San Antonio Aggravated Assault Family Violence Lawyer
Proficient Aggravated Assault Family Violence Lawyers in San Antonio, Texas
Aggravated assault family violence is a serious criminal offense in Texas defined in section 22.02(b)(1) of the Texas Penal Code. This offense occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly causes serious bodily injury to a person whose relationship to or association with the defendant is described by Section 71.0021(b), 71.003, or 71.005, Family Code, and uses a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault. Aggravated assault involving family violence is considered a first-degree felony in Texas, carrying penalties that include imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for up to 99 years or life, along with a fine of up to $10,000. The criminal justice system treats this offense with the utmost seriousness, and a conviction can result in life-altering consequences. The San Antonio aggravated assault family violence lawyer at Thornton Criminal Defense provides experienced legal representation, working diligently to protect the rights of those facing these severe charges.
A “deadly weapon” is any object that is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury, such as a firearm or a knife. “Serious bodily injury” is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
The victim of the offense must be a family member or someone with whom the defendant has a close relationship, as defined by these sections of the Family Code. This form of aggravated assault is the only form that requires both the use of a deadly weapon and the causing of serious bodily injury to the victim.
When a Crime Leads to Fatal Consequences
It is not uncommon for prosecutors to charge the offense of aggravated assault – family violence in cases where the victim is a family member and the defendant is accused of causing their death. This is because the offense of aggravated assault does not require the prosecutor to prove that the defendant had the intent to kill the victim.
To prove the offense of murder, the prosecutor must show that the defendant had the specific intent to cause the death of the victim. This can be difficult to prove, as it requires the prosecutor to show that the defendant had a particular state of mind at the time of the offense.
The punishment for the offense of aggravated assault – family violence, which is a first-degree felony, is the same as the punishment for the offense of murder, which is also a first-degree felony. Both offenses are punishable by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a term of not more than 99 years or life, and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in court rooms fighting for justice. As a prosecutor, Brad was a leader on cases ranging from marijuana to murder from arrest to appeal. Who better to fight for your rights than someone who knows the “other side” and has tried the toughest of cases out there. Put his experience and knowledge to work for you.
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Defenses to the Crime in Texas
If you have been charged with the offense of aggravated assault in San Antonio, it is important to understand the various defenses that may be available to you. While each case is unique, there are several common defenses that are frequently raised in cases involving this offense.
Self-defense: One potential defense to the charge of aggravated assault–family violence is self-defense. If you can show that you were acting in self-defense or defense of others when the alleged assault occurred, you may be able to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced. In order to successfully raise this defense, you must be able to show that you reasonably believed that you or someone else was in imminent danger of suffering bodily injury and that you used no more force than was reasonably necessary to protect yourself or others.
Lack of intent: Another potential defense to the charge of aggravated assault–family violence is a lack of intent. In order to be convicted of this offense, the prosecutor must prove that you intentionally or knowingly caused serious bodily injury. If you can show that you did not have the necessary intent, you may be able to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced.
False accusations: It is not uncommon for individuals to be falsely accused of aggravated assault, either due to a misunderstanding or because of malicious intent. If you can provide evidence that the allegations against you are false, you may be able to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the possible defenses to the charge of aggravated assault – family violence in San Antonio, Texas. The specific defenses available to you will depend on the facts of your case. If you have been charged with this offense, it is important to speak with an experienced San Antonio aggravated assault attorney to discuss your options and determine the best defense strategy for your case. Call Brad Thornton, one of the top aggravated assault defense attorneys in San Antonio today.
Punishment Ranges
| Level of Offense | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine |
| First-degree Felony | 5 - 99 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Second-degree Felony | 2 - 20 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Third-degree Felony | 2 - 10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days - 2 years in jail | Up to $10,000 |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail | Up to $4,000 |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail | Up to $2,000 |
Reach Out to Our San Antonio Aggravated Assault Attorney Brad Thornton Today
If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault – family violence in San Antonio, Texas, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney right away. Attorney Brad Thornton is recognized as one of the top aggravated assault lawyers in San Antonio.
There are several reasons why you should consider calling Brad Thornton for a free consultation if you have been charged with aggravated assault in San Antonio. First and foremost, Brad Thornton is a board-certified criminal defense attorney, which means that he has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as an expert in this area of law. He has the knowledge and skills necessary to defend you against these serious charges.
Another reason to consider Brad Thornton is that he is a former chief prosecutor. This means that he has a unique perspective on how these cases are handled by the prosecution, and he knows what it takes to build a strong defense against these charges. He has handled numerous cases as a prosecutor, and he knows how to anticipate and counter the tactics used by the prosecution.
Finally, Brad Thornton offers a free consultation to individuals who have been charged with aggravated assault – family violence in San Antonio. This means that you can speak with him about your case without any upfront cost. During this consultation, he will listen to your side of the story, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with an honest assessment of your case.
If you have been charged with aggravated assault in San Antonio, Texas, you should consider contacting Brad Thornton for a free consultation at 210-439-5627. As a board-certified criminal defense attorney and a former chief prosecutor, he has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to defend you against these serious charges.
