What Is Assault Under Texas Law?

Texas law generally defines assault as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person, threatening another person with imminent bodily injury, or causing physical contact that the person knows or should reasonably believe would be regarded as offensive or provocative.

An assault allegation does not automatically mean that a person is guilty. The prosecution must establish the required elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal case.

The potential classification and penalties for an assault charge can depend on the specific allegations, the alleged victim, the defendant’s criminal history, and other circumstances.

Types of Assault Cases We Defend

The Coffey Firm represents clients facing a variety of assault-related criminal allegations, including:

• Assault causing bodily injury
• Class A misdemeanor assault
• Aggravated assault
• Assault involving a family or household member
• Assault involving a dating relationship
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Assault causing serious bodily injury
• Domestic violence allegations
• Assault involving allegations of strangulation or suffocation
• Assault involving allegations of threats or physical contact
• Assault charges involving former spouses, partners, or family members

The legal consequences can vary substantially depending on the particular charge. An attorney should review the actual charging documents and circumstances before determining what penalties or defenses may apply. Click here to request a FREE consultation.

What Should I Do After an Assault Arrest in Texas?

If you have been arrested for assault, avoid discussing the facts of your case with anyone other than your attorney.

Important steps may include:

1. Exercise your right to remain silent. You generally have the right not to answer investigative questions without an attorney.
2. Do not contact or confront the alleged victim. A no-contact order, protective order, bond condition, or other restriction may apply.
3. Preserve potential evidence. Keep relevant messages, photographs, videos, recordings, documents, and other information.
4. Identify potential witnesses. Your attorney may need information about people who saw or heard what happened.
5. Follow all bond and court requirements. Violating release conditions can create additional legal problems.
6. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Early legal representation can allow your attorney to begin reviewing the evidence and protecting your rights.

What Are the Penalties for Assault in Texas?

The consequences of an assault conviction depend on the specific offense.

Texas assault offenses can range from lower-level misdemeanors to serious felony charges. Factors that may affect the classification include the alleged victim’s relationship to the accused, whether bodily injury was alleged, whether a deadly weapon was involved, the seriousness of the alleged injuries, and the defendant’s prior criminal history.

Because the potential penalties vary considerably, someone facing an assault accusation should have an attorney review the specific charge rather than relying on a general description of assault penalties.

Why Choose The Coffey Firm for Assault Defense?

Mimi Coffey and The Coffey Firm provide criminal defense representation for clients facing serious allegations in North Texas.

An assault case requires careful attention to the allegations, evidence, applicable Texas law, and the individual circumstances of the accused. The defense process may involve investigating the allegations, reviewing evidence, identifying legal issues, negotiating with prosecutors when appropriate, and preparing for trial when necessary.

The Coffey Firm represents clients facing criminal charges in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Dallas, and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Assault Criminal Defense in Fort Worth and Tarrant County

If you are facing an assault charge in Fort Worth or Tarrant County, the location of your case can affect where court proceedings occur and which court handles the matter.

The Coffey Firm represents individuals facing criminal allegations in North Texas and can help you understand the legal process associated with your particular case.

Assault Criminal Defense in Fort Worth and Tarrant County

If you are facing an assault charge in Fort Worth or Tarrant County, the location of your case can affect where court proceedings occur and which court handles the matter.

The Coffey Firm represents individuals facing criminal allegations in North Texas and can help you understand the legal process associated with your particular case.

Assault Criminal Defense in Dallas

If you were arrested or charged with assault in Dallas County, it is important to understand the specific allegations against you and the potential consequences of the charge.

The Coffey Firm provides criminal defense representation for individuals facing assault and other criminal allegations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Criminal Defense

Do I need a lawyer for an assault charge?

You have the right to represent yourself, but assault charges can carry significant legal consequences. An experienced criminal defense attorney like Mimi Coffey can review the allegations, explain the potential consequences, investigate the evidence, and protect your legal rights.

Can an assault charge be dismissed?

An assault case may sometimes be dismissed, but there is no guarantee that a particular case will be dismissed. The possibility of dismissal can depend on the evidence, circumstances of the alleged offense, legal issues, prosecutorial decisions, and other factors.

Can the alleged victim drop assault charges?

The alleged victim generally does not personally decide whether a criminal prosecution continues. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the government. However, information provided by the alleged victim may be relevant to the case.

What happens if I am accused of assault but did not hurt anyone?

Texas assault law does not always require an allegation of bodily injury. Certain forms of assault can involve threats of imminent bodily injury or offensive or provocative physical contact. The specific allegation matters.

Is assault a felony in Texas?

Some assault offenses are misdemeanors, while others are felonies. The classification depends on the specific circumstances and applicable Texas law.

Can I be arrested for assault without physical evidence?

An arrest or criminal charge can occur based on witness statements and other evidence. Whether the available evidence is sufficient to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt is a separate question.

What should I do if someone falsely accused me of assault?

Do not threaten, confront, or retaliate against the person making the allegation. Preserve relevant evidence and speak with a criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can evaluate the available evidence and determine what legal options may apply.

How quickly should I contact an assault defense lawyer?

You should consider contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after learning that you are under investigation or have been arrested. Early legal advice can help you avoid mistakes and preserve potentially important evidence. The Coffey Firm is available by phones 24 hours.

Contact The Coffey Firm for Assault Criminal Defense

An assault accusation can have serious consequences. If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by law enforcement regarding an assault allegation in North Texas, Mimi Coffey and The Coffey Firm can help you understand your legal options.

Contact The Coffey Firm to discuss your situation and learn more about assault criminal defense in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Dallas, and throughout North Texas.