Facing assault charges in Arlington, Texas, can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. You might feel unsure of what steps to take, what consequences you could face, or whether anyone is truly on your side. The good news? You don't have to go through this alone.
At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, a seasoned Arlington assault charges lawyer can help you fight back against the allegations. We're prepared to build a strong defense, thoroughly examining every detail of your case to pursue the best possible outcome.
Don't face the harsh penalties of an assault charge conviction in Texas. Contact our award-winning criminal defense law firm online or at (817) 877-5200 to schedule a confidential consultation to explore your rights and legal options.
Why Choose Our Arlington Assault Charges Attorneys?
When facing an assault charge, you need a legal team that can thoroughly understand your case and fight for your future. Here's why our Arlington residents have trusted Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys for years:
- Collaborative Approach. Our attorneys work together to evaluate your case from all angles, uncovering opportunities other firms may miss.
- Broad Experience. With decades of combined experience, including time as prosecutors, we know how the system works and how to challenge it effectively.
- Personalized Defense. Every case is unique. We tailor defense strategies to your specific circumstances and goals.
- Anticipating Prosecution Tactics. Our background as former prosecutors allows us to predict and counter their strategies.
- Proven Strategies. Whether seeking dismissals, reducing charges, or preparing for trial, we prioritize outcomes safeguarding your freedom and future.
A strong criminal defense isn't just about knowing the law; it's about using that knowledge to dismantle the case against you. Combining our collective insights and personalized attention, we can build a robust defense strategy to give you confidence in the road ahead.
Call (817) 877-5200 or complete our brief online form to schedule a confidential consultation today with an experienced Arlington assault charges lawyer to protect your rights and future.
What Assault Charge Cases Can Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Lawyers Help Me With?
Assault cases in Arlington can arise from a variety of personal, often heated, situations. No matter how the charges came about, facing them is a stressful experience.
The legal team at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys is equipped to handle a wide range of assault-related charges, including but not limited to:
- Simple assault: These involve minor incidents, such as non-physical threats or offensive contact, and are often charged as Class C misdemeanors.
- Aggravated assault: Cases involving serious injuries or the use of deadly weapons that escalate the charge to a felony.
- Domestic violence: Allegations involving physical harm or threats against a partner, family member, or someone in your household.
- Assault with a deadly weapon: Even the presence or suggestion of a weapon can lead to these serious charges.
- Resisting arrest: Physical conflicts with law enforcement officers during an arrest.
- Sexual assault: Charges stemming from any form of unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact.
Each type of assault charge presents unique challenges, potentially carrying life-altering consequences. Regardless of the specifics, our team works tirelessly to ensure your story is heard and your rights are defended—even in cases where the client insists, I was just defending myself!
Who Can Be Charged With Assault in Texas?
Texas assault laws are broad and can apply to nearly anyone involved in a situation where harm, threats, or offensive contact occurs. You may be charged if you:
- Physically harm someone: Even if the physical harm was minor, intentionally causing another person to experience pain or injury falls under assault.
- Threaten immediate harm: Threatening someone with bodily harm, even without physical contact, can lead to charges.
- Offend or provoke through contact: Actions like shoving or grabbing someone in a way they find offensive or provocative may qualify as assault.
It's important to note that assault charges often result from misunderstandings, heated arguments, or accidents. Charges can apply to individuals across various relationships, including:
- Strangers: Conflicts in public places, such as road rage incidents.
- Acquaintances or friends: Disputes that escalate out of control.
- Family or household members: Often classified as domestic violence when they involve partners or relatives.
Regardless of your relationship with the other party or the circumstances, assault allegations can happen suddenly and disrupt your life. Don't risk your future to unfair allegations of violence. Contact an Arlington assault charges attorney to learn how to protect your rights.
What Penalties Could I Face If Convicted for Assault Charges in Arlington?
The penalties for assault in Texas depend on the type and severity of the charges, ranging from minor fines to significant time in prison. Potential consequences include:
- Class C Misdemeanor: A $500 fine with no jail time.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000.
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $4,000.
- Third-Degree Felony: Between 2 and 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- First-Degree Felony: 5 years to life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Being convicted of assault doesn't just lead to legal repercussions. A criminal record can make finding employment, housing, or maintaining relationships harder. Some industries may bar you from working entirely, creating additional roadblocks for your future. Expect after getting a Texas assault charge, you may also face restrictions on firearm ownership, loss of certain professional licences, and challenges rebuilding your reputation—making it all the more important to fight the charge early with experienced legal help.
Remember, being charged doesn't mean you've been convicted. With the right legal team on your side, you may be able to avoid these penalties or reduce their impact. Our experienced Arlington assault charges lawyer will assess the details of your case and fight for the best possible outcome.
How Can An Arlington Assault Charges Attorney Help My Case?
An assault charge in Arlington has serious consequences. An experienced attorney can provide the guidance and defense you need to protect your future. By leveraging legal knowledge and crafting effective strategies, an Arlington assault charges attorney plays a critical role in building your case, addressing challenges, and navigating the legal system.
