Criminal convictions, especially those that involve violent crimes, have the potential to alter a person’s life for years to come. It makes sense for a person to feel nervous when facing such charges.
It is important thusly to separate the common myths from the actual facts regarding the justice system, and particularly assault related crimes.
Can old cases be brought to court?
In the penal code of Texas, it discusses assault related crimes. It also debunks many of the most commonly circulated myths surrounding assault charges.
First, some people believe that if a person reconciles with the alleged victim, they cannot face charges. This is untrue. Prosecution actually has two or even three years to take a case to court in Texas, meaning bygones are not always bygones.
Does assault include injury?
Second, some people think that they cannot face charges if the alleged victim does not have any visible injuries. Bodily injury is often a component of assault cases, but this is not always true. Victims do not always need to display an outward injury like bruises or cuts. The threat of bodily harm or even offensive touching could count as assault under Texas law.
Can a victim drop charges?
Third, some people think that the alleged victim can drop the charges they levy against their alleged attacker. However, the victim does not get the final say here. Even if the perpetrator and victim make amends, a crime still happened and it is up to the prosecution if they want to go forward with the case.
Understanding these nuances in law is crucial to knowing more about assault and how Texas handles these cases.