Fort Worth, Texas Assault Bodily Injury Defense Lawyer

Skilled Defense Lawyer for Charges of Assault Causing Bodily Injury in Fort Worth

Assault charges in Texas can have serious repercussions, especially when the prosecution alleges that the accused caused injury to someone else. If you have been charged with this offense, the best thing you can do is to seek legal representation as soon as possible.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, our Fort Worth, TX assault bodily injury defense attorney can review your case and advise you of how to respond. Attorney Edwardo Meza has successfully defended clients accused of assault in the past, getting charges dismissed in many cases. We will review the allegations in detail before developing a tailored defense according to your situation.

What Is Assault Bodily Injury?

Assault bodily injury is one of the most common assault charges filed in Texas. In simple terms, it usually means that the state is accusing someone of knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person.

"Bodily injury" does not always mean a severe wound. Even relatively minor pain or physical impairment may be enough for prosecutors to file the charge. That means an accusation involving a shove, a slap, or a punch can lead to criminal prosecution if the other person claims to have suffered pain.

In many cases, assault bodily injury is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction can carry up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. However, the charge can become much more serious in certain situations.

Prior convictions, the identity of the alleged victim, or the nature of the relationship between the parties may affect how the case is charged. For example, allegations involving family members, dating partners, public servants, or security personnel can lead to enhanced penalties. A conviction can also leave lasting damage beyond the courtroom, affecting employment, housing, professional licenses, and a person's reputation.

When Assault Bodily Injury Becomes Aggravated Assault in Texas

Under Texas law, an assault may become aggravated assault if the state claims that serious bodily injury occurred or that a deadly weapon was used or exhibited during the incident. That is a major jump in severity. "Serious bodily injury" generally means an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement or impairment.

Aggravated assault is usually charged as a felony. In many cases, it is a second-degree felony, which can carry a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a maximum fine of no more than $10,000. Some cases may be charged even more harshly depending on the facts alleged.

Self-Defense Claims in Texas Assault Cases

Self-defense is an important issue in many Texas assault cases. A person is generally allowed to use force to protect themselves when they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to defend against another person's use or attempted use of unlawful force. In other words, not every act of force is criminal. Sometimes a person is trying to protect themselves from harm.

A self-defense claim depends heavily on the facts. Who started the confrontation? Was the accused threatened? Did they respond reasonably under the circumstances? Video footage, witness testimony, 911 calls, and medical records may all help show what really happened. In some cases, the police arrest the wrong person because they arrive after the incident and make a quick judgment based on incomplete information.

Contact a Fort Worth, TX Assault Bodily Injury Defense Lawyer

Accusations of assault causing bodily injury should be treated seriously. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can review the allegations against you, explain the possible penalties, and fight for the best outcome available in your case. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Fort Worth, Texas assault bodily injury defense lawyer to set up a free consultation.