Assault charges in Dallas can escalate quickly. What starts as a misdemeanor can become a felony depending on the injuries, the circumstances, or whether a weapon is involved. And the consequences can follow you for years. But a charge is not a conviction.
These cases often come down to what actually happened—and whether the state can prove intent and harm.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we defend assault cases by challenging the evidence and protecting your rights from the start.
If you’ve been accused, speak with an experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer now.
Call (972) 528-0116 for a confidential consultation.
Don’t Delay in Hiring a Dallas Assault Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
The hours following an assault charge are critical. Prosecutors in Dallas County move quickly to build their case against you, and every moment you wait is an opportunity for crucial evidence to disappear or witnesses’ memories to fade.
Security camera footage gets recorded over, witnesses become harder to locate, and physical evidence changes or deteriorates. Meanwhile, anything you say to police, friends, family members, or on social media can be used against you.
When you hire our firm, we can:
Protect your constitutional rights: We ensure you don’t inadvertently incriminate yourself while talking to law enforcement.
Begin gathering evidence: Our team will identify and preserve critical evidence including surveillance footage, witness statements, medical records, and physical evidence that supports your defense.
Interview witnesses while memories are fresh: We act quickly to document accounts that may exonerate you or cast doubt on the prosecution’s version of events.
File necessary motions: We can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge improper procedures, or address constitutional violations.
Negotiate with prosecutors from a position of strength: Early involvement allows us to present exculpatory evidence before they’ve committed to a specific theory of the case.
Call our Dallas criminal defense attorneys at (972) 528-0116 today to ensure your rights are protected from day one.
What to Do After Being Charged With Assault in Dallas
After an assault arrest in Dallas County, you’ll typically be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center at 111 West Commerce Street in downtown Dallas—the primary detention facility for all Dallas County arrests. Your actions from this point forward can significantly impact your case. Follow these critical steps:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Texas law requires you to identify yourself to police, but you are not required to answer questions about the alleged incident. Politely decline to answer questions and state clearly that you want to speak with an attorney. Statements made without legal counsel can be misinterpreted, taken out of context, or used against you.
- Do not contact the alleged victim. Even well-intentioned attempts to resolve the situation, apologize, or discuss what happened can be construed as intimidation or witness tampering. If there’s a protective order in place, any contact—direct or indirect—can result in additional criminal charges.
- Avoid posting about the incident on social media. Prosecutors routinely scour social media accounts looking for evidence. Photos, status updates, comments, and even “likes” can be used to contradict your version of events. Don’t post anything about your case, the alleged victim, or the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Consider making your accounts private.
- Document everything you remember about the incident. While events are still fresh in your mind, write down every detail you can recall: who was present, what was said, the sequence of events, potential witnesses, lighting conditions, your emotional state, and anything else that might be relevant. Give these notes to your attorney—they’re protected by attorney-client privilege.
- Preserve any evidence that supports your defense. This includes text messages, emails, photos, videos, clothing you were wearing, or any physical evidence that might be relevant. Do not alter, delete, or destroy anything. Your attorney needs to see everything to provide the best possible defense.
- Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy. Call (972) 528-0116 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced assault defense team.
How Our Dallas Assault Attorneys Can Help
When you retain our firm, you’re getting a dedicated team of criminal defense professionals who will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Here’s how we’ll protect your rights and build the strongest possible defense:
Immediate case evaluation and strategic planning:
We’ll review every aspect of your case including the arrest report, witness statements, physical evidence, and any other relevant information to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a customized defense strategy.
Thorough investigation of the alleged incident:
Our team will conduct an independent investigation to uncover evidence that supports your defense, including interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance footage, consulting with experts, and visiting the scene.
Protection of your constitutional rights:
We’ll ensure that law enforcement followed proper procedures during your arrest and investigation. If your rights were violated, we’ll file motions to suppress evidence obtained through those violations.
Skilled negotiation with prosecutors:
Our longstanding relationships with prosecutors and familiarity with Dallas County courts give us an advantage in negotiation. We’ll work to get charges reduced, dismissed, or resolved through alternative programs when appropriate.
Aggressive trial representation when necessary:
While many cases can be resolved through negotiation, we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if that’s in your best interest. With over 1,000 cases dismissed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we have the courtroom experience necessary to achieve favorable verdicts.
Guidance through every step:
Criminal proceedings can be confusing and overwhelming. We’ll explain what’s happening at each stage, answer your questions, and ensure you understand your options.
Contact our legal team today to discuss how we can help with your assault charges.
