Dallas Assault Lawyer

Why Assault Charges Require Immediate Action

Time is your enemy. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and opportunities for dismissal vanish with each passing day. In Dallas County, assault cases move quickly through the system, and prosecutors begin building their strategy immediately after your arrest.

The stakes are too high to wait:

• Professional licenses at risk
• Employment termination possible
• Security clearances in jeopardy
• Firearm rights restrictions
• Immigration consequences
• Family custody issues

Understanding Assault Charges in Texas

Texas assault laws are broader than most people realize. You can face assault charges without ever touching another person. Even verbal threats of bodily harm qualify as Class C misdemeanor assault under Texas Penal Code Section 22.01.

Simple Assault Classifications

Class C Misdemeanor Assault:

• Threats of imminent bodily injury
• Offensive or provocative physical contact
• Penalties: Up to $500 fine

Class A Misdemeanor Assault:

• Intentional, knowing, or reckless bodily injury
• Penalties: Up to 1 year in jail + $4,000 fine

Third Degree Felony Enhancement:

• Assault against a public servant, an elderly person, or in a domestic/family violence assault impeding breath
• Penalties: 2 to 10 years in prison + $10,000 fine

Aggravated Assault Charges

Second Degree Felony:

• Serious bodily injury OR use/display of deadly weapon
• Penalties: 2 to 20 years in prison + $10,000 fine

First Degree Felony:

• Aggravated assault against specific protected victims (peace officers, witnesses, judges)
• Penalties: 5 years to life + $10,000 fine

The difference between misdemeanor and felony charges can be a single moment’s decision. Don’t leave your future to chance.

Arrested for Assault?

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The Dallas County Criminal Process

Step 1: Arrest & Booking (0-24 hours)

• Transport to Lew Sterrett Justice Center
• Fingerprints, photos, and personal property inventory
• We can: Advise on police questioning, begin an immediate investigation, and prepare for a bond hearing

Step 2: Initial Appearance (24-48 hours)

• Magistrate reads charges and rights
• Bond amount set based on charge severity and criminal history
• We can: Argue for reduced bond or personal recognizance release

Step 3: Formal Charges (2-16 weeks)

• Misdemeanor: Information filed by the prosecutor
• Felony: Grand jury indictment required
• We can: Present evidence for a grand jury “no bill,” negotiate before charges are filed

Step 4: Pretrial Motions (2-6 months)

• Discovery review, witness interviews
• Motion hearings on evidence and legal issues
• We can: Challenge prosecution evidence, negotiate dismissal, or reduction

Step 5: Trial or Resolution

• Jury trial, bench trial, or plea agreement
• We can: Present your defense, cross-examine witnesses, and argue reasonable doubt

At every stage, there are opportunities to dismiss or reduce the charges. The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to protect you.

Our Dallas Assault Defense Approach

Immediate Investigation

• Preserve surveillance footage before deletion
• Interview witnesses that the police never contacted
• Document your injuries (if any)
• Analyze 911 calls and police reports for inconsistencies
• Secure alibi evidence and character witnesses

Proven Defense Strategies

Self-Defense: Texas law allows reasonable force when you believe it’s immediately necessary to protect yourself from unlawful force.

Defense of Others: Protection of third parties from harm is a valid defense under Texas Penal Code Section 9.33.

False Accusations: Many assault charges stem from relationship disputes, child custody battles, or revenge motivations.

Lack of Intent: Accidents without intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct don’t constitute assault.

Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed every element of the offense.

Mistaken Identity: Witness misidentification is common, especially in chaotic situations.

Resolution Options Beyond Trial

Case Dismissal: When evidence is insufficient or witnesses become unavailable, we push for complete dismissal.

Grand Jury No-Bill: For felony charges, we present exculpatory evidence to prevent indictment.

Charge Reduction: Negotiating felony charges down to misdemeanors or Class A down to Class C citations.

Pretrial Diversion: Alternative programs that result in dismissal upon completion.

Deferred Adjudication: No conviction enters your record if probation is completed successfully.

The Hidden Costs of an Assault Conviction

Professional Consequences

• Medical, legal, teaching, and nursing license suspension
• Security clearance denial or revocation
• Military discharge or demotion
• Background check failures can block employment
• Professional reputation damage

Personal Rights Impact

• Firearm possession prohibition (especially domestic violence)
• Voting rights are restricted during incarceration
• Jury service exclusion
• Child custody and visitation limitations
• Immigration deportation risk for non-citizens

Financial Burden

• Court fines: $500 to $10,000+
• Victim restitution payments
• Lost income during incarceration
• Increased insurance premiums
• Civil lawsuit liability
• Career advancement limitations

These consequences last for years beyond any jail time. Fighting charges now protects your entire future.