminal charges in situations such as:
- A physical altercation may take place outside a bar or restaurant, and a person may be charged with assault if they allegedly punched someone or threatened to harm them.
- An argument between family members or romantic partners can become physical, and one party may claim that the other party acted in ways that caused them to fear that they would suffer harm. These accusations can lead to charges of assault family violence, which may result in more serious penalties.
- A workplace conflict, a dispute between neighbors, or an argument between parents at children's sports games could escalate into physical contact or involve threats, leading to an arrest for assault.
- An argument may not involve physical contact, but a person may be accused of using words or gestures that caused someone to believe that they were in danger of being injured.
- Mutual physical contact can occur during a conflict, and either or both parties may be arrested for assault. These cases may involve questions about who was the primary aggressor and whether a person acted in self-defense.
Penalties for Different Types of Assault
When assault charges involve bodily injuries, a person may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction could lead to a jail sentence lasting for up to one year and/or a fine that may be as high as $4,000. In certain cases, such as when a person is accused of injuring a police officer or another first responder, third-degree felony charges may apply.
In situations where people are accused of making threats or provocative contact, assault may be charged as a Class C misdemeanor. A person convicted of these charges may face a fine of up to $500. In certain cases, charges may be elevated to a Class B or Class A misdemeanor, such as when an alleged victim is elderly or disabled.
Defense Strategies in Assault Cases
One of the most common ways to defend against assault charges involves showing that a person acted in self-defense. It is legal for a person to use force to defend themselves or others in a situation where they believe that doing so is necessary to protect against bodily harm. Our attorneys can help a person who has been charged with assault show that they did not begin an argument, they were not the primary aggressor, and they only acted to defend against imminent harm.
Other strategies may also be used depending on the specific facts of a case. Our lawyers may argue that a prosecutor cannot prove that a person acted with intent to harm. We may be able to show that contact was accidental rather than intentional. We may argue that charges were based on a mistaken identity or that there is no way to prove the allegations made by the accuser. Our goal is to help our clients resolve these cases while avoiding criminal convictions and minimizing any penalties that could affect their lives.
Contact Our McKinney, TX Assault Attorneys
Assault charges can arise in many circumstances, and even if a situation did not seem to be serious, the penalties a person may face could have an impact on their life for years to come. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys work to ensure that our clients will be able to respond to accusations of assault and defend against criminal convictions. Contact our McKinney assault defense lawyers today by calling 972-369-0577 and arranging a free consultation.
