Criminal charges for assault with a deadly weapon can result in very serious criminal penalties in Texas. This felony offense can result in lengthy prison time, even life imprisonment, steep fines, a permanent criminal record, an inability to pursue certain professions, occupations or jobs, and/or ineligibility to own or possess a firearm.
If you have been charged with committing an assault with a deadly weapon offense in Georgetown, it is important to remember that you do not have to necessarily face a conviction. The state prosecutor must first prove you committed every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This a very difficult burden to meet, and any doubt the judge or jury has in the prosecution’s case can result in a reduction or dismissal of the charges against you.
Therefore, it is essential to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Georgetown who can significantly help you create your best legal strategy and defense.
Georgetown Assault with a Deadly Weapon Lawyer
If you have been charged with assault with a deadly weapon in Georgetown, or any of the surrounding areas Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Taylor, Hutto, Killeen, Temple, Belton or Harker Heights, contact Price & Twine, PLLC
Attorney Michael J. Price is knowledgeable in all areas of Texas’ violent crimes and will make every effort to help you achieve the most desirable outcome for your particular situation. Call Price & Twine, PLLC for a free consultation at (512) 354-1880 about your alleged crime of violence.
Georgetown Assault with a Deadly Weapon
An individual can be charged with assault with a deadly weapon under Tex. Penal Code § 22.021 if they use a deadly weapon during the commission of an assault. Assault with a deadly weapon is also known as aggravated assault in Texas.
Assault is defined under Tex. Penal Code § 22.01 as intentionally or knowingly causing or threatening to cause bodily injury to another person, or causing offensive physical contact to another person.
Almost anything or any type of weapon can be used as a deadly weapon in Texas. As defined in Tex. Penal Code § 46.01, deadly weapons can include any of the following:
- Zip Guns,
- Tomahawks,
- Swords,
- Switchblade Knives,
- Spears,
- Short-Barrel Firearms,
- Nightsticks,
- Machine Guns,
- Mace,
- Knuckles,
- Knives,
- Knives,
- Illegal Knives,
- Handguns,
- Firearm Silencers,
- Explosive Weapons,
- Daggers,
- Clubs,
- Chemical Dispensing Devices,
- Bowie Knives,
- Blackjacks, and/or
- Armor-Piercing Ammunition.
Penalties for Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Georgetown
Criminal penalties are generally defined in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code, including punishments for an assault with a deadly weapon conviction. Penalties and punishments for assault with a deadly weapon are as follows:
An assault with a deadly weapon offense can generally result in a felony of the second-degree conviction, which is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
An assault with a deadly weapon offense can instead result in a felony of the first degree conviction, which is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000, if the offense was committed against:
- A family member or significant other;
- A public servant,
- A security officer, or
- Against a witness in a criminal case.
An assault with a deadly weapon offense can also result in felony of the first degree conviction, which is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000, if the alleged offender operated a firearm from a motor vehicle in the direction of another vehicle or building and caused serious bodily injury to another person.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon Defenses in Georgetown
Defenses may sometimes be applicable to allegations of assault with a deadly weapon in certain situations. It is important to first consult with a criminal defense attorney to determine if any of the following apply to your particular case, as they are not appropriate for every situation.
- Lack of a Deadly Weapon – If you did not possess a deadly weapon or any weapon during the commission of an assault offense, the charges against you may be reduced to a lesser offense or even dismissed.
- Lack of Intent – Some degree of intent is an essential element to all cases involving an assault offense. If the prosecution is unable to show you had the required intent to commit assault with a deadly weapon, the charges against you may be reduced or even dismissed.
- Self Defense – Individuals are allowed to use force against another person when they are threatened by the immediate threat of injury or bodily harm, including the use of deadly force.
Price & Twine, PLLC | Round Rock Assault with a Deadly Weapon Attorney
Contact Price & Twine, PLLC today for a consultation about your assault with a deadly weapon allegations throughout Williamson County in Texas. Michael J. Price is an aggressive Georgetown violent crimes attorney who will make every effort to fight the accusations against you and help you avoid the most serious penalties and punishments to your alleged offense.
Contact Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880 for a consultation about your assault with a deadly weapon charge throughout Williamson County and Bell County in Texas.