When the police or another party accuses you of assault, you could face serious charges and life-altering consequences if convicted. When you learn about allegations, face arrest, or receive charges, hiring a Duncanville assault lawyer should be your top priority. Legal counsel is your best resource during this time.
A Duncanville criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg knows how to build a strong case to seek a more positive outcome for you. Let our team go to work on your Duncanville assault case today.
How Does Texas Law Define Assault?
Texas law combines the crimes many states call “assault” and “battery” into a single offense under Texas Penal Code Chapter 22: Assaultive Offenses. This law covers everything from threats to intentionally causing catastrophic injuries.
The possible criminal acts under this law include:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injuries to someone else
- Intentionally or knowingly making a threat that caused fear of imminent bodily injury
- Intentionally or knowingly having physical contact that is likely to cause offensive or provocative feelings
As you can see, assault occurs on purpose. A person cannot accidentally assault someone. It is also OK to use force or cause harm while defending yourself from another. Based on Texas law, these facts form two of the most commonly used defenses against assault charges.
To convict someone charged with assault in Duncanville, prosecutors must show:
- There was an assault.
- The accused party caused the assault intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly.
- The assault did not occur in self-defense.
The evidence prosecutors use against the alleged offenders in these cases varies widely. Each case is different. They could use:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Official incident reports from police
- Video footage of the altercation
The defense will present evidence to show its client’s side of the story. If the case goes to trial, a jury will weigh the evidence from each side to determine what they believe happened.
What Happens When Someone Is Convicted of a Duncanville Assault?
The consequences you could face if convicted of an assault charge in Texas are serious. While it depends greatly on the severity of the charge and any aggravating circumstances, many offenders could receive sentences that include jail or prison time.
Texas’ assault law allows the court to charge the crime as a misdemeanor or a felony. In cases with a fairly benign threat, the charge might be a Class C misdemeanor. When the victim suffers serious injuries, it could be a first-degree felony.
The possible sentence depends on the charge. Examples include the following:
- A Class C misdemeanor could result in a fine of up to $500.
- A Class B misdemeanor could lead to up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
- A Class A misdemeanor could result in up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
If a defendant’s case involves a felony assault charge, the following could apply:
- 180 days to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 fine for a state jail felony
- 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for a third-degree felony
- 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for a second-degree felony
- 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for a first-degree felony
Because of the significant consequences you could face if convicted and how they could affect your daily life, we aim to minimize and mitigate the effects on you, your family, and your education or career. We fight to help our clients get the best possible outcome based on the circumstances. This could include:
- Working to stop them from filing charges
- Getting charges dropped
- Winning an acquittal at trial
- Lowering the charges
- Seeking the least sentence possible based on case facts
he Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Can Handle Your Duncanville Assault Case
At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, our criminal defense team understands how these cases work inside and out. We have experience on both sides, bringing charges against offenders, convicting them in court, and fighting to clear their names. Attorney Randall B. Isenberg formerly served as a senior chief felony prosecutor and state district trial judge, in addition to more than 30 years in criminal defense.
As our case results show, we know how to develop a strong defense strategy and fight for justice for our clients. We also understand everyone makes mistakes, and you should not necessarily lose your career or other important things because of them.
Each case has its defense strategy based on case facts. However, there are several common ways we fight for a better outcome for our clients based on their Duncanville cases or charges. This includes:
- Present evidence to show our client was not the perpetrator, stopping the charges before they occur
- Having the court bar certain evidence from the case
- Getting the charges dismissed using pretrial motions
- Negotiating a plea agreement that reduces the severity of the charges
- Presenting a strong defense and getting an acquittal in court
- Negotiating a sentencing deal that changes the consequences of a conviction
Our team can answer your questions and guide you during life’s most stressful and difficult times. We navigate the criminal justice system and build strong defenses for our clients. It’s OK if you do not know what to do. Call us, and we will offer advice and representation.
Discuss Your Duncanville Assault Case With Our Team Today
At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, our criminal defense lawyers are here for you. If you face allegations, arrests, or charges for an assault in southwest Dallas County, reach out to us to discuss your next steps. We have someone available to take your call 24/7.
Contact us using our online contact form or call us now.
