Fort Worth, TX Assault Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Lawyer for Assault Charges in Fort Worth

The crime of assault is not taken lightly in Texas. Even if you had a clean record prior to your arrest, you could still be sentenced to years of incarceration after a conviction of assault. A Fort Worth criminal defense attorney can give you reliable legal advice and represent you in front of a judge as you contest an assault charge.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we know how harsh the legal consequences of an assault conviction can be. We offer steadfast representation and advocacy for North Texas residents who have been accused of violent crimes, working toward an optimal outcome to every case. With over 400 5-star reviews, Attorney Edwardo Meza has earned a reputation for his aggressive defense and insightful counsel.

Misdemeanor Assault

In Texas, there are three distinct acts that qualify as assault:

• Intentionally, recklessly, or knowingly injuring another person
• Threatening another person with bodily harm
• Making "offensive or provocative" physical contact with another person

The first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, which can be punished by up to a year in jail. The other assault offenses are charged as Class C misdemeanors, which only carry a maximum $500 fine with no jail time. However, enhanced penalties may apply if the assault was allegedly committed against an elderly or disabled person or against a sports athlete.

Misdemeanor assault committed against a family member may come with more aggressive prosecution, as the state does not tolerate domestic violence. A conviction of assault against a family member may result in a finding of family violence being entered into your record, which may give the court grounds to seize any firearms you own.

Felony Assault and Aggravated Assault

Under certain circumstances, assault can be charged as a felony. For example, if you intentionally injure a judge or police officer as an act of retaliation, you could face third-degree felony charges, and a conviction may carry anywhere from two to 10 years of incarceration and a possible fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, a second or subsequent conviction of family violence may be charged as a felony.

Aggravated assault is a separate crime from assault, and it is characterized by serious bodily harm. If you cause serious injury to another person or use a deadly weapon against them, you may face second-degree felony charges, and a conviction may carry up to 20 years in prison. The penalties can escalate to first-degree felony charges if the act was allegedly committed against a public servant who was carrying out an official duty.

Defenses Against Assault Charges

If you have been accused of assault, it is critical that you seek out a defense attorney who can investigate the circumstances behind the offense and advocate for reduced penalties.

Self-defense may be an effective strategy against an assault charge. Your attorney can suggest that you were using a reasonable amount of force to protect yourself or another person, which could be supported by eyewitness testimony or video footage. In other cases, we could argue that there was no intent to cause harm or that the allegation of assault was fabricated.

Figuring out the right defense to an assault charge requires careful consideration. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can sit down with you one-on-one to discuss possible strategies to have the charges reduced or even thrown out of court.

Meet With a Fort Worth, TX Assault Defense Lawyer

Misdemeanor and felony assault charges can have serious implications for your freedom. A criminal record can follow you for years, restricting your job opportunities, loan eligibility, and more. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney can provide you with legal counsel and representation to help you through your case. To schedule a free initial consultation today, you can call our offices at 817-732-6392 or reach out to us online.