McKinney, Texas Assault/Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys Defending People Against Assault and Domestic Violence Charges in McKinney, TX

Among the wide range of offenses that may apply in criminal cases, assault may seem like a minor charge. However, depending on the circumstances, an assault conviction can result in multiple types of consequences, including heavy fines, years of prison time, and a possible felony record. Assault charges that are related to allegations of domestic violence can lead to additional penalties. With your reputation and freedom on the line, it is important to have skilled legal representation when defending against assault charges or domestic violence accusations.

If you have been accused of assault in McKinney, Texas, the lawyers at Barbieri Law Firm are ready to help you contest the allegations. With nearly 300 five-star reviews from clients attesting to our strategic and aggressive approaches to criminal cases, our team of lawyers can help you address these charges successfully. We will conduct a 115-point checklist for every case, ensuring that we can develop effective strategies when defending against convictions.

What You Need to Know About Assault Charges in Texas

The criteria for being charged with assault in Texas can be broader than one might expect. Assault charges can be based on allegations of either physical contact or the threat of bodily harm. The state may charge someone with assault when they have been accused of recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally causing someone else to suffer bodily harm.

The severity of assault charges may depend on whether or not contact could be reasonably viewed as offensive and whether serious harm occurred. Though many assault charges are treated as misdemeanors, they can still result in serious consequences, including mandatory treatment programs, probation, fines, and jail time. Offensive-contact and threat-based assaults are generally charged as Class C misdemeanors, and they may be punishable by fines as high as $500. However, accusations of bodily harm may elevate assault charges to a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by fines as high as $4,000 and up to one year in prison.

The use of a weapon or the infliction of serious bodily harm can lead assault to be charged as a felony. In these cases, a charge may be elevated to aggravated assault, which may be punishable by heavier fines and years behind bars.

How Do Domestic Violence Offenses Differ From Assault?

In the Lone Star State, the penalties for assault and domestic violence charges can be similar. Assault accusations that involve a spouse, dating partner, household member, or other family member are typically labeled as "family violence" cases. When pursuing family violence convictions, prosecutors may look for patterns of violence or a history of repeated allegations.

A record of violent offenses can mean the difference between felony and misdemeanor charges. A Class A misdemeanor for assault, for example, could be escalated to a third-degree felony charge if a person has a prior conviction of family violence. A conviction in this case would result in a minimum of two years in prison, with a potential maximum of 10 years. Even without prior convictions, allegations of choking, strangling, or blocking a person's breathing can result in felony charges because of the elevated risk of harm or death.

Texas prosecutors may also charge certain offenders with an offense known as "continuous violence against the family." This is a third-degree felony charge that may apply when a person has been accused of two or more offenses of assault against a family member within a 12-month period.

Contact Our McKinney Assault and Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Do not take accusations of assault or domestic violence lightly. Whether you may face misdemeanor or felony charges, a conviction for a violent offense can have long-lasting effects on your family relationships, employment opportunities, criminal record, and freedom. At Barbieri Law Firm, our lawyers have tried numerous high-profile criminal defense cases across Texas. Contact our McKinney, TX assault defense lawyers at 972-424-1902 to arrange a free consultation.