Aggravated Assault Lawyer in Travis County
If you've been charged with aggravated assault, you can't help but think about how a conviction will impact your life. You'll face up to $10,000 in fines and anywhere from two to 20 years in prison if convicted of second-degree felony aggravated assault, and up to 99 years in prison for a first-degree conviction. That's life-changing enough, but you also might have trouble finding a job, moving into a new home, and more. In fact, you'll find that an aggravated assault conviction can follow you everywhere you go.
Fortunately, you don't have to face this alone. Our Travis County aggravated assault lawyer was a former prosecutor, so he understands how the system works. Reach out for a free consultation to discuss your case. Then, your attorney can evaluate the evidence to see if there are grounds to reduce or dismiss the charges. If successful, you won't have to worry about a felony conviction following you for the rest of your life.
Criteria for Aggravated Assault Convictions
You can be charged with aggravated assault if one of the following applies to your situation:
- The assault caused serious bodily injury
- A deadly weapon was used
First- And Second-degree Aggravated Assault In Travis County
Most of these charges are for second-degree felony aggravated assault. However, a first-degree felony charge is possible when certain conditions are met.
You might be charged with first-degree aggravated assault if you were in a relationship with or related to the alleged victim. Additionally, you'll face a first-degree felony charge if law enforcement officers accuse you of assaulting a public servant while on the job or a witness in an ongoing investigation. Assaulting an informant is a first-degree felony.
If you are convicted of second-degree felony aggravated assault, the judge can sentence you to from two to 20 years in prison and charge you up to $10,000 in fines. The fine is the same for first-degree felony aggravated assault, but you can spend up to 99 years in prison. Our Travis County aggravated assault lawyer represents clients who have been charged with first- and second-degree assaults. Contact the firm today to discuss your case.
Deadly Weapons And Bodily Injuries
To be convicted of aggravated assault, the prosecution must prove that you caused serious bodily injury or used a deadly weapon. There can be some confusion about what that means. First, serious bodily injuries can be deadly or put people at risk of death. They can also cause loss of function, impairment, or serious disfigurement. This greatly differs from the definition of “bodily injury,” which refers to any injury that causes pain.
Regarding deadly weapons, many people think that only refers to guns. While guns are in this category, other items can be classified as deadly weapons. In fact, some cases involve injuries from walking sticks, coffee pots, and other items.
Your Travis County aggravated assault lawyer will review your evidence to see if it meets the criteria for these serious charges.
What If The Alleged Victim Testifies On Your Behalf?
While rare, accusers occasionally change their minds about cases and decide to stop cooperating with prosecutors. Additionally, some alleged victims request to testify on behalf of the accused. It's important to understand that the prosecutor won't dismiss your case because the accuser testifies for you. Prosecutors worry about witness tampering and might think that the accuser changed his or her mind due to coercion. However, the testimony can still help your case. Thus, consult with your Travis County aggravated assault lawyer to determine how to proceed if the witness decides to stop cooperating or wants to testify in your defense.
How Can A Conviction Impact Your Life?
An aggravated assault conviction can impact your life beyond prison time and expensive fines. If convicted of a felony, you might have trouble securing employment and housing. Additionally, you might lose the right to own a firearm and serve on jury duty. Plus, a conviction can impact child custody agreements and even lead to deportation if you're not a U.S. citizen. Thus, hiring a Travis County aggravated assault lawyer is an important step in defending yourself.
