Police and prosecutors work to prevent violent crimes in Mesquite, TX. As part of that effort, they can pursue cases involving assault. If you’re arrested and convicted of assault in Mesquite, you could lose your freedom, thousands of dollars in fines, and your good name. Who represents you when the stakes are this high can make a difference. A Mesquite assault lawyer with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can fight the charges and help preserve your freedom.
Our criminal defense attorneys believe defendants deserve legal representation that protects their rights and interests. No matter the charges, we are proud to fight for our clients and assert defenses that give them the best possible case results, such as reduced charges, a case dismissal, or another positive outcome. You can call us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
How Our Mesquite Assault Lawyer Can Help Your Case
A Mesquite assault lawyer from our firm will prioritize your case and look out for you. We don’t just give you the minimum representation the law requires. On the contrary, our assault lawyers will fight the prosecutor at every turn and challenge their evidence in your case. Our primary mission is to build a defense that creates reasonable doubt for the jury.
We do that by thoroughly reviewing the prosecution’s evidence against you and looking for weak points in the prosecution’s case. If eyewitness testimony is inconsistent or the arresting officer made procedural errors, we will address these issues. We will leave no stone unturned in representing you. We will leave no stone unturned in representing you.
What Is the Legal Definition of Assault in Texas?
When some people hear the word “assault,” they assume an element of physical violence is involved. While it is true that intentionally or recklessly hitting someone with the intent to cause bodily harm meets the legal definition of assault, that is not the only definition of assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.01.
You can also face an assault charge for initiating physical contact with another person if a reasonable person believes the contact to be provocative or aggressive. Intentionally making verbal threats where a reasonable person may believe you intend to carry that threat out also qualifies as assault.
Assault Can Be a Misdemeanor or a Felony Charge in Mesquite
Simple assault, as defined above, is a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction on this misdemeanor charge can result in up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000, which means you should take an assault charge seriously. Some circumstances could lead to a felony assault charge.
Examples of potential felony assault cases include, but are not limited to, the following:
- An assault committed against a family member, domestic partner, or housemate.
- An assault committed against any public employee while they are doing their job.
Assault under those circumstances is a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in a Texas state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Other potential felony charges involve cases where someone used a weapon, or the victim suffered serious bodily harm. That can result in second- or even first-degree felony charges. In a first-degree felony assault charge, an individual could face a sentence of 20-99 years in prison.
Our Mesquite Assault Attorneys Have Decades of Experience in Criminal Defense Law
When your freedom and reputation are on the line, giving yourself every advantage possible makes sense. One such advantage is having an assault lawyer who know how prosecutors and judges think. The managing partner at our firm offers you just such an advantage. Before starting this firm, Randall B. Isenberg served as a senior chief felony prosecutor at the Dallas District Attorney’s Office and a state district court judge.
Randall’s deep experience in various positions in the criminal justice system is a valuable resource because he understands how prosecutors build cases. He also understands what evidence judges consider. Also, having a criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of experience lead your case could benefit you.
Another potential benefit of Randall’s experience as a prosecutor comes in the pretrial phase of your assault case. We know prosecutors aim to convict, but we might be able to negotiate reduced charges. If we can’t, Attorney Isenberg and our entire team will represent you at trial and work for a favorable outcome.
Potential Defenses in a Mesquite Assault Case
Assault cases are unique because it can be complex. In some cases, the charge is not like fraud or theft where the main question is whether you did it. While innocence or mistaken identity are defenses against assault charges, there are others. You have the right to use reasonable force to defend yourself, your loved one, or your property from an aggressor in Texas.
Even if you committed a physical act, such as pushing or hitting the alleged victim, an assault attorney could make the case that you were acting in self-defense if the evidence supports that. If the assault charge is related to a verbal threat you made, we might be able to raise reasonable doubt that you made the threat or would carry it out. When we discuss your case with you, we will review the situation, its circumstances, and evidence to determine how to approach a defense in your case.
Consult With a Mesquite Assault Lawyer Today – We Can Help
You must take your situation seriously if you are facing misdemeanor or felony assault charges in Mesquite, TX. Not only will a conviction cost you your freedom, but an incident in your past could become an unwanted part of your future. If you have a criminal record, a conviction will come up almost every time you apply for a job, apartment, or a professional license.
Our Mesquite assault lawyer may be able to help you avoid these consequences. Contact our office today for a case evaluation, and learn how the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help you. Our team will fight for you from start to finish.
