Everyone gets into an argument with someone else from time to time. Unfortunately, sometimes these disagreements can escalate to the point where the police are called to intervene. Tempers are hot. Statements are made to the police. And then you find yourself being arrested for assault.
A few days later, things have cooled off. The party that made the complaint has changed their minds. They no longer want to file assault charges against you. What now?
Being found guilty of assault in Houston can change your life in many ways — almost always for the worse. First, there’s the jail time and fines. Then there’s the fallout from having a criminal arrest and conviction on your record, which could make things difficult when it comes to getting a job, going to school, applying for a loan or a child custody dispute.
However, just because you’ve been arrested and charged with assault in Houston doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to be found guilty and sentenced to jail. In some instances, it may be possible to persuade a prosecutor to drop the assault charges against you.
- Hire an Experienced Houston Assault Attorney
The first (and most important) step to getting an assault case dropped in Houston is to hire the services of a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in handling assault cases.
Avoid talking to the police (they can’t drop the charges anyway) or the prosecutor’s office (you could end up making the situation worse). A criminal defense attorney’s job is to protect the rights of their clients and negotiate on their behalf to get the charges against them dropped, dismissed or reduced. - Examine The Details In Your Houston Assault Case
Your attorney will begin by examining the details in your case and the evidence against you. Was the evidence against you illegally obtained? Were there extenuating circumstances that led to the assault charge? Was it an act of self-defense? Is the witness recanting their story? Have you ever been in trouble with the law before?
- Convincing the Prosecutor to Drop the Charges
In instances of domestic and other types of assault, only a prosecutor can drop the assault charges against you. But why would they do so? A few of the circumstances in which a prosecutor might consider dropping your assault charges include:
- The witnesses against you are unwilling to testify or cooperate with the prosecutor.
- They don’t have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime.
- New evidence shows you didn’t commit the crime.
- They lack or don’t want to expend the resources to prosecute your case.
- You’re a first time offender.
- You agree to cooperate with the prosecutor to help solve other crimes.
Talk to Houston Assault Attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss
A former county prosecutor turned Houston criminal defense attorney, Lisa Shapiro Strauss has put her unique experience to work helping people in Houston and surrounding communities get their assault charges reduced, dropped or dismissed.
Just because you’ve been charged with assault doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to be found guilty. Call Houston assault lawyer Lisa Shapiro Strauss today to schedule a free consultation meeting. Lisa Strauss is here to listen to your side of the story, answer any questions you may have, and provide frank advice on the best way to proceed in your case.
