Archives for: August, 2020

Fort Worth Rioters May Now Face Assault Charges

By: Brandon Fulgham

Assault | Rioting

In late May, Fort Worth erupted into demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd. When protests on May 31 became heated, several dozen protesters were arrested and at least 50 were hit with rioting charges.

In the weeks following the protests, Police Chief Ed Kraus announced that the rioting charges the protestors face would be dropped. However, far from being let off the hook, certain protestors may face more serious charges including assault, assault on a peace officer, and criminal mischief.

The Department alleges that while the majority of protestors were peaceful, some participants had caused damage to property and threatened the lives of officers. According to the police department, these protestors will be investigated and prosecuted to the [...]

“I Was Just Defending Myself!” Texas Assault vs. Self-Defense

By: Brandon Fulgham

Assault | Self Defense

Self-defense is one of the most common defense strategies in cases involving assault and other violent crimes. George Zimmerman used it when he faced charges of murdering Trayvon Martin. A police officer in Dallas is claiming self-defense in a controversial case after she shot and killed an unarmed man in his apartment.

News stories every day show alleged offenders going to trial claiming that they acted in self-defense when they shot, stabbed, or caused bodily harm to another person. Because in the heat of the moment, this is entirely plausible. Adrenaline may take over and you might defend yourself using physical violence.

Will this argument actually help you avoid penalties, though? That depends on the specifics of the situation.

Before [...]