Denton Assault Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Denton Assault Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Denton Assault attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Our distinguished lawyers have significant experience, but our history of success speaks for itself.

Texas police make arrests for Assault frequently and in a variety of settings. An Assault charge is common in courtrooms across Texas, and it is much broader than most people realize. It is not necessary for you to have made physical contact with someone in order to be arrested on a simple assault charge. Assault allegations can stem from various actions considered threatening, violent, or offensive. The term “simple assault” is misleading because no assault case is straightforward.

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team represents clients who are seeking the top attorneys in the field. Accordingly, our attorneys have made consistently outstanding legal representation the hallmark of our boutique criminal defense practice.

We’re not just Denton Assault lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. As your Denton Assault attorney, we don’t just represent you in court. We handle every aspect of your case.

Our experienced team is here to defend your rights and provide the guidance you need. Don’t navigate the criminal justice system alone. Call us today to take the first step toward your peace of mind and a strong Denton Assault defense.

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Contact a Denton
Assault Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.

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Choosing The Right Denton Assault Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

How do I get an Assault charge dropped in Denton, Texas?

In order to get an Assault charge dropped in Denton, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §22.01.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Assault, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Assault statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Assault statute in detail on the Assault offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Assault cases in Denton.

One such case is Meinzer v. State.

Meinzer v. State

In Meinzer v. State, delivered on March 14, 2024, by the Court of Appeals of Texas Second District Fort Worth, Jessica Meinzer, convicted of Assault on a Family Member, appealed the trial court’s inclusion of a family violence finding in the written judgment from Denton County. Meinzer argued that the trial court was required to orally pronounce its family violence finding during sentencing, which it did not, and contended that the jury verdict did not necessarily support the finding. The appellate court clarified that a trial court is not required to make an oral family violence finding during sentencing and can make such a finding independently of the jury, as family violence and assault on a family member are governed by different standards and serve different purposes.

The court distinguished between the jury’s guilty verdict for assault on a family member, which could be based on knowing or reckless conduct, and the trial court’s separate family violence finding, which is based on intentional conduct. The court noted that the family violence finding has broader implications beyond the criminal conviction, affecting civil protective orders and having various collateral consequences. Despite the different standards for the assault conviction and the family violence finding, the court found that the trial court had the authority to make the family violence finding in the judgment, and that the evidence supported this finding.

Furthermore, the court identified clerical errors in the judgment related to the offense description and the placement of the family violence finding. The judgment was modified to correctly reflect Meinzer’s conviction for assault on a family member—first offense and to include a separate family violence finding, thereby affirming the trial court’s judgment as modified. The decision emphasizes the independent nature of the family violence finding from the jury’s verdict and clarifies its implications and procedural requirements.

What does an Assault charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Assault, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another, including the person‘s spouse;

(2) intentionally or knowingly threatens another with imminent bodily injury, including the person‘s spouse; or

(3) 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.

Learn more about the Texas Assault law.

A more severe form of assault is Aggravated Assault. According to Texas law, Aggravated Assault occurs if an individual commits assault and either causes serious bodily injury, including to their spouse, or uses or displays a deadly weapon during the assault.

How can an Assault charge be enhanced?

Texas law provides numerous ways for the Assault charge to be enhanced. These include the deadly weapon enhancement, many enhancements related to the status of the victim (for instance if the victim was a peace officer or family member), and the new human smuggling enhancement. Learn more about the enhancements applicable to Assault.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Denton that Make Assault Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Assault in Denton. Law enforcement agencies in Denton that most typically make Assault arrests include:

• Denton County Sheriff’s Office – The sheriff’s office is responsible for making Assault arrests in unincorporated areas of Denton County and operates the Denton County Jail.
• Denton Police Department – Serving the city of Denton, the police department makes Assault arrests within the city limits.
• Lewisville Police Department – Serving the city of Lewisville, this municipal police department is responsible for law enforcement, including for Assault cases, within the city limits.
• Flower Mound Police Department – This municipal police department serves the town of Flower Mound by providing law enforcement within the town.
• Highland Village Police Department – Serving the city of Highland Village, this municipal police department is responsible for law enforcement within the city limits.
• target=”_blank”The Colony Police Department – The Colony’s police department handles Assault cases within the city limits.
• Argyle Police Department – Serving the town of Argyle, this municipal police department enforces the Assault law within the town.
• Lake Dallas Police Department – This municipal police department provides law enforcement services to the city of Lake Dallas within the city limits.
• Little Elm Police Department – This municipal police department serves the town of Little Elm for law enforcement related to Assault cases within the town.
• Roanoke Police Department – The Roanoke Police Department investigates Assault cases within the city limits.

How do I win an Assault case in Denton?

To beat an Assault charge in Denton, Texas, you must first secure the services of a skilled and experienced attorney who can build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specific details of your case. It is crucial to thoroughly investigate the evidence, challenge any weaknesses or inconsistencies, and present a compelling case in court.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Denton Assault attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Denton Assault Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Sometimes Assault charges arise in cases of mistaken identity. A common scenario that we see here would be a bar fight in which a victim is injured, and the victim knows they were assaulted, but they identify the wrong person. In defending our clients against Assault charges, we conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the facts of the case and regularly subpoena records and interview witnesses.

However, there are many ways to defend people accused of Assault charges, and you should consider all of them with your Denton Assault attorney. In addition to the possibility of a false accusation, in a Denton Assault case, you may also be able to plead an affirmative defense or justification like self-defense or mutual consent.

Chapter 9 of the Texas Penal Code lists certain justifications that apply specifically to Assault cases, but they also apply to any criminal offense involving the use of force.

Self-Defense

Many of our clients were arrested and charged with assault when they were only trying to defend themselves. In those cases, the legal justification of self-defense would apply to an assault charge in the state of Texas. This defense needs to be specifically asserted, however, and the best defense will include investigation into the circumstances, the background of the alleged victim, surveillance footage, witness interviews and more investigative fact-collection. Learn more about the Self-Defense justification here.

Defending Other People: Defense of Third Persons

Texas law also provides a defense to prosecution that the conduct is justified under the Defense of Third Persons doctrine. Learn more about Defense of Third Persons here.

Protection of Life or Health

The Penal Code provides a defense for situations in which you are attempting to protect a person from harming themselves, for the use of force to protect your property or someone else’s property, and for consent situations (like mutual combat). Learn more about these other defenses here.

Whatever your best defense strategy, the preparation for your defense often starts even before the case begins. From the moment that the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we have work to do. If you want to win your case, then we must do our own investigation. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. We can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

As a client, you will benefit from the investigative resources of the entire law firm. We have a team of dedicated professionals, including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts. Our attorneys utilize our team’s extensive investigative experience to perform the ground work that makes our cases strong.

How much does a lawyer charge for an Assault case in Denton, Texas?

You can expect to pay from $2,500 to $10,000 for Assault in Denton. Fees on these cases vary so widely because the punishment range varies so much. Most attorneys will charge less for misdemeanor-level Assault cases, while felony-level cases command a higher fee.

Many lawyers will charge a separate trial fee, pre-arrest representation fee or pre-indictment representation fee.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Assault in Denton

Even when falsely accused of Assault, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

If the Denton District Attorney has charged you with Assault, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Denton Assault attorneys.

How can you modify your Denton bond conditions after an Assault arrest?

Start by consulting with your Denton Assault attorney. Work closely with your attorney to build a compelling case for the requested modifications.

Your attorney will file either a motion or a writ of habeas corpus requesting a modification of your bond conditions. The motion or writ outlines the specific changes you are seeking and the reasons for the requested modification.

