Assault may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case and the law of the jurisdiction. If you have been accused of assault, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Houston Assault & Battery Defense Lawyer: The Charles Johnson Law Firm
If you have been charged with assault or are facing allegations of domestic violence, you are encouraged to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At the Charles Johnson Law Firm, our attorney has been defending clients against charges of criminal assault, domestic abuse, and restraining orders violations for over a decade.
For aggressive representation from an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer, contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation. We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 713-222-7577 or toll free at 877-308-0100. Major credit cards are accepted.
Assault – An Overview
Being convicted of assault can bring serious penalties including jail or prison time, fines and probation. Although the specific definition of assault varies by jurisdiction, it is typically viewed as the act of putting another person in fear of harm or offensive contact by the use of force or the threat of force. Some jurisdictions also consider an intentional injury to be an assault. If you have been charged with assault, it is important to know the law and procedures of your state and county. Seek the advice of an experienced attorney, Charles Johnson Law Firm in Houston, Texas, as you determine how to fight the charges.
Assault is an attempt to hurt someone physically; it is also the threat of force or use of force, making the victim apprehensive of harmful or offensive contact. Battery, on the other hand, is typically defined as the actual touching of the victim in a harmful or offensive manner.
If the assault occurs while the defendant is using a deadly weapon or attempting to commit a serious crime, it is an aggravated assault. Because this is a more serious crime than simple assault, the punishment is usually more severe. Injury does not necessarily have to occur for the crime to be aggravated assault.
Assault & Battery
Assault and battery are two separate crimes. Each may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how the crime was allegedly carried out, the nature of the injuries that resulted and the laws of the jurisdiction. If you are facing a charge of assault or battery, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.
Sexual Assault
Many states have undertaken a revision of their rape and sexual assault laws, creating a broad set of sexually related crimes. These crimes are often referred to collectively as sexual assault, criminal sexual conduct or sexual abuse. The chief characteristic of these laws is that they prohibit doing any type of sexual act with another person against that person’s will. Generally, it is not necessary to show physical resistance on the part of the victim, only that the victim did not consent to the act. If you have been accused of sexual assault, seek the advice of an attorney.
Domestic Assault
If you have been accused of domestic violence, you may be facing an uphill battle. Many states have strengthened their laws on domestic violence, making arrest and prosecution mandatory regardless of what the alleged victim wishes to do. No matter how your state or county handles allegations of domestic violence, it is important to mount a vigorous defense. Speak with an attorney to discuss your case and develop a strategy for fighting the charges.
Coping With the Assault Arrest of a Family Member
If someone in your family has been arrested for assault, you probably aren’t sure where to turn or what to do next. If you (or another family member) were the victim of the assault, that only complicates the situation. While your family member’s arrest is a daunting situation, you can do several things right away to gain information and control. A positive first step is to contact an attorney who will guide you through the complicated maze of the justice system.
Assault Resource Links
Criminal Law: An Overview
The Legal Information Institute (LII) provides basic information on how the criminal law system works.
Uniform Crime Reports
The Uniform Crime Reporting Program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tracks the overall crime numbers and statistical fluctuations of 17,000 law enforcement agencies.
Bureau of Justice Statistics
The federal Bureau of Justice Statistics gathers, analyzes and publishes information on how both offenders and victims are treated by the criminal justice system.
The Sentencing Project
The Sentencing Project works to reform criminal sentencing laws and promote alternatives to incarceration.
Violence Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to the prevention of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual crimes and youth violence.
Criminal Procedure: An Overview
LII outlines how people are prosecuted for crimes in the US and describes their rights during this process.
US Constitution: Eighth Amendment
FindLaw offers a look at the source of a prisoner’s constitutional rights.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
This Web site contains information on domestic violence, including resources for people who think they may be abusing a loved one.
National Crime Prevention Council
The NCPC works to educate people on how to prevent crime through personal safety measures and community programs.
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