Assault Defense in Temple, Texas
Attorney Frank Cimino · Serving Temple, Bell County and Central Texas
Assault charges in Texas range from a Class C misdemeanor, which can mean a fine only, to serious felonies that carry prison time. Even a misdemeanor assault conviction can affect your job, your housing, and your rights. When the case involves a family member, someone you live with, or someone you date, the consequences can be even more serious. Attorney Frank Cimino has defended people accused of assault in Temple and throughout Central Texas since 2003.
Assault Charges We Handle
- Assault causing bodily injury, threats, or offensive contact
- Assault – family violence
- Aggravated assault
- Sexual assault
- Assault on a public servant
- Protective orders and bond conditions
Why Family Violence Cases Are Different
A family violence finding can follow you long after the case ends. A later family violence charge can be filed as a felony, and a conviction can affect your right to own firearms. Bond conditions may also keep you away from your home or family while the case is pending, so it’s important to get a lawyer involved early.
Sexual Assault Charges
Sexual assault is a serious felony in Texas, and a conviction can mean prison time and sex offender registration. These cases often depend on witness credibility, forensic evidence, and timelines. If you are under investigation or have been charged, speak with a lawyer before you talk to investigators. Learn more about sexual assault defense.
Building Your Defense
Every assault case has two sides. Frank looks closely at the evidence, including statements, photos, medical records, 911 calls, and video, and at whether self-defense or other defenses apply.
Assault defense is one part of Frank’s criminal defense practice, which also includes DWI, drug, theft, and other misdemeanor and felony charges.
Assault Cases in Bell, Coryell and McLennan Counties
Frank defends assault and family violence cases in Bell, Coryell and McLennan counties. Arrests in Temple, Killeen, Belton and Harker Heights are generally prosecuted by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, with cases heard in Belton. Coryell County cases are heard in Gatesville, and McLennan County cases in Waco. Family violence cases often move on two tracks at once, the criminal case and a request for a protective order, and both need attention from the start.
What Happens After an Assault Arrest in Temple or Killeen
After an assault arrest, you will be taken before a magistrate, who sets bond and may issue an emergency protective order, especially in a family violence case. An emergency protective order can require you to stay away from your home and family members and can bar you from having a firearm, even before you are charged. Violating it is a separate crime.
In family violence cases, the case does not simply go away if the alleged victim wants to drop the charges. The decision belongs to the prosecutor, and statements from the alleged victim, the police report and any 911 recording are all part of the evidence. That is why it is important to speak with a lawyer before anyone makes contact or statements about the case.
Assault Questions and Answers
Can the alleged victim drop the assault charges?
Not on their own. In Texas, the State brings the case, not the alleged victim. The prosecutor may consider the alleged victim’s wishes, but they can move forward without their cooperation.
What is the difference between assault and aggravated assault?
Simple assault usually involves causing bodily injury or threatening someone, and is often a misdemeanor. Aggravated assault involves serious bodily injury or using or showing a deadly weapon, and is a felony.
How does a family violence finding affect me?
A family violence finding can make a later assault charge a felony, affect your right to own firearms under federal law, and come up in custody or immigration matters. Avoiding that finding is often a major goal of the defense.
Can I go home after an assault arrest?
If an emergency protective order or bond condition bars you from the home, you cannot go back while it is in effect, even if your family asks you to. Frank can explain whether the order can be modified.
Is self-defense a defense to assault in Texas?
Yes. Texas law allows reasonable force to protect yourself or others in many situations. Whether self-defense applies depends on the facts, and it has to be raised and supported with evidence.
Accused of Assault? Talk With Frank.
Call (254) 220-4096 or send us a message to talk with Attorney Frank Cimino about your case. Office: 704 North 3rd St., Temple, TX 76501.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.