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Houston Assault Lawyer

If you are being investigated for assault charges and battery in Harris County, you need the representation of an experienced Houston assault attorney to help you in your case. From talking with investigators to taking your case to trial, the attorneys at the Law Office of David A. Breston are equipped to handle your case from beginning to end while aggressively defending your rights and fighting the charges against you.

Resources & Assault Charge Information

Why Do I Need an Assault Lawyer?

The state of Texas treats assault and battery as one offense. Consequences from being convicted in an assault charge and battery case include anything from a misdemeanor to a 3rd-degree felony assault and aggravated assault. The distinctions between each class of convictions can be a fine line, and only the representation of an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney can help you prevent an assault and battery charge from affecting the rest of your life.

What If I Have Witnesses to Show I Was Falsely Accused?

Typically in an assault case, the police will interview key witnesses at the scene. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the police to fail to interview all witnesses. If you have a witness who can shed light on your case and who wasn’t interviewed by police, it’s important you give their information to your assault defense lawyer who can communicate that information to the district attorney.

Even the innocent should never assume that a proper legal defense is not necessary. Due to the complex nature of the legal system, foregoing adequate legal representation can lead to unforeseen consequences and affect every aspect of your life. Always seek legal representation from a Houston assault defense lawyer if you are being investigated for or have been charged with an assault and battery-related crime.

  • Prepare for the cost of a defense and hire an experienced assault attorney in Houston
  • Collect evidence and gather witnesses so you can build your case
  • Educate yourself on your rights and the criminal justice system

Proving Assault and Battery in Texas

The prosecution will have to prove only one of the following items to successfully win a conviction in Texas courts:

The defendant:

  • Acted on intentional or reckless behavior that caused the victim physical harm.
  • Threatened bodily injury to the victim intentionally.
  • Physically came into contact with the victim with the understanding that it would be seen as an offensive act.

Types of Assault in Texas

  • Aggravated Assault
  • Sexual Assault
  • Verbal Assault
  • Physical Assault
  • Simple Assault
  • Felonious Assault
  • Domestic Assault

Felony Assault Charges in Texas

If a weapon is part of any of the above acts, even if the weapon is never used, the charges will immediately be raised to aggravated assault and battery.

The difficulty in proving assault and battery comes from providing enough evidence of knowledge or intention that the defendant was acting consciously and with the intent to harm. While there may be very strong indicators that a jury may find convincing, this aspect of cases can become very complex and difficult to prove quickly. Successful defense strategies have included:

  • Self-defense
  • A case of miscommunication, mistake, or lack of knowledge
  • The absence of any offense (someone’s word against another)
  • Being under the influence and having no conscious control over one’s actions
  • Age (if both parties are children)

What is the Sentence for Aggravated Assault in Houston?

Depending on a person’s relationship with a victim, a past history of violence including prior convictions, and the presence of a life-threatening act such as suffocation, the penalties for a conviction vary widely.

  • A misdemeanor conviction could lead to a $500 fine for a class C misdemeanor to a one year jail sentence and a fine of $4,000 for a class A misdemeanor.
  • Felony convictions could lead to as much as a $10,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison. Most felony convictions include an aggravated assault aspect.
  • Other penalties could include restitution charges to the victim for medical expenses, counseling, and damaged property expenses. In some cases, a defendant may plead guilty and be granted a deferred adjudication. The defendant will then satisfy the requirements of the court which may mean public service, volunteer work, a strict probationary period, or counseling.

Upon completion of the court’s requirements, a defendant’s case may be dismissed, though the deferred adjudication will remain on a permanent criminal record.

Contact an Experienced Assault Lawyer Today

Since 1997, the Law Office of David A. Breston has been helping clients get their assault charges dropped or dismissed. Learn what defenses are available to get your assault charges dropped or dismissed. Our legal team is standing by to represent you today!

Attorney David A. BrestonContact us to learn more about the immigration process, criminal charges, and other immigration issues in Houston and across the state of Texas. For decades, our immigration lawyers at the Law Office of David A. Breston have worked on immigration cases and criminal defense cases in Houston. We have helped clients battle tough immigration laws and can also help you.

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