Assault

Arlington Assault Defense Attorney

Defending Against Assault Charges in Texas

Assault is a serious criminal charge that can have a lasting impact on your life. If you are convicted, you could face jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing assault charges, it is important to take the situation seriously and seek legal representation from an experienced assault lawyer in Arlington.

At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, we understand the complexities of assault cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Our firm is committed to providing personalized legal services and will work diligently to build a strong defense on your behalf.

If you have been charged with assault, call our Arlington assault defense attorney at (817) 497-8148 or contact us online for a consultation.

What is Considered Assault in Texas?

Assault is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of criminal offenses. In Texas, you can be charged with assault if you intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to another person. You can also be charged with assault if you intentionally or knowingly threaten another person with imminent bodily injury.

Assault charges are classified as follows:

Class C misdemeanor: Minor contact or threatening another person with bodily injury is a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Class A misdemeanor: Assault causing bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
Third-degree felony: Assaulting a family member, public servant, security officer, or emergency services worker is a third-degree felony, which is punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Second-degree felony: Assaulting a family member, public servant, security officer, or emergency services worker with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony, which is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
First-degree felony: Assaulting a family member, public servant, security officer, or emergency services worker with a deadly weapon and causing serious bodily injury is a first-degree felony, which is punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

It is important to note that you can be charged with assault even if you did not physically harm the other person. Simply threatening another person with bodily injury can result in assault charges.

Defenses to Assault Charges

If you are facing assault charges, you may be wondering if there are any defenses available to you. The good news is that several defenses can be used to fight assault charges.

Some common defenses to assault charges include:

Self-defense: You may be able to claim self-defense if you reasonably believed that you were in imminent danger of bodily injury and used force to protect yourself.
Defense of others: You may be able to claim defense of others if you reasonably believed that another person was in imminent danger of bodily injury and used force to protect that person.
Defense of property: You may be able to claim defense of property if you reasonably believed that another person was unlawfully trying to enter your home, vehicle, or other property and used force to protect your property.
Consent: You may be able to claim consent if the other person agreed to the physical contact.
False allegations: In some cases, a person may falsely accuse another person of assault. If you can prove that the other person made false allegations, you may be able to get your charges dismissed.

An experienced Arlington assault defense lawyer can review the facts of your case and determine the best defense strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after being charged with assault?

After an assault charge, it is crucial to seek legal counsel immediately. Begin by contacting a knowledgeable assault lawyer in Arlington to discuss the details of your case. Abstain from speaking to law enforcement or others about your charges without legal representation present. Gather any potential evidence you might have, such as eyewitness contact information, relevant correspondence, or security footage, and relay this to your attorney. Understanding your legal rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel, can protect you from detrimental interactions with law enforcement.

Can prior assault convictions affect my current case?

Yes, prior assault convictions can heavily influence your current case. Texas law allows for harsher sentencing for repeat offenders, meaning a past conviction could lead to heightened legal penalties. Courts analyze prior records to determine the nature and frequency of previous violations, often leading to escalated charges or amplified sentences if patterns of behavior are evident. Addressing a current charge requires addressing these considerations strategically. At Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, we take a comprehensive view of your case, assessing how previous convictions might impact outcomes and developing defense strategies that aim to mitigate such effects.

How are assault charges typically resolved?

Assault charges can lead to various resolutions, dependent on factors such as the severity of the offense, prior criminal history, and the quality of the defense. In Arlington, some cases are resolved via plea agreements that might result in reduced charges or lighter sentencing alternatives, depending on negotiations and prosecutorial discretion. Trials may also occur, where a detailed oral argument takes place to contest charges. Our role at Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC is to pursue all viable legal avenues, ensuring that the resolution process aligns with the client's best interests while working toward outcomes that reflect fairness and justice under Arlington's legal standards.

How Our Arlington Assault Defense Attorney Can Help

If you are facing assault charges, you may be wondering if you really need an attorney. While you are not required to have an attorney, it is highly recommended. An experienced Arlington assault attorney can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, we can help you by:

Conducting a thorough investigation: We will conduct a thorough investigation of your case, including reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and examining any available video footage. We will look for any inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use that information to build a strong defense on your behalf.
Representing you in court: If your case goes to trial, we will represent you in court and aggressively fight the charges. We have extensive trial experience and know how to effectively present a case in front of a judge and jury.
Negotiating with the prosecution: In some cases, it may be in your best interest to accept a plea deal. We can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf and work to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Providing you with peace of mind: Facing assault charges can be incredibly stressful. We will be there to guide you through the legal process and provide you with the peace of mind that your case is in good hands.

Our firm understands the serious consequences of an assault conviction and will work diligently to build a strong defense on your behalf. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Our team understands the complexities of assault cases and can help you navigate the legal process. We are committed to providing personalized legal services and will work diligently to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Contact Our Assault Defense Attorney in Arlington Today

When you are deciding who should stand beside you in court, the way a firm approaches client service can be just as important as legal knowledge. Our practice was built to provide direct communication, practical guidance, and clear explanations rather than layers of gatekeepers and unanswered calls. We take the time to learn about your family situation, employment, and long-term goals so that any advice we give about an assault case fits the rest of your life, not just the next court date in Arlington.

We draw on years of practice that began when our founding attorney left a large, impersonal firm to create a law office focused on personal attention. That background, combined with our multiple office locations in Fort Worth, Benbrook, Southlake, and Arlington, allows us to offer the resources of a larger practice with the feel of a smaller team. Our attorneys and staff collaborate closely on strategy, scheduling, and client communication so that you are not left wondering who is handling your questions. By choosing a firm that is committed to one-on-one attention, you gain an advocate who knows your case in detail and is prepared to walk with you through every stage of the assault process in Arlington.

Contact us today at (817) 497-8148 for more information about our Arlington assault defense lawyer.

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"My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice."
Value a capable team with experienced staff. For the past 9 months, the folks at the Law Offices of Mark Childress handled my case with class and empathy. My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice. I felt like I was kept in the loop and always briefed properly. As I move forward with other ventures I wouldn't be surprised if we crossed paths again. And hats off to Konner, THANK YOU!

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I needed an attorney who would stand up for me and my child during a very hard time. Mark was there to answer every question, every phone call and did it in a way that I felt as if I were his only client. He was very knowledgeable not only about the law but about the opposing attorney and the judge. He prepared me well and we won our case. I would recommend Mark Childress to anyone who is fighting for custody or in need of child support.

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I called in inquiring about a divorce and how it all happens. I had 2 people call me back within an hour and in an hour maybe 2 I was talking with the lawyer. I highly recommend him and his staff. They are courteous, prompt and they care. Divorce is the hardest thing we will go through minus losing a kid and his team will be retained. He even called me back himself the next day to see how I was. Great service.

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This guy is amazing. In a matter of minutes, he accomplished what no other attorney could in 6 years. He had my case figured out in 1short conversation and had what he called "a convoluted mess" fixed. I'm pretty sure my ex felt like he'd been hit by a bus. My family is finally in tact and everyone is finally happy.

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