If you’ve been arrested for assault, you may be facing steep fines, a criminal record, or even incarceration. But being charged doesn’t mean you don’t have rights. You are innocent until proven guilty and a Denton assault lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is ready to fight for you.
The aftermath of an arrest can be confusing. The criminal justice system will not always respect and uphold your rights. You need a defense attorney who will stand by your side and make sure your rights are protected at all times. Let us help you through this crisis.
We Only do Criminal Defense
For some law firms, criminal defense is one of many legal services they provide for their clients. Our firm, by contrast, only does criminal defense. We spend every day fighting for people who have been accused of crimes and helping them to preserve their rights and their freedom. We understand how a conviction can affect your life and we are committed to making sure you get a fair trial.
If you hire an attorney from our firm, you will get an advocate who fights as hard for you as the prosecutor fights for the people of Denton. We will dissect every aspect of the case against you and look for any inconsistencies or weak points we can use to build reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury. Examples of what we can do for you include:
- Preparing you and any defense witnesses for trial
- Cross-examining the witnesses against you
- Looking for evidence that may prove your innocence
- Arguing for pre-trial release and a low bail
Certified Assault Attorney in Denton
When we say criminal law is our passion, we mean it. Our founding attorney, Randall B. Isenberg, has been practicing criminal law for over 30 years. Before he opened this firm, Attorney Isenberg served the people of Dallas as a chief felony prosecutor and a district court judge. That inside knowledge of how prosecutors build cases, and how judges see evidence in cases, is an advantage that not many other Denton assault lawyers can provide.
That is not the end of Attorney Isenberg’s experience. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization has certified him for criminal defense. He also has a certification as a criminal advocate from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This is the kind of applied and educational experience that can make a difference in an assault trial. We can put it to work for you in the fight for an acquittal or a case dismissal.
Our Defense Lawyers Can Seek Conviction Alternatives
Not every criminal case ends with a conviction or an acquittal. In some situations, attorneys representing the defense and the prosecution can agree on an arrangement for the defendant to accept less serious charges in return for more lenient punishment. Although a case dismissal or an acquittal is always our first goal, your assault lawyer will explore alternatives to conviction with the Denton District Attorney.
In some cases, our work building your case can reveal enough problems with the prosecution’s evidence that they are amenable to accepting an agreement for reduced charges. We want you to know that despite these discussions, we will always continue planning for trial and how to mount the strongest defense possible in your case.
Is Assault a Felony or a Misdemeanor in Denton?
Prosecutors have discretion to charge assault as a felony or a misdemeanor based on the circumstances of the case and the allegations against you. The misdemeanor “simple” assault charge is a class A misdemeanor, which will carry up to one year in prison and a $4,000 fine in case of conviction. Under Texas law, the following behavior constitutes simple assault:
- Acting recklessly in a manner that results in bodily harm to another person or your spouse.
- Knowingly striking or contacting another person, or your spouse, with the intent to do them bodily harm.
- Threatening another person or your spouse with an act of physical violence or bodily harm when there is reason to believe you will carry out that threat.
- Aggressively initiating unwanted physical contact with another person or your spouse in a manner that a reasonable person would perceive as a threat.
As you see, the list of behaviors that can lead to an assault charge is much longer than just punching someone or getting into a street fight.
Differences Between Felony and Misdemeanor Assault
A simple assault case can be upgraded to a third-degree felony case if the Denton prosecutor alleges your victim was one of the following people:
- Your current, or former, romantic partner
- A person who lives in the same household
- A member of your family (this is known as family violence)
- A Texas state, county, or Denton municipal employee who is on the job at the time of the assault.
Third-degree assault convictions in Denton are punishable by between 2 years and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, there is an even more serious charge known as “Aggravated Assault” in cases where the victim suffered serious bodily harm and a weapon was brandished or used during the crime. Aggravated assault can also be charged for acts of extreme recklessness, such as shooting into an occupied structure, home, or vehicle.
Denton prosecutors have the discretion to charge aggravated assault as a second or first-degree felony. This decision is usually based on how much harm was done to the victim. The punishment for second-degree aggravated assault is between 2 and 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. First-degree assault convictions are punishable by between 5 and 99 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Talk to a Denton Assault Lawyer Today
As if the criminal penalties associated with an assault conviction weren’t enough, there is also the matter of the conviction leaving you with a criminal record. Criminal convictions are part of the public record, and will likely be uncovered on routine background checks. That could result in you being denied future opportunities in housing, education, financing, and employment. That’s why we fight so hard to keep our clients from getting convicted.
After an assault arrest Denton, your choice of attorneys is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. We offer free case evaluations because we want you to make the best decision possible. One of the best ways to preserve your freedom and reputation is to have a Denton assault lawyer who cares. We do care, and we’re ready to fight for you. Contact us today.
