Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Do I need a Lawyer?

I hit a woman in the eye one time and was placed in jail for assault. It is just that simple. The courts said they didn't have my file yet and they didn't know what I was charged with. She advised me that it had to be a Class A misdemeanor because those are the only ones that the criminal courts deal with. While I was in jail I was advised that it was a Class C not A. The lady also told me that a Class C misdemeanor would be for a ticket. Do I need to get a lawyer to defend me so I won't have to go to jail. I have never been in any trouble and this is my first offense. I don't even have a speeding ticket. I just wanted to go to court and plead no contest and ask for deferred adjudication.


Asked on 5/17/04, 1:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Armstrong The Law Office of John W. Armstrong

Re: Do I need a Lawyer?

My opinion is that you always need an attorney to represent you in a criminal matter, because you need someone to advise you of the pitfalls you are facing in a criminal court. With regard to whether or not your assault case is a Class A or Class C assault I do not have enough information to assist you with your question. I will tell you that there is a Class A Misdemeanor Assault, and these type case are filed in the County Courts. You might want to call or go to the County Clerk's office in your county and look at your file to see how you are charged. There is also a Class C misdemeanor Assault and it is filed either in Justice of the Peace Court or in Municipal Court. Each of those courts have there own Clerk in either of those courts that can assist you with what type of charege is pending, if there is one, in either court. Otherwise, contacting an attorney who practices criminal law in the county where you reside should be able to help you find out that information.

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Answered on 5/17/04, 6:33 pm


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