Arlington, Texas Assault Defense Attorney

Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyer for Assault Charges in Arlington, TX

An assault charge is not something you can brush off and easily move on from. If you are convicted of this offense, you could face misdemeanor or even felony penalties, with possible punishments including years of jail time. To protect your freedom, consider working with an Arlington, Texas assault defense lawyer.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we have the resources and skills to help you fight back against an assault charge. Attorney Edwardo Meza is a solo practitioner with over a decade of legal experience, and his deep insights make him an effective advocate when it comes to defending against charges of violent crimes.

What Counts as Assault in Texas?

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.01, "assault" encompasses three distinct forms of unlawful conduct. First, the threat of bodily injury occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly threatens another with imminent harm. That offense is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Second, offensive or provocative physical contact—such as striking or touching without consent—constitutes assault even if it does not cause injury. This form likewise is treated as a Class C misdemeanor. Third, assault causing bodily injury arises when a defendant intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly inflicts physical harm. That offense is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in county jail and fines of as much as $4,000.

Each category requires the prosecutor to prove specific elements, and the penalties grow more severe with increasing harm or culpability. Other factors like repeated assault on a family member may result in enhanced penalties, up to and including felony charges.

Aggravated Assault Charges in Texas

When assault involves serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon, the crime escalates to aggravated assault under the Texas Penal Code. "Serious bodily injury" refers to harm that creates a substantial risk of death, protracted disfigurement, or long-term impairment. A "deadly weapon" can be an instrument designed to inflict death or a commonplace object used in a lethal manner.

Aggravated assault is generally a second-degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. If the victim is a public servant, emergency services provider, or certain other protected individuals, the offense becomes a first-degree felony, carrying penalties of five to 99 years of imprisonment. In these cases, the prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt not only the underlying assault but also the aggravating factor(s) and the identity of the defendant as the aggressor.

Possible Defenses Against Arlington Assault Charges

Defending against assault allegations in Arlington begins with challenging the prosecution's proof of essential elements. Common strategies include contesting the existence of bodily injury or credible threats and arguing that contact was accidental or consensual. Self-defense and defense of others may justify the use of force when the defendant reasonably believed it was necessary to prevent harm.

Mistaken identity can arise when eyewitness testimony is unreliable or when surveillance footage is inconclusive. Challenging the legality of police conduct such as an unlawful arrest or failure to advise of rights can result in suppression of key evidence. In cases involving deadly-weapon allegations, a defense attorney may scrutinize forensic reports and weapon-handling records to show lack of intent or improper chain of custody. Our firm can investigate witness statements, medical records, and scene evidence to develop a coherent defense strategy for the case.

Contact an Arlington Assault Defense Lawyer

Have you been accused of assault or aggravated assault? If so, reach out to The Meza Law Firm, PLLC for legal assistance today. To schedule your free initial consultation, call us at 817-732-6392 or contact our Arlington, Texas assault defense attorney.