Allen, TX Assault Defense Lawyers

Trusted Attorneys Defending Against Charges of Assault or Domestic Violence in Allen, Texas

The threshold for being charged with assault may be lower than you would think. In Texas, state prosecutors only need to prove that there was a threat of bodily harm or offensive physical contact. The state can also charge you with assault if you have been accused of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly hurting someone else. An assault conviction can carry penalties that may include years in prison, expensive fines, and a potential felony record. Assault allegations that are related to domestic violence can have even steeper consequences.

If you are facing accusations of assault or domestic violence in Allen, the attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm can help you fight the charges and defend your rights. With more than 275 five-star reviews, our criminal defense lawyers have a reputation for providing strong representation and comprehensive support in even the most serious criminal cases. We have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, and most of our attorneys are former prosecutors. We approach every case with a 115-point checklist to ensure that our clients receive a thorough, effective defense.

How Does Texas Define and Prosecute Assault?

As mentioned above, the Lone Star State has a broader definition of assault than most people may expect. In addition to threats of injury or actually causing bodily harm, these charges may apply if a person allegedly took actions that could be reasonably viewed as provocative or offensive.

While many assault cases are charged as misdemeanors, a conviction can still carry devastating and permanent consequences. Cases involving threat-based assault or offensive contact may result in Class C misdemeanor charges, while accusations of physical force that causes bodily harm may lead to Class A misdemeanor charges.

The penalties for a Class C misdemeanor may include fines of up to $500. For a Class A misdemeanor, a person could be sentenced to up to one year in jail, and fines of up to $4,000 may also apply.

Assault charges may escalate into felonies if a case allegedly involved aggravating factors such as the use of a deadly weapon or the infliction of severe injuries. In these cases, a person could be charged with aggravated assault, which may be classified as a second-degree felony. A person who is convicted of aggravated assault may face a sentence lasting for two to 20 years in prison.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges

Assault allegations involving a dating partner, household member, or family member are referred to as "family violence" cases. While these cases may result in charges of assault, allegations of domestic violence can lead to more serious penalties. Simple assault charges involving injuries to a family or household member can lead to third-degree felony charges, with potential penalties that may include a sentence of two to 10 years in prison. Aggravated assault against a family our household member may lead to first-degree felony charges, and a conviction could lead to a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years.

Texas law also includes a unique domestic violence charge called "Continuous Violence Against the Family." This offense may apply if a person has been accused of two or more offenses of domestic assault within a 12-month period. In these cases, a person may face third-degree felony charges.

Domestic violence cases involving accusations of strangulation, choking, or otherwise constricting a person's ability to breathe are taken very seriously by criminal courts. Because of the potential to cause death or permanent damage, these allegations will typically lead to third-degree felony charges.

Reach Out to Our Allen Assault and Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Allegations of assault or domestic violence should not be taken lightly. These charges can affect your personal and professional life, even before a trial is held. With your freedom and your reputation at risk, you should not wait to contact a criminal defense attorney. At Barbieri Law Firm, our legal team will help you take steps to safeguard your future, defend against a criminal conviction, and minimize the penalties that could affect your life. To schedule a free consultation and discuss your options, call 972-424-1902 or contact our Allen, Texas assault and domestic violence defense lawyers online.