Texas Assault Charges
In the State of Texas, assault charges are grouped into the categories of simple assault and aggravated assault. Both of these are serious charges that you should take extremely seriously. Better understanding what assault charges are all about can help you face your charges with greater confidence. You are also, however, well advised to have an experienced McLennan County criminal defense lawyer in your corner.
Simple Assault
A simple assault charge refers to the accused intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly either injuring someone else or threatening to do so. In other words, you can face a simple assault charge without ever touching your accuser. Assault can take many forms, and not all of them involve violent actions. For example, an employer touching his or her employee inappropriately may qualify as a form of sexual assault.
Simple Assault: The Cost of Conviction
If the simple assault in question causes injury, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor that carries up to one year in jail and fines of up to $4,000. If the simple assault charge involves the threat of injury and/or physical contact (without bodily harm occurring), the charge is a Class C misdemeanor that carries no jail time, but that can lead to a fine.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is the crime of causing another person to be seriously injured or of brandishing a deadly weapon during the course of the assault. Serious injury in this context means that the injury results in a protracted loss such as any of the following:
Impairment of a body part or organ
Disfigurement
Death (or the substantial risk of death).
Aggravated Assault: The Cost of Conviction
A Texas aggravated assault charge is a second-degree felony, and a conviction can lead to from 2 to 20 years in prison and to fines of up to $10,000. If extenuating circumstances apply (such as domestic violence), however, it can elevate the charge to a first-degree felony, which can lead to a sentence of life in prison. Common aggravated assault charges include:
Choking someone else (or otherwise impeding the person’s breathing)
Committing assault with a prior conviction under one’s belt
Continuous family violence
Your Defense
If you are facing an assault charge, it is unique to your situation, but the most common defense strategies tend to fall into the following categories:
You acted in self-defense
You acted in defense of someone else
You acted in defense of your own property
Bringing your strongest defense is paramount.
Look to an Experienced McLennan County Criminal Defense Lawyer for the Help You Need
If you are facing an assault charge, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in McLennan County, Texas, is an intrepid criminal defense lawyer who is committed to skillfully employing his impressive experience and legal skill in defense of your rights and in pursuit of your case’s most beneficial resolution. To learn more about how we can help you, please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.