Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
Facing aggravated assault charges in Dallas can be overwhelming. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.02, this serious felony offense carries significant penalties including prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that will impact your freedom, career, and future for years to come.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our Dallas Violent Crime attorney have protected clients since 2002, with over 1,000 cases dismissed throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We know the local courts, prosecutors, and judges.
Contact us today for immediate legal assistance at (972) 528-0116.
Texas law defines aggravated assault as assault that occurs when a person:
Serious bodily injury creates substantial risk of death or causes permanent disfigurement or protracted loss of function. A deadly weapon includes firearms, knives, and any object used in a manner likely to cause death or serious injury.
Simple assault (Class A misdemeanor) involves threatening or causing bodily injury without weapons or serious harm, while aggravated assault (felony) involves weapons, serious injury, or protected victims with much harsher penalties.
Aggravated assault charges are classified as either:
The severity of penalties depends on several factors:
| Aggravated Assault Type | Prison Sentence | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (2nd degree) | 2-20 years | $10,000 |
| Against family/public servant (1st degree) | 5-99 years or life | $10,000 |
| With deadly weapon enhancement | Additional penalties may apply | Additional fines possible |
Beyond incarceration and fines, aggravated assault convictions create lasting barriers:
Texas law recognizes the right to protect yourself and others from imminent threats. Texas Penal Code § 9.32 allows the use of deadly force when reasonably believing it’s immediately necessary to protect against another person’s use of unlawful deadly force or to prevent imminent commission of aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery.
Aggravated assault requires intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct. If the injury was truly accidental or you lacked the required mental state, this can be a viable defense.
False accusations occur frequently in domestic disputes, bar fights, and emotionally charged situations. Witness misidentification is common in chaotic environments or poor lighting.
The prosecution must prove every element of aggravated assault beyond a reasonable doubt. We scrutinize their evidence for weaknesses, including:
Evidence obtained through illegal searches and seizures may be suppressed under the Fourth Amendment. We examine every aspect of your arrest and investigation for constitutional violations.
We conduct our own independent investigation, which often reveals facts the police overlooked:
Our aggressive approach includes filing strategic pre-trial motions:
With over 20 years of experience, we understand prosecutor tendencies and case weaknesses. We leverage our knowledge to negotiate:
When negotiation isn’t enough, we’re prepared to fight at trial. Our courtroom experience includes:
Knowledge of local legal culture is invaluable. We practice regularly in Dallas County courts and understand individual judges’ tendencies, prosecutor policies, court procedures, and local jury characteristics.
This includes cases involving:
Family violence aggravated assault carries enhanced penalties and additional consequences:
Aggravated assault against peace officers, security officers, or emergency services personnel typically results in first-degree felony charges. These cases require specialized defense strategies due to:
These cases often involve:
Gang-related charges may include additional enhancements:
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we have extensive experience defending clients against serious assault charges. Since 2002, we have handled thousands of criminal cases throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, achieving over 1,000 case dismissals.
Our approach focuses on thorough investigation, strategic defense planning, and aggressive advocacy to protect our clients’ rights and futures.
Aggravated assault charges often accompany other serious offenses. Our violent crime defense team handles the full spectrum of violent crime allegations:
Simple assault and battery charges that may be enhanced to aggravated assault based on circumstances or victim status.
When aggravated assault results in death, prosecutors may file manslaughter charges instead of murder if they believe intent cannot be proven.
Aggravated assault with the intent to cause death may be charged as attempted murder, carrying potential life sentences.
Armed robbery charges often include aggravated assault allegations when weapons are displayed or used during the offense.
Illegal carrying or possession of firearms frequently accompanies aggravated assault charges, especially in domestic violence cases.
Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Police may seem friendly, but anything you say will be used against you. Simply state: “I want to speak to my lawyer.”
Police interrogation techniques are designed to obtain confessions, even from innocent people. Request an attorney immediately and refuse to answer questions until we’re present.
Time is critical in aggravated assault cases. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, begin investigation, and file bond motions to secure your release.
Call (972) 528-0116 now for immediate assistance.
We practice exclusively in North Texas and know the Dallas County criminal justice system intimately – from District Attorney policies to individual prosecutor styles, judge preferences, and local community attitudes.
Our Dallas criminal defense lawyer team leverages this local knowledge to your advantage.
No two aggravated assault cases are identical. We develop customized defense strategies based on specific facts, available evidence, client goals, legal precedents, and the prosecutor and judge involved.
Since 2002, we have achieved over 1,000 dismissals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area through meticulous preparation, aggressive advocacy, strategic thinking, and relationship building with prosecutors and judges.
When you hire our firm, you become part of our extended family. Attorney Richard C. McConathy personally handles serious felony cases and is available around the clock for emergencies.
Your freedom and future are at stake. Aggravated assault cases move quickly, and critical evidence may be lost if you wait. The sooner we begin your defense, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we don’t judge – we defend. Our goal is to protect your rights, preserve your freedom, and minimize the impact of these charges on your life.
Don’t face these serious charges alone:
📞 Call (972) 528-0116 for immediate assistance
📧 Email us through our contact form
🕒 Available 24/7 for emergencies
Protect your future – speak with a Dallas aggravated assault lawyer now.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy serves clients throughout Dallas County, including Dallas, Irving, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, and surrounding communities.
Yes, aggravated assault is always a felony in Texas. It’s classified as either a second-degree felony (2-20 years) or first-degree felony (5-99 years or life) depending on the circumstances and victim.
Penalties depend on the degree of felony:
However, with effective legal representation, many clients avoid prison entirely through dismissals, reductions, or alternative sentencing.
The main differences are:
| Simple Assault | Aggravated Assault |
|---|---|
| Class A misdemeanor | Second or first-degree felony |
| Up to 1 year in jail | 2-99 years or life in prison |
| No weapon used | Deadly weapon used or exhibited |
| Minor bodily injury | Serious bodily injury |
| $4,000 maximum fine | $10,000 maximum fine |
Yes, aggravated assault charges can be dismissed if:
Texas law defines deadly weapon broadly to include:
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
