Weatherford, Texas Assault Defense Attorney

Trusted Assault Defense Lawyer Representing Clients in Weatherford

An assault charge in Texas can be more severe than you expect. Even if you do not have a prior history with the law, you could face fines, jail time, and the burden of a criminal record. If the accusation rises to the level of a felony, you could even be sentenced to years in prison. With that in mind, working with a Weatherford, TX assault defense attorney is highly advisable in these cases.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we understand what is at stake in an assault charge. Attorney Edwardo Meza has over 10 years of legal experience, so you can rely on him to provide you with strong legal advice and advocacy in court.

Understanding the Definition of Assault in Texas

Texas law defines assault more broadly than many people realize. A person can be charged with assault in different contexts, including:

• Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person
• Threatening someone with imminent bodily injury, even if no physical contact actually occurs
• Making offensive or provocative physical contact with another person

The facts matter in every case. The accusation may sound straightforward in the police report, but that does not mean the state can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Witnesses often disagree. People change their stories. Officers may arrive after the incident is over and make assumptions based on incomplete information.

Possible defenses depend on the circumstances. A person may have acted in self-defense or in defense of another person. Alternatively, the accusation may be false or exaggerated. We can examine witness statements, photographs, medical records, body camera footage, and the full context of the incident.

Penalties for Assault on a Family Member in Weatherford

Assault charges involving a family member are often treated especially seriously in Weatherford and throughout Texas. These cases may involve a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, co-parent, household member, or another person in a qualifying domestic relationship.

One important enhancement involves a prior family violence conviction. If the state alleges that a person previously was convicted of certain qualifying family violence-related offenses, a new assault causing bodily injury against a family member can be charged as a third-degree felony, which is punishable by two to 10 years in prison.

If the state alleges both strangulation and a prior qualifying conviction for family violence-related conduct, the charge may be raised to a second-degree felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years.

A family violence conviction may also affect firearm rights, employment opportunities, professional licensing, custody disputes, and a person's standing in the community. Prosecutors may move forward even if the complaining witness later wants the case dropped. That is one reason why early legal representation matters so much in these cases.

Orders of Protection Arising From Assault Charges in Weatherford

An assault allegation in Weatherford may lead to more than criminal penalties. It can also result in a protective order, sometimes called an order of protection. These court orders can restrict where a person goes, who he or she may contact, and whether the person may return home. A protective order may also affect child custody issues, visitation, and firearm rights.

In some situations, temporary orders are entered very quickly after an arrest. A final order may remain in place for a much longer time if the court finds grounds to issue it. Violating one of these orders can lead to additional criminal charges. Our defense attorney can help challenge the basis for the order, address the related criminal case, and work to protect the accused's rights in both proceedings.

Contact a Weatherford, TX Assault Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of a violent crime, The Meza Law Firm, PLLC can provide you with critical advocacy and legal counsel. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Weatherford, Texas assault defense attorney to set up a free consultation.