Top 3 Legal Defenses to Assault Causing Bodily Injury in Texas
If you’ve been charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury (ABI) in Texas, you’re likely facing serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. However, being charged does not mean you will be convicted. With the right defense strategy, you may be able to have the charges reduced, dismissed, or beaten at trial.
At the Law Offices of David Sloane, we’ve successfully defended countless clients accused of assault in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Here are the top three legal defenses that may apply to your case.
1. Self-Defense
One of the most common defenses in an assault case is self-defense. Texas law allows you to use force to protect yourself if:
✔️ You reasonably believed you were in immediate danger of harm.
✔️ The force used was proportionate to the threat.
✔️ You did not provoke the situation.
In some cases, self-defense also extends to protecting others, also know as defense of a third person, or protecting your property under Texas law. If we can show that you were acting lawfully to protect yourself, your charges could be dismissed.
2. Lack of Intent or Accidental Injury
To convict you of Assault Causing Bodily Injury (Texas Penal Code §22.01), the prosecution must prove that you intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another person.
✅ If the injury was an accident, it may not meet the legal definition of assault.
✅ If there was no intent to cause harm, the charges may not stand.
For example, if a person was injured due to horseplay or an unintended action, we can argue that there was no criminal intent, and the charge should be dropped.
3. False Accusations
Unfortunately, false allegations of assault happen more often than people think. These cases may arise due to:
🔹 Revenge or personal disputes - especially in domestic violence cases
🔹 Mistaken identity
🔹 Lack of credible evidence
If you were wrongfully accused, we will aggressively challenge the evidence, expose inconsistencies in witness statements, and demand proof beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, video footage, witness testimony, or phone records can help prove your innocence.
Charged with Assault in Texas? Fight Back Today!
A conviction for Assault Causing Bodily Injury can have serious consequences, including jail time, job loss, and a permanent criminal record. You need an experienced Fort Worth assault defense attorney to fight for your rights.
At the Law Offices of David Sloane, we know how to challenge the prosecution’s case and build a strong defense on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us start fighting for you.
📞 Call (817) 810-0088
💻 Visit our Assault Causing Bodily Injury Page to learn more
Our Fort Worth Assault Criminal Defense Lawyers have helped thousands of clients fight assault related cases in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and throughout the greater Dallas – Fort Worth Area, such as: