Aggravated assault or assault with a deadly weapon in Denton can result in serious penalties. Considered violent crimes, they carry steep punishments that can result in multiple years behind bars in addition to thousands of dollars paid towards the court as a result of mandatory fines. Being convicted of these crimes can also cause individuals to be seen as untrustworthy, dangerous individuals while losing rights such as firearm ownership and voting privileges.
Aggravated assault charges and accusations are extremely serious matters. Individuals who are accused of causing bodily injury while using a weapon or firearm are generally seen as threats to society. Being convicted of this crime will undoubtedly change the reputation of the alleged offender will costing them valuable time and money. If charged, you need to contact a reputable criminal defense lawyer in Denton.
Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX.
Like any violent crime, aggravated assault cannot be taken lightly. Ignoring your charges or becoming petrified with fear will only make your matter worse. Instead, your best bet is to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Being charged or accused of assault with a deadly weapon can seem daunting, but it doesn’t always have to result in a criminal conviction. If you wish to fight your charges and stand up for your freedom, our law firm can be of assistance.
If you’re struggling to move forward with your criminal case, it is in your best interest to contact The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy. Serving Plano, Lewisville, McKinney, Frisco, and many other surrounding areas of Denton County, our team of legal professionals knows what needs to be done in these situations. Our team has proudly represented Texans in a court of law for nearly two decades, and we work hard on behalf of our clients to give them a favorable outcome. If you are unsure of what to do next, contact our office today at (940) 222-8004 for a free consultation.
Definition of Aggravated Assault
According to Section 22.01 of the Texas Penal Code, an individual is guilty of assault whenever they commit one of the following offenses:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical harm to another person
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly threatening physical harm to another individual
- Intentionally or knowingly making unwanted physical contact with another individual
This crime is upgraded to aggravated assault if the offender utilizes a deadly weapon or causes serious bodily injury or death during the assault, according to Texas Penal Code § 22.021.
Texas Penal Code § 46.01 provides a detailed look at some of the items considered deadly weapons in the state of Texas. According to this statute, deadly weapons in Texas may include, but are not limited to:
- Handguns
- Knives
- Daggers
- Swords
- Nightsticks
- Mace
- Clubs
- Zip guns
- Brass knuckles
- Switchblades
- Short-barrel firearms
- Machine guns
- Explosive weapons
Texas Penal Code § 1.07 states that an individual causes “bodily injury” if they cause any physical pain, illness or impairment to another individual’s body part or organ. In Texas, “serious bodily injury” is defined as any injury that causes a risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, bodily impairment, or extended loss of an organ.
Aggravated Assault Penalties
Next, we’ll take a look at some of the penalties associated with aggravated assault in Denton, Texas. The penalties for this crime are quite severe. If an offender has been convicted of this crime, the classification starts as a second-degree felony, resulting in up to 20 years in prison in addition to a fine of up to $10,000. However, depending on the severity of the offense, this can be upgraded to a first-degree felony. If this upgrade takes place, the offender can be punished with life in prison in addition to a fine of $10,000. Typically, this upgrade happens when the offender is guilty of committing aggravated assault against a security officer or public servant.
Resources for Aggravated Assault in Denton, TX
Denton County Friends of the Family – Many aggravated assault instances happen domestically. For individuals who are victimized by domestic aggravated assault, Denton County Friends of the Family is here for you. Founded in 1980, this organization provides emergency shelters, child counseling, and many other resources for individuals who are struggling to deal with violence and assault in their homes.
Giving Grace – Depending on where you are and what your situation is, you may need to find a shelter that is far from home. This webpage on the website of Hope Inc Denton provides the user with a list of shelters and safe havens around Texas. Here, you can find shelter in cities such as Arlington, Cleburne, Dallas, Fort Worth, Gainesville, Garland, Plano, and more.
Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Aggravated Assault Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Aggravated assault can land you in prison for decades, and it can completely ruin your reputation. If you are an individual who is trying to make the most out of your future, you need to take your charges seriously if you are ever accused of committing this crime.
Call (940) 222-8004 or contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today for a consultation about your alleged offense in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas of Denton County, Texas. We can help you better understand the nature of your charges and also examine your possible defense options.