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© 2023 by Thornton Criminal Defense, PLLC.
Atascosa Office:
216 N Bryant St
Pleasanton, Texas 78064
FORMER CHIEF PROSECUTOR
PERSONALIZED ATTENTION TO YOUR CASE
NO HOURLY RATES, ALWAYS A FLAT FEE
CLIENT CENTERED APPROACH TO YOUR CASE
BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW
OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN CRIMINAL LAW
WHY HIRE THORNTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE?
Attorney Brad Thornton is a highly experienced and Board-Certified criminal defense lawyer. With his background as a former Chief Prosecutor, he has a unique understanding of the criminal justice system and is able to provide comprehensive and effective representation to his clients. He is also deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals receive fair treatment in court, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Brad Thornton is dedicated to helping his clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case, whether it is in San Antonio or elsewhere in South Texas. He recognizes the stress and anxiety that can come with being accused of a crime, and approaches his clients with compassion while keeping them informed at every step of the process. His knowledge and experience make him a strong advocate for his clients.
Aggravated Assault - Family Violence
Texas Penal Code § 22.02(B)(1) - AGG ASSAULT DATE/FAMILY/HOUSE W/WEAPON
Aggravated Assault- Family Violence Attorney in San Antonio, Texas
Aggravated assault – family violence is a serious criminal offense in Texas that is 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.
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.
Aggravated assault – family violence is classified as a first-degree felony in Texas, which is 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. This offense is taken very seriously by the criminal justice system and can have severe consequences for those convicted of it.
When the Crime Results in Death
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–family violence does not require the prosecutor to prove that the defendant had the intent to kill the victim.
In order 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.
Defenses to the Crime in Texas
If you have been charged with the offense of aggravated assault – family violence in Texas, 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 – family violence, 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 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 criminal defense 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
Second-degree Felony
Third-degree Felony
State Jail Felony
Class A Misdemeanor
Class B Misdemeanor
2 - 10 years in prison
180 days - 2 years in jail
Up to 1 year in jail
Up to 180 days in jail
2 - 20 years in prison
5 - 99 years in prison
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $4,000
Up to $2,000
Attorney Brad Thornton
If you have been charged with the offense of aggravated assault – family violence in San Antonio, Texas, it is important to speak with a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Brad Thornton is one of the best aggravated assault attorneys 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 – family violence 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 – family violence in San Antonio, Texas, you should consider calling 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.
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.
David I.
Seguin, Texas
Brad was great from the moment he looked at my case. Despite his busy schedule, he made himself easily available, walked us through every detail with care and professionalism, and worked out a great deal with the prosecutor that was much better than any outcome we could have imagined. I don’t plan on needing his assistance again, but if I’m ever unfortunate enough to find myself in another legal bind, Brad will be my first call.
Brian F.
San Antonio, Texas
I have had the opportunity to know Brad both personally and professionally for a while now. As a fellow attorney, I am consistently impressed by his passion and innovative approach to legal issues. He is exceptionally intelligent and is always willing to go above and beyond for his clients. When I refer clients to Brad, I have full confidence that they will receive top-quality representation.
Elaine B.
San Antonio, Texas
Brad is an amazing attorney, and I highly recommend him! He has deep knowledge and understanding how to navigate the law to support his clients. He has a way with people, and truly has his focus on client care and supporting them, during a time that’s usually stressful for clients. He was able to support in getting my case dismissed in less than 2 months and was attentive and personable during the whole process. You have a choice when deciding who’s going to represent you, and to have an attorney that genuinely cares for his clients should be an expectation anyone should set. Brad will meet that expectation 110%!
Kevin E.
Jourdanton, Texas
[Brad] made the process very easy for me, handling everything within a month, with a motion to dismiss all cases against me. I only had to attend court once! The portal he uses to make sure you are aware of everything going on in your case is awesome, I didn’t even have to worry everything got downloaded to the portal with email notifications. I would never use another attorney to represent me, he is the best at what he does.