Lawyers in College Station and Waco representing cases across Texas
(979) 406-5756 
(254) 781-3416 Any conviction can have severe consequences on your life, finances, and future, and crimes involving violence can be particularly problematic. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding or a heated argument can quickly get out of hand and spiral out of control, ending with someone calling the police and an arrest for assault.
It often comes as a surprise to people that you do not have to put your hands on someone or cause bodily harm to face assault charges. Speak to a seasoned lawyer knowledgeable about assault investigations in College Station today. Our experienced assault defense attorneys could review your case and provide more information.
Law enforcement takes specific steps to investigate after someone reports an assault. They seek to review the facts and circumstances to determine if the allegations have merit. The steps of an assault investigation include the following:
The initial report starts with the alleged victim and may come from eyewitnesses, schools, or hospitals. Generally, police officers gather information about the incident and create a report. After this, the agency assigns the case to investigators and, sometimes, victim services counselors.
The next step is gathering the evidence, including interviewing the alleged victim to obtain their account of the incident. They also interview the alleged suspect and may conduct witness interviews with anyone with relevant information. They will collect evidence, including DNA medical records, and review the crime scene.
After the investigators finish gathering all the applicable documents and information, they review them to determine if there is cause to make an arrest and file assault charges.
They may close the case if they find insufficient evidence or the allegations are unfounded. A College Station attorney who handles assault investigations could answer your questions throughout the process and provide sound legal advice.
Texas criminal statutes define assault as a range of actions, including causing physical harm to another or threatening to cause them severe bodily harm. Under the Texas Penal Code Chapter 22, the different types of assault include the following:
Simple assault is the most basic form of assault, and it can occur in three primary ways, including knowingly and intentionally causing injuries, threatening to cause bodily harm, or causing offensive or provocative physical contact.
Aggravated assault is more serious and involves using a deadly weapon while committing assault, causing severe bodily harm, or causing injuries to people belonging to protected classes, such as public servants.
Sexual assault entails any unwanted sexual contact, including unwanted touching of the individual’s body. Each form of assault carries the potential for different penalties, depending on the type and case specifics.
Besides the case specifics, the penalties for assault will depend on the individual’s criminal history. Convictions for Class C, B, or A misdemeanors could result in fines from $500 to $4,000 to one year of incarceration. A conviction for felony assault could mean several years to life of imprisonment.
Building a defense strategy against assault charges of any type requires a well-rounded and strategic approach that will challenge the state’s case. The defense must present a compelling alternative and establish reasonable doubt.
This involves thoroughly understanding your charges and questioning the prosecution’s narrative. It may also entail introducing the mitigating factors, such as your prior criminal history, character witnesses, or remorse and rehabilitation.
A College Station lawyer could review an assault investigation and help you determine the most effective strategy to reach the best potential outcome.
Allegations or an arrest for assault can be stressful, and the best way to overcome the charges is to formulate a solid plan to defend yourself. The severity of the criminal charges and sentencing can range significantly.
Preparing a strategy tailored to your case is crucial. Contact a determined criminal defense attorney today for help and guidance with your assault investigation in College Station.
979-779-2000 