The best way to respond to criminal charges is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can assess your case and build a strong legal defense against the criminal assault charge. Contact our criminal defense firm at Tisdell Law to consult with an experienced Amarillo criminal attorney.
What Is Considered as Assault in Amarillo, TX?
An assault is when there is an action or threat of violence that results or could result in serious bodily injury. The term bodily injury includes any type of harm to the body, such as strangulation or internal injuries. A simple assault is when the alleged victim does not sustain an injury from the assault. If the alleged victim suffered serious bodily harm, then it is considered aggravated assault.
An assault charge in Amarillo, TX, can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony offense depending on the severity of the incident and aggravating factors such as the use of a deadly weapon.
Penalties of Assault in Texas
A simple assault is a class C Misdemeanor in Texas and is punishable by up to $500 in fines. A Class B misdemeanor has penalties of up to six months of jail time and fines of up to $2000. A Class A misdemeanor has penalties of up to one year in jail and fines of up to $4000.
The penalties can be stricter if the offense is raised to a felony, with the strictest penalties for a first-degree felony resulting in five years to life in prison and a hefty fine.
A simple assault can be considered a felony if the offense is committed against a public servant or a security officer acting in their official duty, a person who lives with the defendant, or emergency services personnel providing emergency services.
The most severe penalties are rendered for crimes that result in serious bodily harm through the use of deadly weapons, or cases where the defendant has a history of violent offenses.
What To Do If You Are Arrested for Assault in Amarillo, TX?
Criminal law in Amarillo, TX, allows police officers to make an arrest if they have reasonable cause to suspect that an assault has happened or is imminent. They don’t need an arrest warrant as long as there is probable cause, which can be challenged in court.
If you are arrested for assault, try to remain calm and invoke your right to remain silent. Confronting the alleged victim or arguing with the police will not help your case — it can only make it worse.
It’s your constitutional right to request an attorney. Ideally, you should choose your criminal defendant defense lawyer — before the state appoints a public defender to your case. While the public defender could have the right intentions to fight against the charges, they might not have the time, energy, or resources that you can get with a private practice attorney.
You also have the right to refuse searches of your property or belongings. In most criminal defense cases, it’s favorable to not consent to searches. Ideally, you want to avoid discussing the case with anyone, as statements made by you can be used in court.
How Can an Amarillo Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
With an attorney on your side, you get legal advice and counsel on all matters related to defending against the assault charges. Their attorney can review your case to explain your rights and offer legal advice on the best course of action to get a favorable outcome for the case.
To help build a strong case against the charges, your criminal defense lawyer can gather evidence through various sources. Even if the opposition has a strong case, with a skilled attorney in your corner, you always have a chance of negotiating a lesser charge or sentence. An attorney can build your case so you can have options to go to trial or enter into a plea bargain. If the case goes to trial, your law firm can handle all legal processes, including pre-trial hearings and motions.
Defending Against Assault Charges
Facing assault charges can be a frightening experience. Allow us at Tisdell Law to fight for your rights. Our criminal defense attorneys understand how to navigate the complexities of assault cases in Amarillo, TX. We can use our experience and resources to secure the best possible outcome for your assault case. You can contact our Amarillo law office to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys.
