Police and prosecutors in Richardson, Texas have a strong commitment to public safety. One way they demonstrate that commitment is by aggressively prosecuting violent crimes like assault. Many people don’t realize until it’s too late that several different actions meet the legal definition of assault in Texas, and police have a lot of discretion in making assault arrests. A Richardson assault lawyer from our firm can help.
The criminal defense team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg will fight for your right to a fair trial and work to build reasonable doubt in your case. Remember, you are innocent until a jury of your peers finds you guilty of criminal charges. Whatever the allegations against you may be, we can challenge every aspect of the state’s case to give you the best chance at an acquittal or case dismissal. We never stop fighting for our clients.
A Richardson Assault Lawyer with Experience on Both Sides of the Aisle
Having a criminal defense attorney who is experienced helps, but having an attorney who has prosecuted felonies and adjudicated trials can be a major advantage. Our founding attorney, Randall B. Isenberg, was a chief felony prosecutor and state district judge in Dallas County before opening this firm.
His insight and understanding of the inner-workings of the criminal justice system can make a huge difference in the outcome of your trial. Attorney Isenberg will build a defense that effectively challenges the evidence and probes any stress points within the prosecution’s case. Using the full measure of his skill and expertise, he can fight to give you the best possible chance of an acquittal or case dismissal.
Many Situations Can Lead to a Richardson Assault Arrest
The term “assault” conjures up an image of one person punching another in the face or hitting them with the intent of causing physical harm. While both of these actions meet the definition of assault under Texas law, the following behaviors can also lead to an assault charge:
- Threatening someone with physical or bodily harm with an intent to carry through on the threat
- Initiating contact with another person in a way that a reasonable person would consider aggressive or threatening
- Purposefully or negligently doing something that causes another person to be injured (e.g., throwing a rock into a crowd of people)
Any of the above offenses constitute what is known as “simple” assault. Simple assault is a Class A misdemeanor in Richarson, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
When Does Assault Become a Felony in Richardson?
Texas law allows for a simple assault charge to be elevated to a felony if there are certain aggravating circumstances in association with the crime, such as an assault committed against:
- A public employee who is actively engaged in their work
- A member of the defendant’s family
- A current or former romantic partner of the defendant
- A member of the defendant’s household
- A private security guard on duty
Any of the above circumstances would result in the assault being charged as a third-degree felony, which is punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
What Is Aggravated Assault?
Aggravated assault is an even more serious felony charge. You can be charged with aggravated assault if the police allege that you caused serious bodily harm to the victim or that you used or displayed a weapon during the assault.
Aggravated assault can be charged as a first or second-degree felony, which is punishable by 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, a second-degree felony assault charge can be elevated to a first-degree offense if you use a weapon to do severe bodily harm to the victim. This offense is punishable by 5-99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
In addition to these consequences, the long-term impacts of a felony assault charge can be incredibly damaging to your financial future and reputation. A criminal record can haunt you for the rest of your life. It’s important to have an experienced Richardson attorney on your side who can fight the assault charge for you.
Types of Defenses Your Richardson Assault Lawyer Can Argue
Texas law has numerous definitions for assault, but that doesn’t mean you cannot defend yourself against an assault charge. A criminal defense attorney can argue a variety of different defenses in court, and our team will work closely with you to create the strongest possible defense in your case.
Potential defenses against assault charges in Richardson include:
- Self-defense
- Defense of a loved one or your personal property
- Innocence
As we gather evidence, we will also interview witnesses and review at the state’s case in deep detail. Your defense will be carefully crafted to address the allegations against you as thoroughly as possible. We will also reach out to the prosecutor about the prospect of a mutual agreement to reduce the charges. However, if those discussions are not fruitful, the next step for your Richardson assault lawyer will be fighting for you at trial.
Contact an Assault Lawyer in Richardson Today
An assault conviction is not something that you want on your criminal record. Even a misdemeanor assault conviction could keep you from getting certain jobs or owning or buying a firearm. It could also be used as grounds to deny a rental application by a landlord. Or you could also lose custody of your children with a violent offense like assault on your record.
It doesn’t have to end that way. The team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is here to defend you against whatever type of assault charge you’re facing in Richardson. Simply contact us for a free case evaluation, and we can start fighting for you right away.
