With a violent crime rate of 1,072 incidents per 100,000 residents, Houston ranks as the 19th most dangerous city in America. In 2020, it recorded over 19,000 aggravated assault cases, a 25% increase compared to 2019.
Texas considers violent crimes, such as assaults, as grave offenses and aggressively prosecutes those convicted in these cases.
Therefore, if you face allegations of committing such violent crimes, it is best to engage the services of a highly skilled Houston assault lawyer. They review your case and develop a strategic defense to win you a favorable judgment. Below are some instances where you might need an assault lawyer in Houston.
Assault Charges
Recent statistics suggest that, at a rate of 6.35 per 1,000 Houstonians, the city registered nearly 14,740 assault cases. According to Texas state laws, such offenses fall under Chapter 22 of the Penal Code, and a conviction can even result in a jail term.
Due to the nature of assault charges, your case is most likely to go on trial; this is where an assault attorney can come to your rescue. They look for all feasible legal options that will ensure you get a fair judgment.
Aggravated Assault Charges
Houston witnessed a 16.8% increase in crimes involving serious assaults from June to October 2019 than in the same duration in the previous year. Under Texas law, you can face a jail time of up to 20 years and fines of up to $10,000 if charged in an aggravated assault case.
When you face such serious allegations, seeking legal opinion from an experienced Houston assault lawyer at the earliest can be the key to ensuring the best outcome possible. They assess the circumstances of the charges leveled against you and collect the necessary evidence that can help strengthen your case.
Charges of Assault with A Deadly Weapon
Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.02, a Houstonian is guilty of assault with a deadly weapon if they cause severe bodily injuries to the other person with it. In Houston, zip guns, explosive devices, and knives fall under the category of deadly weapons. If convicted, one can be jailed for 2 to 20 years, with a fine of up to $10,000.
Typically, diligent lawyers look for reasons such as self-defense, mistaken identity, and lack of intent to build a surefire defense strategy for winning your case.
Domestic Assault Charges
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and the resultant lockdown, which forced people to stay indoors, Houston saw a 20% increase in domestic violence complaints, with assaults being the primary reason.
When you cause serious bodily injury to a family member, such as permanent disfigurement, it can result in a felony on a first offense.
Depending on the circumstances of the domestic violence, your penalty will vary, and a top assault lawyer will focus on getting your punishment reduced to a bare minimum. They also have expertise in defending people against falsely obtained or unwarranted restraining orders, which can reduce your stress further.
Battery Charges
As per Texas law, both assault and battery refer to the same crime of assault, with different degrees of offenses. For battery charges, you may face a sentence of five years to life in prison and fines of up to $10,000, depending on the misdemeanor and felony.
An attorney can help you decide the best defense based on the specific facts of your case and represent you in plea bargains and court if required.
Find an Experienced Assault Lawyer
Houston’s violent crime rate stands at 50.4, with aggravated assaults accounting for nearly 70% of 2018’s total violent crimes.
With such crimes being quite prevalent in Houston, you may find yourself facing assault charges at any point in your life. Look for a reputed Houston assault lawyer. You will be able to relax and remain calm as your lawyer works on getting the charges against you thrown out of court.
