Charged with Assault or a Violent Crime? Get Proven Defense in Texarkana

Assault, domestic violence, and other violent crime accusations carry heavy consequences—jail or prison time, strict probation terms, and a lasting stigma that can affect your job, housing, and family relationships. One incident or one accusation can put your freedom and reputation at serious risk.



At Anderson Law Firm, we provide focused, aggressive defense for assault and violent crime charges in Texarkana and surrounding areas of Texas and Arkansas. Our priority is to protect your rights, tell your side of the story, and work toward the best possible outcome in a difficult situation.

Violent Charges We Defend

We represent clients facing both misdemeanor and felony accusations, including:


  • Simple assault / assault causing bodily injury
  • Assault involving family or household members (domestic violence)
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or serious bodily injury
  • Battery and related offenses under Arkansas law
  • Robbery and aggravated robbery
  • Manslaughter and other serious violent felonies
  • Threats, terroristic threatening, and related intimidation charges


Texas law generally uses “assault” to cover conduct ranging from threats to bodily injury, while Arkansas law distinguishes between assault and battery in different degrees. We are well-versed in both systems and tailor your defense to the specific statute and court where your case is pending.

Self-Defense, Defense of Others, and False Allegations

Many violent crime cases turn on context. What the police report says may not reflect what actually happened in a heated moment, a bar fight, or a family argument. Our job is to dig into that context and bring it to light.



We examine issues such as:

  • Whether you reasonably believed you needed to act in self-defense or to defend someone else



  • Whether another person was the primary aggressor and you were charged anyway
  • Whether injuries were exaggerated or the story has changed over time



  • Whether alcohol, stress, or relationship conflicts led to misunderstandings or false accusations

To do this, we gather witness statements, 911 recordings, text messages, social media posts, security or cellphone video, and any other evidence that helps explain what really occurred. When self-defense is supported by the facts and the law, we assert it forcefully in negotiations and, if necessary, at trial.

Domestic Violence Allegations and “Dropping Charges”

Domestic-related accusations are particularly sensitive. They can affect where you live, whether you can see your children, and whether you can possess firearms, even while the case is still pending.


Key points we help clients with:


  • No-Contact and Protective Orders
    Courts often issue no-contact orders or protective orders at the start of a domestic violence case. We explain what these orders mean, help you avoid unintentional violations, and request modifications where appropriate.

  • Victim Wants to Reconcile
    In many cases, the complaining witness later wants to drop the charges or reconcile. The decision to prosecute, however, belongs to the state, not the individual accuser. A reluctant or inconsistent witness can still significantly affect the strength of the case, and we know how to address that reality with prosecutors while respecting the wishes and safety of everyone involved.

  • Long-Term Impact
    Domestic violence convictions can carry long-lasting consequences, including firearm restrictions, immigration complications, and serious employment issues. We factor all of this into our defense strategy and negotiations.

Understanding Potential Penalties

Penalties for assault and violent crimes depend on the seriousness of the charge, the severity of injuries, whether a weapon was involved, and your prior criminal history. In both Texas and Arkansas, violent offenses can quickly move into serious felony territory.


Consequences may include:


  • Jail or prison time for misdemeanor and felony convictions
  • Significant fines and court costs
  • Long terms of probation with strict conditions
  • Loss of firearm rights in many domestic or felony cases
  • Protective orders that limit contact with certain people or places
  • Permanent criminal records that appear on background checks


Our aim is to avoid these harsh outcomes whenever possible—through dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, reduced charges, or resolutions that keep a felony off your record. When the evidence is strong, we focus on minimizing penalties and protecting what matters most to you, such as family access, employment, and professional licenses.

Our Defense Approach in Violent Crime Cases

Every violent crime case requires close attention to facts, evidence, and law. Our approach generally includes:

Early Case Review and Strategy

We obtain police reports, witness statements, and any available video as soon as possible. We look for inconsistencies, gaps in the investigation, and signs that the allegations are one-sided or incomplete.

Evidence and Witness Investigation

We locate and interview witnesses who may support your account, track down additional video or physical evidence, and consult experts when needed (for example, on injury patterns or use of force).

Challenging the State’s Story

We question whether the state can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, whether all elements of the charged offense are truly present, and whether a lesser charge or alternative explanation fits the facts more accurately.



Negotiation and, When Necessary, Trial

For some clients, the best outcome is a negotiated reduction or plea that avoids a felony or significant jail. For others, the only fair result is dismissal or acquittal. We prepare for both—negotiating from a position of strength while being fully ready to take your case to trial.

Assault & Violent Crime FAQ

  • What is the penalty for assault in Texas or Arkansas?

    Penalties vary widely based on the level of the charge and the specifics of the case. Simple assault or lower-level offenses can sometimes be charged as misdemeanors with possible jail time, fines, or probation. Cases involving serious bodily injury, weapons, or certain protected victims (like family members or public servants) are often charged as felonies with potential prison sentences measured in years. We review the specific statute and facts in your case and explain the realistic sentencing range you are facing in that particular court.

  • Can assault charges be dropped if the victim asks the prosecutor to dismiss?

    The decision to move forward or drop charges ultimately belongs to the prosecutor, not the alleged victim. A complaining witness who wants to dismiss or who is unwilling to cooperate can, however, significantly impact the strength of the case. We use that reality to advocate for dismissal, reduction, or alternative resolutions when doing so aligns with your legal interests and safety considerations.

  • What is the difference between assault and battery?

    Terminology depends on the state. Texas law generally uses “assault” to cover both causing bodily injury and threatening offensive contact, without a separate “battery” label. Arkansas law uses terms like assault and battery in degrees to describe different levels of conduct and injury. We focus less on labels and more on the exact statute you are charged under, what the state must prove, and how we can challenge those elements.

  • Will I go to jail for a bar fight or first-time assault charge?

    Jail is a possibility, but not a foregone conclusion. Courts often look at the injuries involved, any prior record, whether weapons were used, and whether the incident appears to be mutual combat or self-defense. For many first offenses, especially with minimal injuries, we can pursue options like probation, diversion, or reduced charges aimed at avoiding jail and limiting the long-term impact.

  • Do I need a lawyer if I’m charged with domestic violence but the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges?

    Yes. Domestic cases can still move forward even when the accuser no longer wants to participate. There may be existing protective orders, bond conditions, or other court requirements that must be handled carefully. A lawyer can help you avoid unintentional violations, present context to the prosecutor, and work toward a resolution that aligns with your legal rights and long-term goals.

  • How does a violent crime conviction affect my future rights?

    Felony and many domestic violence convictions can impact your right to own or possess firearms, your ability to hold certain jobs or professional licenses, and your immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen. These collateral consequences are often as important as the direct sentence, and they are a key reason to take any assault or violent crime charge seriously and involve an attorney as early as possible.

Take Your Assault or Violent Crime Charge Seriously – We Do

If you have been accused of assault, domestic violence, or any violent crime in Texarkana or the surrounding Texas and Arkansas communities, you should not navigate the process alone or try to explain things to investigators without legal guidance. Your words and choices right now can shape the rest of your case.



Anderson Law Firm is ready to step in, protect your rights, and begin building a defense focused on preserving your freedom, your record, and your future.