Understanding Legal Defenses for Your Arlington Assault Charges Case
Common legal defenses our criminal defense attorneys may use to help reduce or dismiss the charges include but are not limited to:
- Self-defense: If you acted to protect yourself from an immediate threat, your attorney can prove your actions were justified under Texas law.
- Defense of others: If you intervened to protect someone else, this can be a valid defense, especially when misinterpreted as an act of aggression.
- Lack of intent: Assault charges often depend on proving intent. If the incident was accidental or evidence of intent is weak, your attorney can challenge the prosecution's narrative.
- False allegations: False accusations happen more often than you might think. An experienced attorney can investigate claims, gather evidence, and expose inconsistencies in the accuser's story.
Every case has its unique circumstances, and an assault attorney customizes these defenses to fit your specific situation, ensuring the strongest possible approach. Defense strategy can change when a TX assault case involves factors like prior convictions, claims of self-defense, or allegations involving a family or household member, which may elevate the charge and influence how the case is approached in court.
Overcoming Legal Obstacles in Assault Cases
Navigating an assault charge in Arlington can involve numerous procedural hurdles and legal complications. Here are some common challenges and how our attorneys can help mitigate the consequences of them:
- Meeting court deadlines: Missing deadlines can harm your case, but a lawyer ensures all paperwork, evidence submissions, and court appearances occur on time to keep your case on track.
- Interpreting complex Texas assault laws: The specifics of Texas Penal Code §22.01 can be confusing. An assault attorney simplifies these laws, explains your rights, and identifies how they apply to your unique circumstances.
- Gathering and preserving evidence: From witness statements to video footage, evidence can disappear quickly. Our assault charges attorneys in Arlington act fast to preserve critical evidence needed for your defense.
- Dealing with aggressive prosecution tactics: Prosecutors often strive for a conviction, sometimes overlooking your rights. A defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors, advocate for dismissals or reduced charges, and counter their strategies with well-prepared legal arguments.
- Navigating the intimidating court process: The Texas criminal justice system can be confusing. Our assault charge lawyers will guide you through hearings, negotiate on your behalf, and handle all interactions with the court to reduce stress.
Your attorney's role isn't just about defending you; it's about ensuring the system treats you fairly and your rights remain intact. With the challenges of an assault charge, the legal system might feel stacked against you. However, with the right legal counsel, you'll gain the confidence and support you need to face these hurdles head-on.
Arlington Assault Charges Lawyer FAQs
How long does an assault case take to resolve in Arlington?
Every assault case is different, but many follow a similar timeline. The process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on factors like the complexity of the charges, the amount of evidence, and the court's schedule. Simple cases, like Class C misdemeanors, may resolve quickly through plea agreements, while felony cases with extensive evidence or multiple witnesses often take much longer. A defense attorney can help streamline the process by filing motions, negotiating with prosecutors, and meeting court deadlines.
Can an assault charge be expunged or sealed from my record in Texas?
Expungement isn't available for every assault charge. If your case was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or no charges were filed after an arrest, you may qualify to have your record expunged. For those who completed deferred adjudication and it didn't involve family violence, you might be eligible for a non-disclosure order to seal your record from public view. However, cases involving family violence or convictions are not eligible for either expungement or sealing. An attorney can review your circumstances and guide you through the process if relief is possible.
Are all physical altercations considered criminal assault in Texas?
Not all physical confrontations may rise to the level of criminal assault. Texas law defines assault as intentionally causing physical harm, threatening injury, or making offensive physical contact. Actions taken in self-defense, during mutual combat, or with the alleged victim's consent (rare but possible, like in some sports contexts) may not qualify as assault. However, these situations can still lead to charges if misunderstood by law enforcement. Our criminal defense attorneys can help clarify what happened and protect your rights if you've been wrongly accused.
Can I face assault charges if there were no injuries?
You may still be charged with assault even if no one was physically injured. Texas law includes threats of harm and offensive contact—in addition to causing injuries—as grounds for an assault charge. This broad scope means misunderstandings, exaggerated accusations, or even minor incidents could lead to charges. Are you facing a Texas aggravated assault charge? A lawyer can present evidence to clarify the situation and challenge shaky allegations.
How could an assault charge impact my future?
An assault charge, even without a conviction, can have long-lasting effects on your life. It may appear on background checks, making it harder to find a job, rent housing, or apply for certain licenses. Convictions carry even more significant consequences, like losing civil rights or struggling to repair your reputation. Our experienced Arlington assault charge lawyers can work to minimize these impacts by fighting for your case's dismissal or reduction and exploring record-sealing options when applicable.
Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys | Protect Your Future With the Help Of An Experienced Assault Charges Lawyer in Arlington
An assault charge doesn't have to define your life. Whether you're facing a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony, our dedicated legal team in Arlington is ready to fight for you. We will stand by your side with an unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Don't wait another day to protect your future. Contact an Arlington assault charges lawyer from Fulgham Hampton online or at (817) 877-5200 to schedule a confidential consultation. The future may seem uncertain, but with the right defense, brighter days are ahead.