Collin County Assault Defense Attorney

Criminal Lawyer for Clients Charged with Battery in Plano and Fort Worth

At The Crowder Law Firm P.C., we have a long history of protecting the rights of criminal defendants accused of violent crimes like assault. Attorney Darlina Crowder has over 20 years of legal experience fighting for her clients' freedom. She has facilitated more than 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals for her clients, and she knows what to expect during violent crime cases. If you or someone you love has been charged with any type of assault in Texas, we are fully prepared to put our experience and knowledge to work for you.

Legal Representation for Those Accused of Assault in Dallas

In some jurisdictions, assault and battery are separate criminal offenses. Assault typically refers to threatening or attempting violence, while battery refers to actual physical contact that is offensive or provocative or that causes harm. In Texas, however, there is not a separate offense called "battery," as all such acts are combined under the offense of assault. Texas law defines assault as a situation in which one or more of the following actions occur:

• A person intentionally makes contact of a provocative or offensive nature with another person;
• A person recklessly or deliberately causes injury to another person; and
• A person intentionally threatens physical harm to another person.

You do not actually have to injure someone in order to be charged with assault in Texas. You can be arrested on assault charges just for threatening to harm someone or touching someone in a provocative manner. For example, poking someone in the chest with your finger during an argument could be considered assault. Telling someone you are going to punch them could potentially lead to an assault charge, even if you did not follow through with the threat.

Criminal Penalties for an Assault Conviction

When a defendant threatens someone or touches them in a provocative way but does not injure them, the resulting charge is likely to be a misdemeanor assault charge. A misdemeanor assault conviction can result in fines and a jail sentence of up to a year. Felony assault is a much more grievous crime than misdemeanor assault. Assault is considered a third-degree felony when the provocative or injurious act was committed against one of the following people:

• A public servant performing his or her official duty;
• A family member or member of the household;
• Someone who the defendant is in a dating relationship with if the defendant has been convicted of a similar offense previously;
• Certain government employees, such as Child Protective Services workers, who are performing their official duty;
• A security officer performing his or her duties; or
• An emergency services provider while he or she is providing emergency services.

Assault is a second-degree felony if the defendant:

• Committed the offense against a dating partner, household member, or family member;
• Has previously been convicted of a similar offense; and
• Impeded the victim's normal breathing or circulation.

An assault offense is considered "aggravated assault" if a weapon was used during the assault or the assault results in significant injury. The charge will be a first-degree felony offense if aggravated assault is committed against someone the defendant is in a domestic relationship with or is a public official, emergency worker, police officer, security guard, witness, or informant. A felony assault conviction can result in heavy fines and significant jail time. In the most serious cases, assault can be punishable by life in prison.

Call 214-544-0061 for Help

Being convicted of a violent crime will change your life forever. Do not try to fight assault charges without a competent, aggressive attorney at your side. Contact The Crowder Law Firm P.C. to schedule a free, confidential consultation about your case today. Call us at 214-544-0061. We serve clients in Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Fort Worth, Garland, Denton, Frisco, Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, Tarrant County, and the surrounding areas. Se habla Español.