Austin Assault Defense Lawyers

Assault/Battery Charges

In Texas, assault and battery are two separate charges that commonly are tried together. These cases concern many legal details and so it is necessary, if you want to avoid a lengthy jail sentence, to contact an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney.

Assault is the threat of violence caused by an immediate show of force. It is typically treated as a misdemeanor but it can become a felony charge if the assault is directed at a law enforcement officer. Aggravated assault is a stronger form of assault. Aggravated assault involves a deadly weapon; an attempt to cause serious injury purposely, knowingly, or recklessly in situations where the person has exhibited indifference to human life; or attempting or causing bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon. Aggravated assault is usually differentiated between simple assault based on the offender’s intent such as to rape or to murder, the extent of injury to the victim, or the use of a deadly weapon.

Battery is an injury or other contact with a person in a manner likely to cause bodily harm. In order for a charge of battery to be levied against a person, contact must be made. Simple battery consists of any form of non-consensual, harmful or insulting contact, regardless of the injury that is caused. Aggravated batter generally involves some type of permanent disfigurement of the victim. It is always a felony.

The consequences for an assault and battery conviction vary. They can include imprisonment, probation or parole, fines, loss of the right to possess firearms, and mandatory anger management classes. When deciding on a sentence, the court or judge will consider the offender’s criminal record, probation or parole status, as well as a variety of other factors.

If you have been arrested for assault and battery or know someone that has been, it is imperative to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to give you the best chances of receiving a lesser punishment or no punishment at all. Contact the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer, Ian Inglis, to discuss your case and develop a plan for your defense.