What Happens After an Assault Arrest in Dallas County
Understanding the arrest and court process helps you know what to expect. Here’s the typical timeline for assault charges in Dallas County:
Booking at Lew Sterrett Justice Center
After your arrest anywhere in Dallas County—whether by Dallas PD, Irving Police, Carrollton PD, or any other local agency—you’ll be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center (111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202) for booking and processing. The booking process typically takes 2-4 hours and includes fingerprinting, photographing, health screening, and entry into the Dallas County jail database.
You can be located in the system by calling the jail information line at (214) 761-9025 or using the Dallas County Jail Lookup online system. Keep in mind it may take several hours after arrest before you appear in the system, especially during overnight or weekend bookings.
Magistration and Bond Setting
Within 24 to 48 hours of your arrest, you’ll appear before a magistrate judge who will inform you of the charges against you and set a bond amount. For many offenses, Dallas County uses a bond schedule, which means bond may be set before the magistration hearing occurs.
Typical bond amounts for assault charges in Dallas County:
| Charge Type | Typical Bond Range |
|---|---|
| Class C Assault (Contact) | $500 – $1,000 |
| Class B Assault (Threats) | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Class A Assault (Bodily Injury) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Assault Family Violence | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| Aggravated Assault | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Assault with Deadly Weapon | $25,000 – $100,000+ |
Important: These are guidelines only. Judges have discretion based on criminal history, severity of injuries, flight risk, and community safety concerns. Texas Senate Bill 6 prohibits personal recognizance bonds for defendants accused of violent crimes, including assault.
Posting Bond in Dallas County
Once bond is set, you have several options for posting bail:
Cash Bond: Pay the full amount in person at the Lew Sterrett bond desk (open 24/7). Dallas County accepts cash, cashier’s checks, and money orders. The full amount is refundable after case conclusion (minus court fees) if you attend all court appearances.
Surety Bond: Work with a licensed bail bondsman who charges a non-refundable fee of approximately 10% of the total bond amount. For example, on a $10,000 bond, you’d pay the bondsman $1,000, and they post the full amount with the court.
Court Proceedings at Frank Crowley Courts
After release on bond, your case will be handled at the Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75207), which houses all Dallas County criminal courts. Depending on the severity of your charge, you’ll appear in either:
County Criminal Courts (3rd and 4th floors): Handle Class A and Class B misdemeanor assault cases Criminal District Courts (6th floor): Handle felony assault charges including aggravated assault
The building is located in downtown Dallas near the Trinity River, accessible via DART rail (Cedars Station on the Green and Orange Lines is about a 10-minute walk). Parking is available in nearby lots, though it can be expensive and limited—plan to arrive early for court appearances.
What to Expect at Arraignment
Your first court appearance (arraignment) will occur at Frank Crowley Courts, typically within a few weeks of your arrest. At arraignment:
- The judge will read the formal charges against you
- You’ll enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- The judge may modify bond conditions
- Your next court date will be scheduled
Our attorneys will be with you at every court appearance, handling all legal arguments and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
Why Choose Our Dallas Assault Defense Lawyers?
When you’re facing assault charges that could impact the rest of your life, the attorney you choose makes all the difference. Here’s why clients throughout Dallas County trust the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy:
Over 35 years of criminal defense experience in North Texas courts. Since 2002, our firm has handled more than 6,000 criminal cases across Dallas County and surrounding areas. This extensive experience means we understand how local courts operate, know the prosecutors and judges, and have developed effective strategies for defending assault charges in this jurisdiction.
Deep familiarity with Dallas County courts and prosecutors. We appear in Dallas County courtrooms regularly, giving us insight into how specific judges rule on motions, which arguments resonate with local juries, and how prosecutors handle assault cases. We know the Frank Crowley Courts Building inside and out—from which courtrooms hear which types of cases to the best strategies for each of the County Criminal Courts (Courts 1-10 on the 3rd and 4th floors) and Criminal District Courts (Courts 1-7 on the 6th floor).
Proven track record of successful outcomes. Our firm has secured over 1,000 case dismissals in the DFW area, including numerous assault charges. We’ve successfully defended clients charged with everything from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Exclusive focus on criminal defense. Unlike general practice firms that handle a little bit of everything, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. This specialization means we stay current on the latest developments in criminal law and maintain relationships with prosecutors and judges.
Personalized attention to every case. We understand that you’re not just a case number—you’re a person whose future hangs in the balance. We take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
Aggressive advocacy when you need it most. We don’t back down from prosecutors or accept unfavorable plea deals just to close a case quickly. We fight tenaciously for our clients, whether that means negotiating favorable resolutions or taking cases to trial when necessary.
