In the State of Texas, intentionally inflicting injury upon another, or threatening to inflict injury is typically considered assault. It is generally important to acknowledge that an assault charge is considered a serious criminal offense that may incur significant legal consequences upon conviction. If you were accused of an assault offense, contact a Parker County assault lawyer. They could explain the legal procedures that may occur and potentially research legal options that could be effective.
A simple altercation could easily turn into a trip to the police station and court hearings. Before speaking to law enforcement or making any type of official statement which could potentially be used against you in the court of law, consider hiring a dedicated defense attorney who is well-versed in rules and regulations of criminal law.
Different Kinds of Assault
As per Texas statute, the offense of assault is broken into different categories, with the breakdown indicating just how serious the charges may be. A simple misdemeanor assault might occur when a person threatens another or purposely injures another and the injury is minor. This offense is considered a misdemeanor and could result in a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
Aggravated assault is often much more serious and could occur when the injuries inflicted are severe, or if a weapon was involved in the criminal act. This typically is a felony offense, and the sentence could result in up to 20 years in prison.
Causing an injury to a family member, known as “assault family violence”, is another kind of assault, and as a misdemeanor, could lead to up to a year in jail. Though the facts in every case may be different, the long-lasting effects a fine and incarceration may bring make every assault charge serious.
Common Defenses Against Parker County Charges
As in most cases, defense strategies can center around possible issues with the reliability of witness statements and the improper acquisition of evidence. However, assault charges may also have a few affirmative defenses that are unique to the offense. They may include:
- A claim of self-defense
- A claim of defense of a third-person
- A claim of mutual combat
The facts of each case are invariably different, but if a particular scenario was an act of self-defense, the argument could be that the defendant acted in a proportionate response to a perceived threat. An example could be an armed citizen taking out an active shooter in a restaurant, or a subduing an intruder who attacked them in their house.
A claim of defense of a third-person is often similar, with the defendant allegedly acting to protect another from harm. In all cases, mounting a viable defense could be tricky, making the services of a Parker County assault attorney with a keen understanding of the applicable law valuable.
Let a Parker County Assault Attorney Be an Advocate
There are several scenarios that can give rise to an assault charge, but the stakes are often the same for those convicted: fines and potentially extensive jail time. This generally makes it crucial to take every precaution to refute these charges. Consult a seasoned Parker County assault lawyer today. They could work tirelessly to advocate on your behalf and protect your rights.
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