Penalties For Assault and Battery Vary Depending on the Severity of the Assault

Assault and battery are considered very serious crimes. The penalties for assault range from Class C misdemeanors to second-degree felonies. In cases where the accused merely threatened the victim, a conviction will most likely result in a Class C misdemeanor. This same type of behavior can rise to a third-degree felony, however, when committed against certain individuals, such as police officers, government officials, public servants, and emergency workers.

Making physical contact with another person typically results in a second or third-degree felony. Because the consequences for assault vary widely depending on the unique circumstances of the case, it is important to work with a criminal defense attorney who has in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Aggravated Assault Is a More Serious Charge

Under certain circumstances, the assault is so severe it is raised to the level of an aggravated assault. This is a separate charge that is distinguished by more serious behavior and harsher penalties. An individual commits aggravated assault in Texas when he causes serious physical injury or attacks another person with a deadly weapon.

In most cases, an aggravated assault will be treated as a second-degree felony. In especially egregious cases, however, the accused might face a first-degree felony charge. Because a second or first-degree felony conviction stays with you forever, you need a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer to present your side of the case. An effective defense strategy can result in reduced charges that carry less devastating consequences.

Defending an Assault Charge

The prosecutor must prove you are guilty of assault beyond a reasonable doubt. This leaves the door open for a variety of defenses. You can show that you acted in self-defense or that the victim’s injuries were not caused by the assault. If the incident involved a street fight or other planned confrontation, you can also argue that the victim consented to the assault.

It is important to create a defense strategy that maximizes your chances of having the charges reduced or dismissed altogether. Because I am primarily a litigator, I have the necessary courtroom experience to help you dispute your assault charges in the most effective way possible.