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Assault Charges Lawyer

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Assault & Battery Charges in Central Texas?

Defense Lawyers Serving:

When facing an assault charge, having a dedicated and knowledgeable defense attorney by your side can make all the difference. Our assault defense lawyers understand the gravity of these accusations and the profound impact they can have on your life, both personally and professionally. With a commitment to providing compassionate and aggressive representation, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure a fair trial. Whether you are dealing with misdemeanor or felony charges, we are here to navigate the complexities of the legal system, advocate on your behalf, and strive for the best possible outcome in your case.

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Key facts about Assault in Texas

Understanding the potential penalties you may face if convicted of assault in Texas.

Types of Assault

In Texas, assault charges can range from simple assault, which is a Class A misdemeanor, to aggravated assault, a felony. Aggravated assault involves serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault.

Penalties

An assault conviction can result in significant penalties, including fines up to $10,000, jail time ranging from 1 year for misdemeanors to 99 years for felonies, and a permanent criminal record that can affect your employment and housing opportunities.

Self Defense Laws

Texas law allows for the use of force in self-defense, defense of others, or protection of property under certain circumstances. Understanding the nuances of these laws is crucial for building a strong defense in an assault case.

The penalties for assault in Texas are severe

In Texas, the penalties for assault and battery vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether aggravating factors are involved.Ā You can refer to the Texas Penal Code for specific legal language and definitions.

Simple Assault (Class C Misdemeanor)

  • Definition: Causing physical contact that is offensive or provocative, or threatening someone with imminent bodily injury.
  • Penalty: Fine up to $500. No jail time.

Ā 

Simple Assault (Class A Misdemeanor)

  • Definition: Intentionally causing bodily injury to another person.
  • Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.

Ā 

Aggravated Assault (Second-Degree Felony)

  • Definition: Causing serious bodily injury to another person or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the assault. Penalty: 2 to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Ā 

Aggravated Assault (First-Degree Felony)

  • Definition: Assaulting a public servant, security officer, or emergency services worker, or if the assault is related to family violence and the victim suffers serious bodily injury or the assault involves a deadly weapon.
  • Penalty: 5 to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Ā 

Domestic Assault (Class A Misdemeanor to First-Degree Felony)

  • Definition: Assault against a family or household member, with penalties escalating based on prior convictions or use of a deadly weapon.
  • Penalty: Ranges from up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $4,000 for a Class A misdemeanor, to 5 to 99 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 for a first-degree felony.

Ā 

In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction for assault or battery can result in a permanent criminal record, potential loss of gun rights, and other collateral consequences.

How can an assault lawyer help?

An experienced assault lawyer can be your strongest ally when facing serious charges. From the moment you retain their services, they will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, identify potential defenses, and work to protect your rights. Whether it’s negotiating with prosecutors, challenging evidence, or advocating for your case in court, a skilled assault lawyer is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your situation. With their knowledge of Texas laws and commitment to your defense, they provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.

A Defense Lawyer will protect your rights and best interests in the following ways:

When you contact our criminal defense team, we will immediately begin investigating your alleged crime. For example, we will review official police reports and other documents, examine physical evidence and interview witnesses. Our goal is to ensure you are protected from the system by searching for holes inconsistencies and other discrepancies that may give rise to reasonable doubt.

In many cases, we represent clients who have had their rights unjustly violated during an arrest or while officers were gathering evidence. Itā€™s important that you cooperate with the police so that additional charges arenā€™t added. If you believe officer misconduct occurred, explain this during a free consultation and let our attorneys look into this for you.

When you are arrested, there are laws and procedures that govern how criminal defendants are treated. It creates an incredibly complicated system that is impossible to navigate alone. Itā€™s important that you have an experienced, professional and trusted attorney on your side. Your attorney will assert your rights and fight for a fair resolution.

Several defenses can be mounted in a criminal case. Do you have an alibi? Are the charges based on the testimony of an unreliable witness? Did you act in self-defense? Your attorney will work with you to present the facts of your case in a coherent theory of defense.

The Carlson Law Firm trial attorneys are ready to represent you in a courtroom. Our experience has given us the skills to select a jury, scrutinize improper evidence and testimony, cross-examine the witnesses and present your defense to the jury.

Accepting a plea deal or going to trial can change the trajectory of your life. A knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer can offer wise counsel based on decades of experience to help you make strategic decisions in the criminal court process.

Our criminal defense attorneys are firm but compassionate. We know that a criminal charge will be difficult for everyone in your family. Our team will act as an intermediary between you and your family to ease their anxiety about your case.

What is criminal law?

Leading Criminal Defense

When facing drug crime charges, a strong defense is essential to protect your rights and future. Drug crime defense strategies can vary based on the specifics of your case, but the goal remains the same: to minimize or eliminate the charges against you. A skilled attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest, scrutinizing every detail to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

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Key Drug Crime Defense Tactics

  • Fourth Amendment Violations
  • Questioning the Evidence
  • Proving Lack of Knowledge or Possession
  • Highlighting Procedural Errors:Ā 

Record of Successful Favorable DWI Outcomes

A Carlson Law Firm drug crime attorney works for you. We will fight for the best possible resolution for your charges. Call us now for a free consultation.Ā 

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How long does an Assault Charge case last?

