Determined San Antonio Attorney Defends Clients Facing Assault Charges

Experienced South Texas lawyer advocates for people charged with crimes of violence

If you are charged with assault, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who is dedicated to protecting your rights in the criminal justice system. With more than 27 years of experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Kevin L. Collins, P.C. provides skilled defense counsel to people facing assault allegations in Texas. My San Antonio firm is committed to seeking the best possible outcome, whether that’s a dismissal, acquittal or reduction of your charge.

Proven advocate handles simple assault cases

Even simple assault, the least serious type of crime involving the infliction of violence, may carry harsh penalties. These acts may constitute simple assault:

• Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing someone to suffer minor bodily injury, such as cuts, scrapes or bruises
• Intentionally or knowingly threatening someone with imminent bodily injury, including serious types of bodily injury that might require hospitalization
• Intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with someone that the offender knows or should know the victim will find upsetting or will make him or her feel violated

In Texas, simple assaults that cause bodily harm, also known as battery, may be punished by up to 180 days in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines. However, assaults against certain types of public employees, such as prison guards, security guards or emergency personnel, may earn two to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Simple assaults that do not involve bodily injury are normally punished with a fine of up to $500. However, assaults against the elderly or disabled may also be punished by up to one year in prison and/or up to $4,000 in fines, and assaults on athletes and sports officials may be punished by up to 180 days in jail and/or $2,000 in fines. As an experienced defense lawyer, I understand Texas criminal law and can ensure you understand all your options when facing assault charges.

Knowledgeable defense lawyer fights aggravated assault and deadly conduct allegations

Two more serious types of assault charges are aggravated assault and deadly conduct. Aggravated assault involves either:

• Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing serious bodily injury to someone
• Using or displaying a deadly weapon in the course of committing any type of criminal assault

Deadly conduct involves:

• Recklessly placing someone at imminent risk of serious bodily injury
• Knowingly discharging a firearm at a person, or at a house, building or vehicle with reckless disregard for whether it is occupied

Bodily injury is serious if it causes death, a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a bodily function. Aggravated assault, depending on the circumstances, is punished either by two to 20 years in prison or five to 99 years in prison, as well as a $10,000 fine. Deadly misconduct that involves the discharge of a firearm is punishable from two to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine; otherwise, it is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine. Other types of assault crimes are sexual assault and domestic violence. No matter what kind of assault charge you face, you can count on me to assert your rights.

Tenacious attorney provides a targeted defense

If you seek my help for an assault charge, I’ll ensure you understand all your options. I will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case to determine the best defense strategy. In the right circumstances, I may be able to negotiate a plea deal in return for probation or community service. In all circumstances, you can rely on me to provide vigorous advocacy.

Contact a San Antonio attorney for your assault charge

If you face any kind of assault charge in Texas, a skilled criminal defense lawyer is essential. Contact Kevin L. Collins, P.C. in San Antonio by calling 210-598-8629 or contacting me online.