COLLIN COUNTY ASSAULT BY CONTACT LAWYER | CLASS C ASSAULT
Did you know shoving someone or poking them in the chest can be a crime in Texas – even if no one was injured or even felt pain? It’s called assault by contact and it’s more common than you may think.
If you or a loved one has been ticketed or arrested for assault by contact in Collin County, it’s important to contact a criminal attorney with experience defending these types of cases. If it’s not handled correctly, it can result in a criminal conviction on your record.
Collin County Assault by Contact Lawyer Serving Plano, Allen, Frisco, Prosper and Surrounding Areas
At the law firm of Varghese Summersett, we understand that emotions run high during heated arguments, but that shouldn’t negatively impact the rest of your life. We know what it takes to get these charges dismissed and keep your record clean.
In this article, a Collin County assault by contact lawyer will explain the crime, the punishment, and why you should never just pay the fine.
What is assault by contact in Collin County?
Assault by contact is defined by Texas law as intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another person when he or she knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. Examples could include shoving someone, poking them in the chest, grabbing them by the collar or spitting on them.
What is the punishment for assault by contact?
Assault by contact is usually a Class C misdemeanor, which is the lowest level of assault offense in Texas. The punishment for a Class C misdemeanor is a maximum fine of $500.
However, the punishment can be elevated if:
– the assault was committed against an elderly or disabled individual, which would be a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $4,000 fine.
– the assault was committed by a non-sports participant against a person participating in a sporting event or in retaliation for the participant’s performance or duty as a sports participant. In this instance, it would be a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $2000 fine.
Why shouldn’t I just pay the fine for assault by contact?
Many people who receive an assault by contact ticket think they should just pay the $500 fine and be done with it. That is actually the worst thing you can do.
When you pay the fine, you are pleading guilty to the assault by contact charge and that will go on your criminal record. That could make it difficult to get a job, housing, or a loan in the future. A momentary lapse in judgment during a heated exchange can follow you forever.
That’s why it is vital to contact Collin County assault by contact lawyer who can work to get the charges dismissed altogether so there is no conviction on your record.
How can a Collin County assault by contact lawyer help?
An experienced Collin County assault by contact lawyer will work to resolve the case in a manner that will not result in a conviction on your record and make you eligible for an expunction, which would erase the record of the ticket or arrest. This can be accomplished in a number of ways including:
- working out an agreement with the prosecutor for a dismissal outright or after the completion of deferred adjudication probation;
- taking the case to trial and winning an acquittal.
To put you in the best position for a dismissal or acquittal, a skilled attorney will thoroughly evaluate your case and devise a defense strategy that will produce the most favorable outcome. This could include attacking the elements of the prosecution’s case, arguing self-defense or presenting mitigating information, among others.
Speak to a Collin County Assault by Contact Lawyer Today.
The best way to handle an assault by contact charge is to hire a qualified Collin County assault by contact lawyer who knows how to get the charges dismissed so it won’t go on your criminal record.
At Varghese Summersett, our attorneys have helped dozens of people in your situation, and we can help you, too. Call 817-203-2220 for a free consultation with an experienced Collin County assault by contact lawyer, and let us take it from here.
Want to know more about misdemeanor assault in Texas?
To learn more about misdemeanor assault in Texas, please watch this video by Criminal Defense Attorney Benson Varghese, who is Board Certified in Criminal Law.