Areas We Serve Throughout Dallas County
We represent clients facing assault charges throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas:
Dallas County: Dallas, Irving, Carrollton, Richardson, Mesquite, Garland, Grand Prairie, Farmers Branch, Addison, Balch Springs, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, University Park, Highland Park
Neighboring Counties: Tarrant County (Fort Worth, Arlington), Denton County (Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound), Collin County (Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen), Rockwall County, Kaufman County, Ellis County
Whether you were arrested near Downtown Dallas, the Design District, Deep Ellum, Las Colinas in Irving, or any other location in North Texas, our team is ready to defend your rights.
Assault Charges in Texas Explained
Understanding the legal definition and classifications of assault in Texas is critical to mounting an effective defense. The Texas Penal Code defines assault more broadly than most people realize, and what seems like a minor incident can result in serious criminal charges.
What Is Assault Under Texas Law?
Under Texas Penal Code § 22.01, assault occurs when a person:
Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person. This is the most common form of assault charge. “Bodily injury” means physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition. Importantly, the injury doesn’t need to be severe—even minor injuries like bruises, scratches, or temporary pain can support an assault charge.
Intentionally or knowingly threatens another with imminent bodily injury. You can be charged with assault even if no physical contact occurs. If the alleged victim reasonably believed you were about to harm them, and you intended to create that fear, it can constitute assault.
Intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. This covers situations where there’s no injury and no specific threat, but unwanted physical contact occurs.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Assault
The severity of assault charges depends on several factors, including who the alleged victim is, whether a weapon was involved, and the extent of injuries.
Class C Misdemeanor Assault: Assault by contact (offensive or provocative touching without injury) is typically charged as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. While this is the least serious assault charge, it still results in a criminal record.
Class B Misdemeanor Assault: Assault involving threats of imminent bodily injury is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000.
Class A Misdemeanor Assault: Simple assault causing bodily injury is generally a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine up to $4,000. However, this charge can be enhanced to a felony under certain circumstances.
Third-Degree Felony Assault: Assault becomes a third-degree felony (punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000) when:
- The assault is committed against a public servant (such as a police officer, judge, or emergency responder) performing their duties
- The assault is committed against a security officer or emergency services personnel
- The assault is committed against a family member or dating partner and the defendant has a prior conviction for family violence
- The assault involves strangulation or impeding breath or circulation of a family member or dating partner
Second-Degree Felony Assault: Some circumstances elevate the charge to a second-degree felony (2-20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000), including assault against a family member involving strangulation where there’s a prior conviction for assault with strangulation.
Types of Assault Charges We Handle in Dallas
Our firm defends clients against the full spectrum of assault charges prosecuted in Dallas County courts. Each type of assault charge presents unique challenges and requires specific defense strategies:
Domestic Assault
Domestic assault involves alleged violence against a family member, household member, or dating partner. These cases often arise from arguments that escalate, mutual combat situations, or false accusations made in the context of divorce or child custody disputes. Texas takes domestic violence allegations very seriously, and protective orders are routinely issued even before any conviction.
We understand the sensitive nature of family violence cases and work to achieve outcomes that protect both your rights and your relationships. Learn more about our domestic assault defense services.
Aggravated Domestic Assault
When domestic assault involves serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to aggravated domestic assault—a felony that carries substantial prison time. These cases require particularly aggressive defense strategies. Read more about defending aggravated domestic assault charges.
Assault by Strangulation
Texas law specifically addresses assault involving impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood by applying pressure to the throat, neck, or blocking the nose or mouth. Even if no visible injuries result, assault by strangulation is charged as a felony when it involves a family member or dating partner. Learn how we defend assault by strangulation cases.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon
When an assault involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon, charges are enhanced to aggravated assault—a second-degree felony carrying 2-20 years in prison. A “deadly weapon” under Texas law includes not just guns and knives, but any object capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. Discover our approach to assault with a deadly weapon defense.
Simple Assault Charges
Simple assault cases typically involve minor injuries, threats, or offensive physical contact. While these are usually charged as misdemeanors, they still carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Real Case Results
Our firm has successfully defended numerous assault charges throughout Dallas County:
- Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon, Dallas County (F1300346): Case dismissed
- Assault by Contact Family Violence, Dallas County (C21550262): Case dismissed
- Assault by Contact, City of Plano (140007656): Case dismissed
- Assault – Threats Family Violence, Dallas County (C21363176-01): Case dismissed
- Assault Family Violence, Dallas County (M13-33519): Case dismissed
- Assault – Bodily Injury, Tarrant County (1361743): Reduced to Disorderly Conduct
- Assault – Bodily Injury, Tarrant County (1396685): Reduced to Class C Assault by Contact
- Assault Family Violence, Dallas County (M14-23336): Case dismissed
- Assault Family Violence, Dallas County (M16-10155): Case dismissed
These results demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes across a wide range of assault cases, from simple assault to serious felony charges.
