Like most communities in Texas, Addison is proud of its commitment to law and order. As a result, the Addison police and district attorney take offenses like assault seriously. If they think you assaulted someone, they could arrest and prosecute you. Even a misdemeanor assault conviction can land you in jail for a year and require you to pay a fine up to $4,000. Felony assault convictions carry much harsher penalties.
You still have the right to fight the criminal charges you face and protect your rights. An Addison assault lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can meet with you and explain how a criminal defense attorney can represent you. Our firm’s managing partner, Randall B. Isenberg, spent a significant part of his legal career as a chief felony prosecutor and a district court judge in Dallas County. You can start with a consultation to learn more about your options and next steps.
What Can Our Addison Assault Lawyer Do for You?
One key to a favorable outcome in a criminal trial is raising reasonable doubt in jurors’ minds. Our firm offers you a commitment to fighting for our clients and the know-how to get results. Randall B. Isenberg is not just a former prosecutor and district court judge but also board certified in criminal defense by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He understands the criminal law process, can build effective defenses, and attack the prosecution’s cases.
When you hire our firm, you will benefit from Isenberg’s 30-plus years of experience and our commitment to fighting for our clients like we would our family members. We could mount a defense that can refute the charges in your case. We will also isolate and attack any potential weak points in the state’s case against you.
You are more than just a case number to our assault lawyer. We proactively communicate with clients and ensure they understand each stage of the process. We are in this fight together, and you will feel our commitment from the moment we take your case. Our only goal is to give you the best possible chance at an outcome that allows you to maintain your freedom.
What Are the Elements of an Assault in Texas?
Texas Penal Code § 22.01 specifically names the following offenses as assault:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person or your spouse.
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly threatening another person, or your spouse, with serious bodily injury.
Assault can also occur when someone intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another person (or a spouse) when they know or should have known that person would regard the contact as offensive or provocative.
If the police believe you committed any of these offenses, they can arrest and charge you with simple assault, a Class A misdemeanor. It is a serious offense, and if convicted, you could face up to one year in jail and pay up to $4,000 in fines.
Assault Can Also Be a Felony Charge in Addison
Assault is a crime with varying degrees of severity. Although simple assault may be a misdemeanor, several circumstances could lead to a felony assault charge. Some of those circumstances are:
- Assault against a domestic partner, family member, or housemate
- Assault resulting in severe bodily injury to an individual
- Assault against a city, state, or municipal employee who is acting within the scope of their job duties
- Assault involving a weapon
- Assault involving choking or restricting the victim’s airflow
The punishment for any felony conviction is more severe. For example, assault against a domestic partner or public employee is a third-degree felony, per Texas Penal Code § 12.34, which is punishable by the following:
- 2 to 10 years in a Texas State Penitentiary
- A fine not to exceed $10,000.
An assault that causes someone serious bodily injury or involves a weapon can be charged as a first- or second-degree felony, depending on the severity of the injuries.
Second-degree felony convictions carry a prison sentence of between two and 20 years, while first-degree felonies result in sentences ranging from five to 99 years. The fine for first- and second-degree felonies is a maximum of $10,000. An Addison assault lawyer may be able to help you avoid all these kinds of life-changing consequences.
Other Consequences of an Assault Conviction in Addison, TX
Assault convictions will follow you long after you leave jail and pay your fines. If you get a misdemeanor or felony assault conviction, it will become part of your public criminal record.
From that point forward, most routine background checks will reveal this conviction, something that could make it harder to get jobs, housing, or even custody of your children. A felony assault conviction could also endanger your Second Amendment rights. Consequences like these only underscore the importance of hiring a law firm with a history of obtaining favorable results for assault cases.
Possible Defenses for an Addison Assault Case
It is important to remember that assault cases are not unwinnable. There are several potential defenses an Addison assault lawyer can raise in your case. If it is a case of mistaken identity, we can search for and interview witnesses and present other evidence that can clear your name.
You may also have the right to use proportionate force to defend yourself or others against an aggressor. If we can prove you responded to aggression with reasonable force when the alleged assault occurred, it may be grounds for dismissal or reduced charges.
An assault defense lawyer will review the facts, circumstances, and evidence as they develop a defense that gives you the best chance at retaining your freedom. They will also review the prosecution’s case for weaknesses and other issues.
Talk to Us Today About an Addison Assault Case – Our Lawyer Can Help
Assault charges are always serious, and a conviction could hurt your reputation for years to come. This is why it is important to have an Addison assault attorney working on your behalf who will protect your rights and interests.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is here to help get you through this tough time. If you’ve been arrested on an assault charge and are unsure of your next steps, contact our office for a free case evaluation. We are ready to go to work for you, so call us today.
