Assault Attorney in Plano, TX
Serving Collin County, Frisco, & McKinney
The Law Office of Mac Morris has represented thousands of accused individuals throughout the Plano area. We have helped many people effectively defend against their assault charges. Assault is when someone commits bodily harm to another person or simply threatens to do so.
Assault, which can be physical or verbal, is a serious offense that requires serious legal representation. This charge, which is commonly related to domestic violence, can carry harsh penalties in the state of Texas.
Assault offenses can be punished in the following ways:
- Up to $4,000 in fines and up to one year in jail (Class A misdemeanor)
- Up to $2,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail (Class B misdemeanor)
We can walk you through how Plano-area judges and prosecutors typically approach assault cases, discuss whether self-defense or mistaken identity may be viable issues, and help you understand how decisions you make now can influence possible outcomes and future opportunities.
Call us today at (972) 846-8214 or reach out online to speak with our assault attorneys in Plano. Discover your rights and options during a free case evaluation.
Understanding Assault Laws in Texas
In Texas, the definition of assault is found in Section 22.01 of the Penal Code. It is unique because it combines what other states call "assault" and "battery" into one statute. A person commits assault if they:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to another;
- Intentionally or knowingly threaten another with imminent bodily injury; or
- Intentionally or knowingly cause physical contact with another when they know the person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Assault in Texas
The penalties for an assault conviction in Texas are severe and depend on the grading of the offense:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to one year in the Collin County Jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
- Third-Degree Felony: Between 2 and 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (prison) and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Second-Degree Felony: Between 2 and 20 years in prison.
- First-Degree Felony: Up to 99 years or life in prison.
The collateral consequences of a conviction can be just as damaging. An affirmative finding of "Family Violence" will result in a lifetime ban on possessing a firearm under federal law. Furthermore, an assault record can lead to the loss of professional licenses (such as nursing or teaching), deportation for non-citizens, and a permanent "violent offender" label on background checks that can make it nearly impossible to secure housing in Plano.
The Texas Criminal Defense Process for Assault Charges
From your initial arrest to the final resolution, our firm provides guidance through every stage of the Collin County legal system:
- Magistration and Bond: Within hours of your arrest, a judge sets your bail. We are available 24/7 to assist with bond and argue for lower amounts or personal recognizance (PR) bonds.
- Discovery and Investigation: We demand the "evidence file," which includes body-cam footage, witness statements, and 911 recordings. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish to ensure that every witness statement—even those in Spanish—is accurately interpreted and used in your defense.
- Grand Jury: If you are charged with a felony, your case must be presented to a Grand Jury. We often prepare "grand jury packets" to persuade them not to indict (a "No Bill").
- Pre-Trial Hearings: We file motions to suppress evidence that was obtained through illegal searches or coerced statements.
- Trial: If the case cannot be dismissed or resolved fairly, we bring our 28+ years of experience to the courtroom to fight for a "Not Guilty" verdict.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Assault Defense in Plano
Our firm doesn't just manage cases; we defend people. Our strategy for assault defense in Plano includes:
- Self-Defense and Defense of Property: Texas has robust "Stand Your Ground" and "Castle Doctrine" laws. If you used force to protect yourself, your home, or your property, we aggressively assert these as affirmative defenses.
- Mutual Combat: In some cases, we can prove that both parties agreed to a fight, which can lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.
- Challenging Witness Credibility: In many assault cases, the "victim" has a motive to lie, such as during a divorce or child custody battle. We conduct thorough background checks to uncover biases.
- Diversion and Mitigation: For first-time offenders, we explore the possibility of Pre-Trial Diversion (PTD) or deferred adjudication, which may allow for the eventual sealing or expungement of the record.
Bringing 25 Years of Experience to Your Plano Case
Every case we handle benefits from our over 25 years of experience in the field of criminal law. Over the years, we have come to know local judges and prosecutors very well. Our understanding of our local courts and the dynamics within them can strengthen your case.
Drawing on years of practice in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and across Collin County, we have seen how different fact patterns, witness issues, and prior records can change the way an assault case is charged and negotiated. We use this background to evaluate whether your case is better suited for a negotiated resolution, a motion challenging the evidence, or preparation for trial in a local court such as the Collin County Court at Law.
When you work with our assault lawyer in Plano, you receive clear guidance on the practical pros and cons of each path so you can make informed choices at every stage. We will let nothing stand in our way to help you achieve a favorable outcome (such as the option of entering into a pre-trial diversion program instead of an assault conviction). If you are eligible for this option, you may be able to remove your charges from your record once you complete the program.
Schedule a One-on-One Consultation in Plano Today
If you are facing assault charges, you are likely worried about what this could mean for your future and your family relationships. We urge you to seek help from our Plano assault lawyer as soon as possible! You don't have to face this stressful situation alone. Our mission is to stand up in your defense and minimize the effects of the charges.
Contact us online or call (972) 846-8214 as soon as possible to learn about how our firm can help you face assault charges.
