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FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES?
PROTECT YOUR FREEDOM
BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT.

San Antonio Assault Defense Lawyers

Proven Legal Professionals Serving Texans

Assault is a common criminal charge in Texas. Violent in nature, it is an offense that is taken seriously by the court system. Several types of assault exist under Texas law, even assault in which the victim was neither injured or touched. The type of assault and the circumstances surrounding the incident will dictate the severity of the charge and the potential penalties awaiting the defendant.

Have you been charged with assault? Contact a San Antonio assault defense lawyer at Smith & Vinson Law Firm to discuss your case at (210) 960-9557 today.

Simple Assault

Simple assault is defined as:

  • The act of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical harm to another individual
  • The act of intentionally or knowingly threatening someone else with physical harm
  • The act of intentionally or knowingly making physical contact with another that you knew or should have known would offend or provoke the person

How the assault charge is classified will be based on the alleged actions you took in the incident. Threats alone are generally charged as Class C misdemeanors. They can, however, bring elevated charges under various circumstances. For instance, if you threatened an elderly or disabled person, you may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If the assault you committed caused bodily injury, you may also be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. In the case of bodily injury, if you assaulted a specific class of individuals, such as firefighters, emergency personnel, or other public servants, you may be charged with a third-degree felony. Because of the variations in assault charges, you should consult an assault defense lawyer at Smith & Vinson Law firm for help.

Domestic Assault

Domestic assault involves harming or threatening to harm a member of your family or household. Depending on the severity of the alleged crime and any criminal background, it may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Aggravated Assault

When an assault causes serious bodily injury or was committed while using a deadly weapon, it constitutes aggravated assault. This type of assault is charged as a second-degree felony, carrying penalties of two to 10 years of prison time and a fine of up to $10,000.

Sexual Assault & Aggravated Sexual Assault

These offenses generally involve rape or molestation. Sexual assault is charged as a second-degree felony. Aggravated sexual assault is charged as a first-degree felony.

Defense Strategies for Assault

Being arrested for assault does not automatically mean you will be found guilty. Often very little evidence is used for an assault arrest. For example, a neighbor calling the police because of hearing a loud argument next door might result in an arrest for someone allegedly involved in the argument.

In the case of assault charges, pertinent defenses might include

  • Self-defense
  • Defending others
  • Mistaken facts
  • Mutual combat
  • Need or necessity
  • Threat or duress
  • Insanity
  • Involuntary intoxication
  • Protection of one’s home by using force (known as “castle doctrine”)

What to Do When Charged with Assault

Do not talk to the police. Your only obligation when charged is to identify yourself, providing your name and date of birth. It is important to know that law enforcement may say anything, including lies, to get you to talk to them. They are allowed to do this – but anything you tell them will not help your case. In fact, it will only harm it as what you say can and will be used against you. If police officers question you, you should politely reply that you cannot answer without an attorney being present. Never sign a waiver of your rights.

You should also:

  • Call Smith & Vinson Law Firm. After asserting your legal rights, you should call a proven criminal defense lawyer for help. Our firm is on call 24/7. It is vital that you call us immediately so that we can get to work investigating the incident and the charges. We will gather information, talk to witnesses, and ensure that your rights are protected.
  • Never contact the victim. This applies even if the alleged victim is a family member or lives in your household. If a restraining order is filed against you, do not violate its terms.
  • Never talk to anyone about your case when in jail. Your outgoing phone calls to others when in jail are recorded and could be used against you later on. Additionally, any conversations with a cellmate while in jail could also be turned into evidence against you in court. While in jail, you should avoid talking to anyone except your attorney.

San Antonio Assault Defense Lawyers

If you have been arrested or charged with an assault offense in or around San Antonio, do not hesitate to call Smith & Vinson Law Firm. We are always on call and ready to serve. With a former prosecutor as part of our legal team, you can be assured that your case will be handled with the highest level of professionalism. We will fight for you from the get-go while seeking a favorable resolution.

Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation. We can be reached at (210) 960-9557.

Our Clients Are Our Biggest Endorsers
Hear What They Have to Say

  • He's a real lawyer!

    “A civil issue arose in Austin with a family member. We sought the advice of a well named Austin attorney. This unnamed attorney provided egregious legal advice. In court, a lifetime civil injunction was ruled by the judge on this non-criminal civil issue. Once learning of this judgement we immediately started looking for another attorney and found Brad Vinson, with Smith and Vinson. Simply put, Brad had this entire debacle reversed and a new judgement set for what is customarily ruled in similar cases. It didn't take long either. I only wish we had called Brad first. He's a real lawyer!”

    David

  • Exceptionally versed in the intricacies of Texas criminal law

    “Having never been exposed to the criminal system, hiring an attorney was daunting task. Attorney Brad Vinson was informative, professional yet sympathetic with his approach to my case. Mr. Vinson was open to opinion and ensured that all legal avenues were considered and addressed before presenting a course of action. Ultiamtely, Mr. Vinson was able to negotiate a reasonable settlement dispite many hoops and hurdles presented by the prosecuting county. I would highly recommend Smith and Vinson for representation in a criminal matter.”

    Michael

  • Awesome communication

    “They handle my case incredibly well and warned me on the possible negative outcomes, overall completely satisfied me through the whole process. ”

    Elmer Marqueiz

  • 110% glad I chose Jarrod to represent and fight for me.

    “Pay them, be honest with them and communicate with them and they will fix your mistake. Plain and simple. Charged 1st DWI offense. Called in. Told them scenario. Worked with payment methods (very important) .I had numerous lawyers to choose from. 110% glad I chose Jarrod to represent and fight for me. Throughout whole process I had the utmost confidence in Mr. Smith and his work. the goal when we first met was to "get the DWI dismissed" and that is exactly what happened. mission accomplished. if you need a DWI removed call jarrod”

    Ronald D.

  • Second to NONE

    “I would love to add my thanks and heart felt appreciation for the help that your law firm provided me. Before I met you guys my situation looked very bleak and quite honestly your dedication to my case really carried over this past year and the reward was not only one felony dismissal but two. Thank you from the Ramirez family, I will always be great full and you guys have earned a spot in my family. For anyone reading, this firm is second to NONE, they know what there talking about and do exactly what they promise to do. Very professional, on time and and educate you along the whole process. I had alot to lose and you guys gave it all back to me and finally represented what true Justice is here in America. God bless you both and God bless your firm”

    Manuel R.

  • Top Attorney Avvo Rating 10.0
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Avvo 10.0 Rating
  • Texas Bar College
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Avvo 5 Star Reviews
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award

WHY HIRE US?

  • We are accessible to you. Our attorneys can be reached 24/7.
  • Bold and fearless defense are what we are known for.
  • Turn to us for straightforward legal advice when you need it.
  • We offer free consultations to every single client served.