Defense Strategies for Assault Charges
Every assault case is unique, and effective defense requires a strategy tailored to the specific facts, evidence, and circumstances of your situation. We may pursue one or more of the following defense approaches:
Self-Defense: Texas law allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves from harm. If you were defending yourself against an attack, we’ll gather evidence demonstrating that your actions were justified.
Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, Texas law permits the use of reasonable force to protect another person from harm.
Lack of Intent: Many assault charges require proof that you acted “intentionally” or “knowingly.” If the alleged injury was accidental, this can be a viable defense.
False Accusations: False assault allegations occur frequently, often motivated by relationship disputes, child custody battles, revenge, or attempts to gain advantage in civil proceedings. We’ll investigate thoroughly to uncover evidence of false accusations.
Consent: In certain situations, consent may be a defense to assault charges. This defense is most commonly raised in cases involving mutual combat or contact sports.
Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of an assault charge beyond a reasonable doubt. We’ll scrutinize the evidence to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or weaknesses that create reasonable doubt.
Violation of Constitutional Rights: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, we’ll file motions to suppress evidence obtained through those violations.
Mistaken Identity: In cases involving multiple people or chaotic situations, mistaken identity can be a viable defense.
The defense strategy we recommend will depend entirely on the specific facts of your case.
Penalties for Assault Charges in Texas
The consequences of an assault conviction extend far beyond the immediate criminal penalties. Understanding what you’re facing helps you make informed decisions about your defense.
Misdemeanor Penalties
Class C Misdemeanor (Assault by Contact):
- Fine up to $500
- No jail time
- Permanent criminal record
Class B Misdemeanor (Assault – Threat):
- Up to 180 days in county jail
- Fine up to $2,000
- Criminal record
Class A Misdemeanor (Simple Assault):
- Up to one year in county jail
- Fine up to $4,000
- Criminal record
- Potential probation conditions
Felony Penalties
Third-Degree Felony (Enhanced Assault):
- 2 to 10 years in Texas Department of Criminal Justice (state prison)
- Fine up to $10,000
- Felony conviction record
- Supervised release/parole requirements
Second-Degree Felony (Aggravated Assault):
- 2 to 20 years in state prison
- Fine up to $10,000
- Felony conviction record
- Long-term supervision requirements
Long-Term Consequences Beyond Criminal Penalties
A conviction for assault—even a misdemeanor—creates consequences that can impact virtually every aspect of your life:
Employment challenges: Many employers conduct background checks and may be unwilling to hire someone with an assault conviction. Professional licenses may be revoked or denied.
Housing limitations: Landlords frequently reject rental applications from individuals with criminal records, especially violent offenses.
Education impacts: College admissions offices consider criminal history, and assault convictions can result in application denials or loss of scholarships.
Loss of firearm rights: Felony assault convictions result in permanent loss of the right to possess firearms under federal law. Even some misdemeanor assault convictions—particularly those involving family violence—trigger firearm prohibitions.
Immigration consequences: Non-citizens convicted of assault face serious immigration consequences including deportation, inadmissibility, and denial of citizenship applications.
Professional licensing: Teachers, nurses, attorneys, and other licensed professionals may face license suspension, revocation, or denial of licensure following an assault conviction.
Child custody and visitation: Assault convictions—particularly those involving family violence—can impact child custody determinations and visitation rights in family law proceedings.
Social stigma: Beyond legal consequences, an assault conviction carries social stigma that can damage personal relationships and reputation in the community.
Texas Assault Penalties Comparison
| Charge Classification | Maximum Jail/Prison Time | Maximum Fine | Criminal Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C Misdemeanor | None | $500 | Permanent |
| Class B Misdemeanor | 180 days | $2,000 | Permanent |
| Class A Misdemeanor | 1 year | $4,000 | Permanent |
| Third-Degree Felony | 10 years | $10,000 | Permanent |
| Second-Degree Felony | 20 years | $10,000 | Permanent |
Given the serious consequences of an assault conviction, mounting an aggressive defense is essential. Our goal is to avoid conviction entirely through dismissal, acquittal, or reduction to a lesser charge.
Contact a Dallas Assault Lawyer Today
Assault charges can escalate quickly — especially if the situation is still developing or emotions are involved.
What starts as an accusation can turn into formal charges fast.
And once that happens, every step you take matters.
This is the point where having a defense lawyer changes everything.
At The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve spent decades defending assault cases across Dallas County. We know how these situations unfold — and how to step in early to protect your position before things get worse.
