When people think of assault, they tend to assume that violence is involved. That’s not always the case. In Texas, some types of assault don’t even include physical harm. If you verbally threaten an American Airlines flight attendant and throw a bag at them, it is considered assault. So is hitting a fast-food worker with a plastic tray.
Our team has significant experience handling all categories of Texas assault charges:
Simple Assault
Simple assault can include a wide range of acts. Physical contact doesn’t even have to be involved. Just a verbal threat of harm can be enough for criminal charges. This can include:
- Threatening to injure another person
- Provoking physical contact
- Causing minor bodily injury
About 91% of assault cases in Dallas County in 2023 have been resolved. These are typically Class A misdemeanors with penalties including up to a year in jail and fines of as much as $4,000. Close to 24% were convicted.
|
Outcome
|
Percentage of case results
|
|
Dismissals
|
51.5%
|
|
Acquittals
|
.5%
|
|
Convictions
|
24%
|
|
Deferred adjudication
|
21%
|
|
Other outcomes
|
3%
|
Source: https://courtsdata.traviscountytx.gov/CriminalAnalytics/
A simple assault charge can be elevated to a felony if the victim is a family member, public servant, or elderly person. We will examine the facts of your case and fight for a charge reduction or dismissal.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault involves either:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Serious bodily injury
All aggravated assault cases in Dallas in 2023 have been resolved. These charges carry severe penalties, including two to 20 years in prison. Here are the case outcomes by percentage. About 32% were convicted.
|
Outcome
|
Percentage of case results
|
|
Dismissals
|
38%
|
|
Acquittals
|
.05%
|
|
Convictions
|
32%
|
|
Deferred adjudication
|
15%
|
|
Other outcomes
|
14.5%
|
Our firm will carefully review all evidence and craft a strong defense to protect your rights.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence – officially called assault and family violence charges in Texas – arises when you’ve been accused of harming a family member (or another member of your household). Depending on the charges and any prior criminal history, these charges range from misdemeanors to felonies. We understand that these cases involve complex dynamics. We provide legal defense and compassionate support.
The stakes for domestic violence cases are particularly high because you could be barred from accessing your own home until the case has been resolved.
All of the family assault cases in Dallas County in 2023 have been resolved. Penalties vary based on the incident and any injuries. For first-time offenders, it’s typically considered a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Repeat offenders will face a third-degree felony charge and face a prison sentence of two to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Close to a quarter were convicted.
|
Outcome
|
Percentage of case results
|
|
Dismissals
|
58%
|
|
Acquittals
|
.3%
|
|
Convictions
|
23%
|
|
Deferred adjudication
|
18%
|
|
Other
|
.7%
|
Sexual & Aggravated Sexual Assault
In Dallas, sexual assault is a second-degree felony. If threats, injury, or a weapon are involved, the charge may be upgraded to aggravated sexual assault, which is a first-degree felony. The stakes are always high in sex assault cases, not only because of the potential for serious legal consequences but also due to the high risk of social stigma. It’s critical to seek legal advice as quickly as possible. We will get to work immediately.
About 72% of the cases of sexual assault involving adults in Dallas County in 2023 have been resolved. Depending on the severity of the charges, the maximum penalty can range from two to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Just one defendant has been acquitted after a trial.
|
Outcome
|
Percentage of case results
|
|
Dismissals
|
34%
|
|
Acquittals
|
.6%
|
|
Convictions
|
25%
|
|
Deferred adjudication
|
17%
|
|
Other
|
19.4%
|
Aggressive Defenses Against Assault Charges
Arrests don’t equal guilt. You’re innocent unless proven guilty. And many assault charges stem from exaggerations, misunderstandings, insufficient evidence, hearsay, or even a desire for retribution. Our team in Dallas will explore every possible defense, which may include:
- Mutual combat
- Necessity or duress
- Self-defense or defense of others
- False accusations
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of intent or knowledge
- Insanity or mental health defenses
Each case is unique. We will customize an evidence-based defense strategy designed to expose weaknesses in your case.
What to Do If You Are Arrested for Assault in Texas
If you’ve been arrested, you must take immediate steps to protect yourself:
- Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately
- Do not speak to law enforcement without a lawyer: Anything you say can be used against you
- Do not discuss your case with others, especially in jail where conversations are recorded
- Avoid contact with the victim, even if they live in the same household
- Comply with all protective orders the court has issued
Call Michael & Associates as soon as possible to begin your defense. We’re available 24/7.
Why Choose a Local Dallas Assault Attorney?
Hiring a local defense attorney gives you a significant advantage. Local experience is important. Our attorneys have deep roots in the Dallas legal community and are committed to protecting the rights of North Texans. Our team has decades of experience and an established track record of success. We are known for our meticulous preparation and commitment to clients.
Our hiring practices are a point of pride. We only hire attorneys with significant experience and diverse skill sets. While all are tough criminal defense lawyers, our teammates have a wide array of additional experiences. Several of our Dallas teammates were born and raised in North Texas and have connections in multiple counties, and at least three are former prosecutors. One has served as the president of the Ellis County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. We also have a former judge and a former FBI agent on our staff. This wide range of experience helps us understand how the opposition will approach your case. We use this to develop a customized strategy.
At our firm, we:
- Understand Dallas County court procedures and know the key personnel
- Have established relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court staff
- Offer easy in-person access for urgent meetings – we return calls and texts the same business day
- Are familiar with community-specific legal trends and jury dynamics
You aren’t just getting one attorney – you’re getting our full team. We meet each day to review cases and talk strategy.
