Assault Defense

Fort Worth Assault Lawyer

Were you arrested or accused of assault in Fort Worth, TX? Being charged with assault, a serious violent crime, can lead to daunting consequences, including hefty fines, potential jail time, and a persistent criminal record. In such critical times, an adept Fort Worth assault lawyer from Cole Paschall Law Criminal Defense Attorneys is prepared to develop a robust defense for you. Contact our Fort Worth, Texas, office at 817-477-4100 today to begin.

Our founding attorneys have dedicated years to defending the people of Fort Worth in various criminal cases, ranging from assault to theft, federal crimes, and more. We understand the immense pressure and stakes involved in facing criminal charges. Rely on our experienced team when you need support the most.

Prompt legal advice is essential in these situations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and to safeguard your rights.

How Cole Paschall Law Can Help If You Were Arrested For Assault

At Cole Paschall Law, we firmly believe that every individual accused of a crime deserves a robust and assertive defense. It’s not uncommon for those facing criminal charges to be misunderstood or wrongfully accused. Law enforcement and prosecutors can sometimes misinterpret situations, leading to exaggerated or inappropriate charges.

Our team at Cole Paschall Law has a long history of aiding numerous clients. Known for our effective strategies and successful outcomes, we’ve built a reputation that makes prosecutors think twice before trying to leverage our clients.

We are committed to pursuing the most favorable outcome for your case. This could mean reducing the charges, striving for a case dismissal, or achieving a not-guilty verdict.

When you choose Cole Paschall Law, you gain access to a legal team ready to:

• Undertake an independent and thorough investigation of your case
• Assess all legal avenues and strategies
• Craft a powerful defense that meets your needs
• Expose flaws and weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments
• Challenge any evidence obtained unlawfully and seek its exclusion
• Engage in negotiations to potentially have charges lessened or dismissed

Having a seasoned Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer can significantly influence the direction and outcome of your case. Contact us at 817-477-4100 for a complimentary initial consultation.

What is Assault in Texas?

There are two basic types of assault in Texas. The first type is simple assault. When a simple assault occurs, the defendant does not use a weapon. This type of assault can be something as minor as spitting on someone. In fact, it does not need to involve touching. If you threaten violence, you can assault someone without laying a hand on them.

All of the following are considered simple assault:

• Knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally causing physical harm to a person
• Knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally making a threat of bodily harm to another person
• Knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally making physical contact with someone that is either provocative or offensive

Bodily Injury: If someone intentionally harms another individual, they are guilty of assault. This includes physical pain, sickness, or impairing someone. If the injury is a serious bodily injury, it does not qualify as simple assault and would result in more serious charges. Typically, the bodily injury in assault cases results in abrasions, bruises, and cuts. However, there do not need to be any visible marks.

Threat of Injury: Threatening someone can have a profound effect on their mental state. For that reason, Texas has strict laws regarding threats. If you knowingly or intentionally make a threat of physical harm to someone, you could face a terroristic threat charge. However, the victim needs to have a reason to believe the threats for the charge to stick.

Offensive Contact: This type of assault occurs only if the defendant knowingly makes offensive or provocative contact with someone. The defendant needs to be aware that their actions are provocative or offensive. If they touch someone in a way they believe to be acceptable, the defendant will not be found guilty.

Consequences of Assault Charges

If you are found guilty of assault, you are likely to only be convicted of a misdemeanor. But there are circumstances in which the court could find you guilty of a felony. This is often the case when there are other factors, such as serious injuries or weapon involvement.

Misdemeanor Assault:

• Class C Misdemeanor: Offensive touching with no actual harm — fine up to $500, no jail time
• Class B Misdemeanor: Assault during a sporting event — up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000
• Class A Misdemeanor: Assault causing bodily injury or offensive contact with an elderly person — up to one year in jail, fine up to $4,000

Felony Assault:

• Third-Degree Felony: Up to ten years in prison, fine up to $10,000
• Second-Degree Felony: Up to 20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000

Assault against a public servant, retaliation for duty performance, or domestic assault with prior conviction or choking can elevate charges to felony level.

Defending Assault Charges

Your assault charge could change your life forever. But it doesn’t have to. If you work with Cole Paschall Law, you can fight for a fair outcome. There are several ways in which you can defend assault charges:

• Self-Defense: If you acted in self-defense, you might not incur penalties. It is illegal to assault someone, but it’s not illegal if you’re acting violently to defend yourself.
• Defending Others: If the victim was trying to harm someone else, your actions could have been justified in defense of another person.
• Consent: If there was consent for the offender’s actions, then there is no crime. For instance, someone could hit another individual in a boxing match.
• Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove that you intended to cause harm. If the contact was accidental, this can be a strong defense.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Fort Worth Assault Lawyer

At Cole Paschall Law we know what it takes to defend you against assault charges. We will listen to your side of the story, get witness statements that will help defend you, and obtain an affidavit of non-prosecution if the alleged injured party has changed their mind about the alleged assault.

Even if you’re charged with a misdemeanor assault, your conviction could stick with you. Long after your court case, you could encounter trouble as you search for jobs, housing, and more. However, the right attorney can defend you. Here at Cole Paschall Law, we know what it takes to get results. Our aggressive firm will fight for you and your future. Contact us today or call (817) 477-4100 to get started.