📞 Call (972) 528-0116 now to speak directly with our office.
We’ll help you understand what’s happening, what to expect next, and how to move forward the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Charges in Texas
Is assault a felony in Texas?
Assault can be either a misdemeanor or a felony in Texas, depending on the specific circumstances. Simple assault causing bodily injury is typically a Class A misdemeanor. However, assault becomes a felony when it involves:
- Assault against a public servant, security officer, or emergency services personnel performing their duties
- Assault against a family member or dating partner with a prior family violence conviction
- Assault involving strangulation or impeding breath/circulation of a family member or dating partner
- Aggravated assault involving serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon
Third-degree felony assault carries 2-10 years in prison, while second-degree felony assault (aggravated assault) carries 2-20 years in prison.
What happens after an assault charge in Dallas?
After an assault charge in Dallas County, you’ll be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center (111 West Commerce Street) for booking and processing. Within 24-48 hours, you’ll appear before a magistrate judge who will inform you of your charges and set bond.
The typical process includes:
- Arrest and transport to Lew Sterrett Justice Center—the primary detention facility for all Dallas County arrests
- Booking (fingerprinting, photographing, health screening)—typically takes 2-4 hours. You can be located by calling (214) 761-9025 or using the Dallas County Jail Lookup
- Magistration within 48 hours at Lew Sterrett (charges explained, bond set according to Dallas County bond schedules)
- Bond posting through cash bond, surety bond (typically 10% through a licensed bondsman), or attorney bond
- Release from custody with bond conditions (may include no-contact orders, GPS monitoring, or pretrial check-ins)
- Arraignment at Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N. Riverfront Boulevard)—County Criminal Courts handle misdemeanors (3rd/4th floors); Criminal District Courts handle felonies (6th floor)
- Pre-trial hearings for motions, discovery, and plea negotiations at Frank Crowley Courts
- Trial if case isn’t dismissed or resolved through plea agreement
Call our office at (972) 528-0116 to begin building your defense.
Can assault charges be dropped in Texas?
Yes, assault charges can be dropped (dismissed) in Texas, though it depends on the specific circumstances. Common reasons assault charges are dismissed include:
- Insufficient evidence: If the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, they may dismiss the case.
- Violation of constitutional rights: If your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest, evidence may be suppressed, leading to dismissal when the remaining evidence is insufficient.
- Alleged victim recants or refuses to cooperate: While the alleged victim doesn’t have the power to unilaterally “drop charges,” their lack of cooperation can make prosecution difficult or impossible in cases where their testimony is essential.
- False accusations revealed: When evidence demonstrates that the allegations are false, prosecutors may dismiss charges.
- Self-defense or other valid defenses: Strong evidence supporting self-defense or another legal justification may lead to dismissal.
- Procedural errors: Mistakes in how charges were filed or handled can result in dismissal.
It’s important to understand that even if the alleged victim wants charges dropped, the final decision rests with the prosecutor’s office. However, an experienced assault defense attorney can present evidence and arguments that persuade prosecutors to dismiss charges. Our firm has secured dismissals in numerous assault cases throughout Dallas County.
What is the punishment for assault in Texas?
Punishment for assault in Texas varies based on the classification of the offense:
Misdemeanor assault punishments:
- Class C assault (offensive contact): Fine up to $500
- Class B assault (threats): Up to 180 days in jail + fine up to $2,000
- Class A assault (bodily injury): Up to 1 year in jail + fine up to $4,000
Felony assault punishments:
- Third-degree felony: 2-10 years in prison + fine up to $10,000
- Second-degree felony: 2-20 years in prison + fine up to $10,000
Beyond these direct criminal penalties, assault convictions carry long-term consequences including criminal record impacts on employment and housing, potential loss of firearm rights, professional licensing issues, and immigration consequences for non-citizens.
How long do assault charges stay on your record in Texas?
In Texas, most assault convictions remain on your criminal record permanently unless successfully expunged or sealed through an order of nondisclosure.
Expunction (complete removal from your record): You may be eligible for expunction if:
- You were arrested but charges were never filed
- Charges were filed but later dismissed
- You were acquitted at trial
- You received a pardon
Nondisclosure (sealing the record): If you received deferred adjudication probation for certain offenses and successfully completed probation, you may be eligible to petition for nondisclosure, which seals your record from most public access (though law enforcement and certain licensing agencies can still see it).
Important limitations: Assault convictions involving family violence generally cannot be sealed or expunged. Felony assault convictions remain permanently on your record with extremely limited expunction eligibility.
Given the permanent nature of most assault convictions, fighting the charges aggressively to avoid conviction is critical.