Violent or near-violent encounters between two people typically result in at least two very different stories about what happened. In many cases, people tend to believe that the bigger and stronger person, or the person with a more spotted reputation, is the aggressor, though that is certainly not always the case.
If you have been accused of assault, battery or a similar offense, you might feel incredibly frustrated by the fact that everyone seems to believe the other party just because he or she is smaller or has a better reputation. But in these situations, remember that you do have the right to defend yourself and to give your side of the story.
There are many different strategies to building a defense to violent crime allegations, and the one that may be best for your situation depends on the details of your specific case. However, there are a few that can be more common in cases involving two people who got into an altercation that resulted in few or no injuries.
- You didn’t do anything wrong. This might be appropriate if, for instance, you and the other party were drunk and the other person fell over and hit his or head but blamed you. Yes, the other person got hurt and you were there, but you didn’t do anything to cause the injury.
- You were defending yourself. You have the right to protect yourself — within reason — from another person if you believe you are in danger. You can also fight back to protect others or your property, though there are many specifications of these defenses that must be taken into account.
- You weren’t even involved. This defense would be appropriate if you were wrongfully identified as the violent party, or if someone saw you near an altercation and assumed you were involved.
These are just a few defenses to assault or battery charges. Again, the best defense for you will depend on the details of your case, which you can discuss with your attorney.
If you have been accused of a violent crime in Texas, you have the right to give your side of the story. Working with an attorney can be a good way to protect your reputation, clear up any lies or fabrications, and avoid wrongful charges and penalties.
