Your Shield Against the State
Plano Violent Crimes Lawyer
Defending Against Violent Crime Charges in Dallas & Collin County
Criminal offenses that are classified as “violent” are some of the most serious offenses under the law. If you have been accused of committing a violent crime, it is crucial to get representation immediately.
Violent crimes encompass a range of criminal conduct, including:
At Lanzillo Law, PLLC, defendants can find trustworthy and passionate defense representation that meets their needs and goals. Attorney Johnny Lanzillo is a defense lawyer with extensive trial experience, and he has only ever worked on the side of the defendant. As a result, you can trust that he is wholeheartedly committed to the cause of the accused. He has strategized numerous defenses for charges like aggravated assault and domestic violence.
Have you been accused of a violent crime? Call Lanzillo Law, PLLC, today at (972) 645-4753 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our violent crimes attorney in Plano.
Assault vs. Aggravated Assault
A crime of assault occurs when someone:
- Intentionally or recklessly causes bodily injury to another
- Threatens someone with imminent bodily injury
- Intentionally causes physical contact with another person when they know, or should know, the person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative
Aggravated (felony) assault occurs when someone:
- Causes serious bodily injury
- Chokes or cuts off the airways of another person
- Has a prior conviction or deferred adjudication with an affirmative finding of family violence
- Uses a weapon to commit assault
Is Assault a Misdemeanor Or Felony in Texas?
Assault is penalized as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense.
Misdemeanor Assault
Simple assault involving threats or provocative conduct is typically a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 in fines, but the offense may become a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and $4,000 in fines if the alleged victim is elderly or disabled. The assault is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines if the alleged victim is a sports official or participant during an event.
Felony Assault
Assault resulting in bodily injury rises from a Class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines if the offender knows the alleged victim is performing their job duties as:
- A public servant
- A government employee or contractor working at a correctional facility, secure treatment facility, or rehabilitation facility
- A security officer
- Emergency services personnel
What is Family Violence?
Family violence is an important category of violent crime that involves acts that threaten or result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault against a family or household member, such as:
- A current or former spouse
- A co-parent
- A foster child and parent
- Any relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption
- A current or former co-resident
- A current or former dating or romantic partner
Continuous violence against family is a form of family violence that occurs when a person commits two or more domestic assaults within 12 months, whether or not they resulted in arrest or conviction or were committed against different people. Domestic violence is charged as a misdemeanor or felony based on the severity of injuries the alleged victim sustained and whether the defendant has a prior conviction.
Contact Our Violent Crimes Attorney in Plano Today
If you have been accused of a violent crime in Plano, do not wait to consult a defense attorney about your legal options. The repercussions upon conviction are serious, and they can impact your rights and freedoms moving forward.
Contact Lanzillo Law, PLLC, today to get started on your defense with our Plano violent crimes lawyer.
