Lesser Included Assault
Though it seems like nonsense, regular assault is not a lesser included offense of assault by strangulation. This means that a person charged with a felony assault impeding breath or circulation cannot have a trial instruction a regular assault as a lesser included offense. The courts reasoning for this is that strangulation is a very specific type of bodily injury, so it requires different, additional facts for proof. In other words, assault by strangulation, by definition, excludes other injuries. The Coffey Firm disagrees with this reasoning and will work toward negotiating with the State on reducing or dismissing felony strangulation assault charges.
The issue comes with the indictment itself. If the indictment only alleges strangulation and not regular bodily injury, the courts will apply this rule. The State may amend the indictment, but relying on the State to do you any favors would be unwise. Let The Coffey Firm fight for the best possible outcome for you.
More about Mimi Coffey & The Coffey Firm
When people look for a Top DWI Attorney or Best DWI Attorney, they look for experience, certification, and respect in the legal community. Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks. She is also a national and state-wide lecturer on the law.
The Coffey Firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Unlawful Carrying Weapon (UCW), Assault (including family violence), and Possession charges. We can also help you try to get a DWI off your record or avoid probation revocation.
Mimi is also listed on several “top criminal lawyer near me” directory listings such as Wise County DWI Lawyers, Tarrant County DWI Lawyer, Dallas County DWI attorney, Collin County DWI attorneys and Parker County DWI attorneys. Mimi is a caring DWI Lawyer in Dallas – Fort Worth. She is also involved in the Texas Tech School of Law foundation and enjoys using the skills she has developed to give back to the community.