The judge will ultimately decide whether to approve the requested modifications. They will consider factors such as the nature of the charges, your criminal history, the risk to public safety, and other relevant circumstances. Keep in mind that the judge will base the decision on a careful evaluation of the facts and circumstances of your case.

What happens at a Denton arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Denton judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Denton, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for Assault, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Denton judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Denton Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for Denton Assault charge in Denton?

The Penal code defines the range of punishment for Assault convictions. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Assault as a Class A misdemeanor, second degree felony, or third degree felony, depending on the circumstances.

However, the actual punishment you receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Assault here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Denton Assault cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Furthermore, all good Denton Assault attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Assault conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment. For Assault offeneses, collateral consequences can include things professional license suspensions, immigration conseequences, and consequences in civil court proceedings like divorces and civil suits.

What are the defenses to Assault, like the law of self-defense?

The law provides several defenses to people charged with Assault as well, such as “self-defense” or “consent.” Learn more about the defenses to Assault.

Is there a difference between Assault and Battery?

While some other states have criminal charges that distinguish between Assault and Battery as separate charges, Texas merges them under § 22.01 of the Penal Code. Consequently, they are treated as one single offense.

Are you unsure about the charges filed against you? Feel free to reach out. A significant part of our work involves educating clients about their cases, what the charges mean for them, and how we can develop a plan to navigate these challenges and avoid potential penalties.

What are the collateral consequences of an Assault Family Violence conviction?

Overall, considering collateral consequences, the government views assaulting a family member as a more serious crime than assaulting a stranger. Judges often issue emergency protective orders (EPOs) in family violence cases that prohibit defendants from returning home and sometimes even prevent them from seeing their children. If children were present during the incident, Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) may also investigate.

In divorce court, a family violence conviction can result in the denial of child custody and the restriction of visitation rights. Such a conviction can also lead to a permanent loss of firearm possession for any reason. If you’re in the military, you may face discharge; if you’re in law enforcement, you could be reassigned or fired.

A family violence conviction might cost you a professional license or, if you’re a skilled tradesperson, prevent you from being bonded. It will appear on your criminal record and show up in pre-employment and pre-leasing background checks.

Non-citizens convicted of family violence may be denied a green card or deported and refused re-entry.

Even a conviction for the lowest level of family violence assault can lead to future misdemeanor family violence or stalking charges being prosecuted and punished as third-degree felonies. Additionally, it permanently disqualifies you from obtaining an order of non-disclosure if you successfully complete deferred adjudication probation for any offense in the future.

Are you under investigation for Assault? Should you cooperate with the police investigation?

We have assisted our clients through many difficult police interrogations. Although we do not typically recommend consenting to a police interrogation or interview, there are circumstances when we consider it. However, you should never do a police interview without your Denton Assault lawyer present.

When police bring you in for an interview, they already believe that you committed the offense. Accordingly, this belief will inform their interpretation of your answers. Generally, when people believe something, they will only see things that confirm their belief. This is called confirmation bias, and this is what leads to police charging innocent people with crimes.

An arrest for Assault can drastically change your life, even if a court dismisses your case. Do not hesitate to contact us immediately if you are under investigation.

In addition, remember that people do not usually communicate perfectly clearly under intense pressure. The extreme stress of a police interview can cause you to say something that police then misinterpret. And even the way you look during the interview significantly impacts the police decision to arrest you. For all of these reasons, we carefully consider the decision to interview because it will have a huge impact on the ultimate outcome your case.

In some cases, we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. As your Denton Assault attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Denton Assault lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.

Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…

Awards

Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:

• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.

Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

More Awards & Recognition…

Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.

• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.

Victories

The Denton Assault attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.

For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.

Reviews

One example review from a real client:

Nick Troufexis was super. He helped a family member out and was great from beginning to the end. Looking for a dependable, honest straight forward law firm. This is your firm and Nick is the guy. Talking about results, oh he delivered on every spectrum. So if your on the phone with another law firm, hang up and call Saputo Defense NOW!!!

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §22.01.