The length of time it takes to resolve your criminal case depends on several factors, including the following:

It can take time to mount a proper defense and coordinate the schedules of the parties involved in your case. Criminal cases can take months to resolve. 

FAQs: Assault Charges in Texas

In Texas, an assault charge involves various actions that can result in legal consequences. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Intentional or Reckless Injury: Assault occurs when someone intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person.
  • Threat of Harm: A person can be charged with assault for threatening another individual with imminent bodily injury, even if no physical contact occurs.
  • Offensive Contact: Assault can also include any physical contact that is offensive or provocative, especially when the person making the contact knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard it as such.


The severity of the chargeā€”whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felonyā€”depends on factors like the extent of the injury, the use of a weapon, and whether the victim belongs to a protected group, such as public servants or family members. Penalties for assault can range from fines to significant prison time.

If you’re arrested for drug possession, itā€™s crucial to remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Avoid making any statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. Contact an experienced drug crime lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your defense.

In Texas, assault charges are brought by the state, not the victim. Even if the victim does not want to press charges, the prosecutor may still pursue the case based on the evidence.

Felony assault convictions are generally not eligible for expungement in Texas. However, under certain circumstances, a conviction may be sealed through an order of non-disclosure, but this depends on the specifics of the case and the offense.

Yes, a drug conviction in Texas can result in the suspension of your driverā€™s license for up to 180 days. You may also be required to complete a Drug Offender Education Program before your license can be reinstated.

A deadly weapon can be any object used or intended to be used in a way that is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. This includes obvious weapons like guns and knives, but could also include items like a vehicle or a heavy object if used to cause harm.

No. Reaching out to the victim can potentially worsen your situation in several ways:

  • Violation of Court Orders: If there is a protective or restraining order in place, contacting the victim could result in additional charges for violating that order.
  • Impact on Your Case: Any communication with the victim could be used as evidence against you in court, particularly if the conversation is interpreted as an attempt to intimidate, harass, or influence the victim.
  • Legal Consequences: Even if you believe the contact is harmless or intended to make amends, it can still be seen as inappropriate and could complicate your defense strategy.


If you feel there is a need to communicate with the victim, it is crucial to consult your attorney first. They can provide guidance on how to proceed in a way that does not jeopardize your case. Your lawyer can also communicate on your behalf, ensuring that any necessary communication is handled properly and legally.

Assault by strangulation in Texas

Strangulation in the context of assault is treated very seriously under Texas law. When an assault involves choking or strangling another person, it is typically classified as a felony, due to the potentially life-threatening nature of the act.

Strangulation occurs when someone intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impedes another person’s normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to their throat or neck or by blocking their nose or mouth.

Assault involving strangulation is typically charged as a third-degree felony in Texas. This can be elevated to a second-degree felony if there are aggravating factors, such as previous convictions or if the assault occurs in a domestic violence context.

Penalties

  • Third-Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Ā 

Domestic Violence Context

If the strangulation occurs in the context of domestic violence, the penalties can be more severe, and the charge may be elevated based on the relationship between the offender and the victim or the presence of prior domestic violence convictions.

Impact on VictimsĀ 

Strangulation is particularly dangerous because it can cause unconsciousness within seconds and potentially lead to serious injury or death, even if no visible injuries are immediately apparent.

Because of the serious nature of strangulation, individuals charged with this offense face significant legal consequences, including potential long-term imprisonment and a felony record. It is crucial to seek experienced legal representation if facing such charges, as the defense strategy can be complex and must be handled with care.

Contact a Central Texas Assault Lawyer At The Carlson Law Firm Today

If you are facing criminal charges in Bell, Coryell, or Lampasas County and need a legal team, call a Assault Lawyer at The Carlson Law Firm. The best legal representation comes from lawyers who care about you and care about your situation. Our attorneys and legal assistants will treat you with the respect you deserve and give your case the attention you deserve.

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Your Drug Possession Attorney: Kyra Leal

Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you may be facing either a misdemeanor or felony charge. Criminal charges can significantly impact your life, potentially requiring you to seek help from a military, family law or injury lawyer. Hiring a Carlson Law Firm Criminal Defense Lawyer means that you get a team of attorneys experienced in securing your rightsā€”no matter what.

Attorney Kyra Leal is part of a team with all your bases covered.

Bell County Court Resources

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Probation and Community Supervision ā€“ Bell and Lampasas Counties

Coryell County Court Resources

Coreyll County County Jail and Courts
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Coryell County Adult Probation and Supervision
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There's a CARLSON LAW FIRM Near You

With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, thereā€™s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, and Corpus Christi.

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