Are You Looking for the Best Rockwall, Texas, Assault Attorney?
If you’re looking for the best Rockwall Assault attorney, then we want to represent you. For Rockwall Assault cases, our top-rated defense attorneys lead the firm in providing exemplary legal representation. The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team only represents clients who want to hire the top attorneys in the field. We have dedicated our practice to criminal law, and we maintain an unwavering dedication to delivering expert representation.
In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes 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. Winning you case requires more than just advocating for you in the Rockwall courtrooms. As your Rockwall Assault attorney, we advise you on the range of issues you will undoubtedly face throughout the criminal prosecution.
Contact a Rockwall
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
We’re not just criminal defense lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity , courage and legal ingenuity .
ATTORNEY FAQs
- How do I get an Assault charge dropped in Rockwall, Texas?
- How do I win an Assault case in Rockwall, Texas?
- How much does a lawyer charge for an Assault case in Rockwall, Texas?
- What happens at a Rockwall arraignment?
- How can you modify your Rockwall bond conditions after an Assault arrest?
- What is the most common sentence for an Assault charge in Rockwall?
- Other Must Know FAQs About These Cases
Choosing The Right Rockwall 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.
Do you need a Rockwall Assault attorney? Book a consultation with attorneys Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis today.
How do I get an Assault charge dropped in Rockwall, Texas?
In order to get an Assault charge dropped in Texas, 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. Alternatively, you could show that the offense did not occur in Rockwall. 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 statutory law and case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. Consequently, as part of our practice, we publish a statutory resource guide on the Assault law in Texas. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Assault cases in Rockwall.
For now, the appellate courts have not issued any recent opinions on Assault cases in Rockwall that have caught our attention. However, note that we do not list cases involving other counties here, even though those cases can bind Rockwall courts. We continue to monitor the latest developments in Assault case law.
Law Enforcement Agencies in Rockwall 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 Rockwall. Law enforcement agencies in Rockwall that most typically make Assault arrests include:
- Rockwall Police Department: Responsible for law enforcement within the city of Rockwall.
- Heath Department of Public Safety: Serving the city of Heath with enforcement of Assault laws, among others.
- Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office: This agency handles law enforcement duties in unincorporated areas of Rockwall County and provides support to municipal police departments.
- Royse City Police Department: Responsible for Assault enforcement in the city of Royse City.
How do I win an Assault case in Rockwall, Texas?
To beat an Assault charge in Rockwall, Texas, you must employ every procedural tool to obtain information and thoroughly investigate the case. Contest all evidence, including witness statements and forensic evidence. Remember, victory hinges on your determination to fight relentlessly.
Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Rockwall 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.
Rockwall 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 Rockwall Assault attorney. In addition to the possibility of a false accusation, in a 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 Rockwall, Texas?
You can expect to pay from $2,500 to $10,000 for Assault in Rockwall. 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 Rockwall
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 Rockwall 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 Rockwall Assault attorneys.
How can you modify your Rockwall bond conditions after an Assault arrest?
Start by consulting with your Rockwall 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 Rockwall arraignment?
At your arraignment, a Rockwall judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Rockwall, 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 Rockwall 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 Rockwall 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 an Assault charge in Rockwall?
The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for Assault convictions across the state. 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 might receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances. For instance, your prior criminal history, the circumstances of the offense, and the norms of the Rockwall community all play a role.
If you are convicted, then you will also have to decide if you want to have the judge or the jury assess punishment. Judges and juries may deliver vastly different sentences. Furthermore, all good Rockwall 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.
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 Rockwall Assault cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online by pressing the red button.
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 always recommend consenting to an interrogation, occasionally we recognize circumstances where consenting to an interrogation may serve your best interest. However, you should never do a police interview without your Rockwall Assault lawyer present.
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 some cases we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. In general, we recommend avoiding police interrogations because of the extreme level of stress that you will likely experience. Even if you are innocent, the Rockwall police and the community will likely judge the way you act and what you say negatively. We must carefully consider this because this negative perception will almost certainly impact your final case disposition. As your Rockwall Assault attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.
About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense
If you want to hire us as your Rockwall 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.
As a member of the prestigious Texas Bar College, he presently trains other lawyers in best practices and himself attends many hours of continuous legal education with some of the best lawyers, judges, and law professors in the country.
Mr. Saputo graduated from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school. More about Paul Saputo…
Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of the law school as Southern Methodist University. 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
- “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating on AVVO
- 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
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 defense 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 Toufexis is an AMAZING lawyer! I am so thankful for all of his help throughout this entire process. I was having a lot of problems with my situation, and he helped me navigate my case from beginning to end. His representation was exactly what I needed, and he got the job done! Nick, thank you again for all of your help. Couldn’t have done it without you!
– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.
See more client reviews and testimonials here.