Sharpstown Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Sharpstown

If you’ve been charged with an offense like assault, you know the impact such charges can have on a person’s life. Possible penalties include jail time and fines, as well as negative reputational effects. If you are facing assault or other criminal charges in the Sharpstown area, you could benefit from the services of an experienced Sharpstown assault and criminal defense attorney.

Surginer Stewart, PLLC – Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

The legal system is complicated and often slow-moving, so facing criminal charges can feel very stressful and overwhelming. If you’re charged with a crime, you need knowledgeable, experienced legal counsel to help you navigate your next steps. At Surginer Stewart, PLLC, we have over 30 years of combined experience defending criminal charges. From our office on Long Pointe Road in Houston, we are easily accessible to our Sharpstown clients.

What Constitutes Assault in Texas?

The legal definition of assault is outlined in Title 5, Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code. Assault is defined as knowingly, intentionally, and/or recklessly causing bodily harm or threatening another person with imminent bodily harm. Additionally, making physical contact with a person in a way that could reasonably be construed as offensive or threatening can also be charged as assault. More detailed explanations are as follows:

Actual bodily harm. This is what most people think of as assault. Examples include actually hitting, punching, or otherwise making contact with a person in a way that causes injury.

Threat of bodily harm. Threatening imminent bodily harm (meaning threatening to hurt someone in that moment) is also considered assault. One example of this would be pulling a fist back as if to hit someone, even if no contact actually occurs.

Perception of threat. This category of assault is more difficult to define because it is based on perception. One example would be shoving someone. The person shoving may not have intended to hurt anyone, but if the person they shoved perceives a threat, the action can be charged as assault.

What Are the Potential Consequences for Assault in Texas?

Assault is one of the most commonly charged criminal offenses. In 2025 alone, 4,340 Texan adults were convicted of assault resulting in bodily injury. Possible assault penalties vary depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. The following are some examples of general sentencing guidelines, as established in Texas Penal Code Title 3, Chapter 12:

• Class A misdemeanors carry a punishment of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $4,000.
• Third-degree felonies are punishable by a prison sentence of between two and 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-degree felonies can carry a two- to 20-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.

Aggravating factors can lead to first-degree felony charges for assault. For example, assault with a deadly weapon against a family member is usually considered aggravated assault, and it would likely be charged as a first-degree felony.

Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense and Assault Lawyer

In the criminal justice system, all law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other officials are supposed to follow due process. Defendants are supposed to be presumed innocent until evidence shows otherwise. However, that ideal is not always the reality. One thing you can do to safeguard your rights is to hire a criminal defense and assault lawyer.

Sometimes, in the course of an investigation or trial, a defendant’s constitutional rights are violated. This can happen because of unconscious bias, mishandling of evidence, or procedural mistakes. If you have an experienced lawyer on your side, they can provide oversight during the investigation process and during any court proceedings, as well as represent you in court and present evidence on your behalf.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sharpstown Criminal Defense and Assault Lawyer?

How much it costs to hire a criminal defense and assault lawyer can vary based on the complexity of your case and the individual lawyer’s rates and fee structure. Usually, attorneys ask for a lump sum payment, called a retainer, to begin working on your case. The lawyer’s actual working hours are then billed against the retainer as time goes on.

Is There a Mandatory Minimum Jail Sentence for Misdemeanor Assault in Texas?

No. In Texas, there is no mandatory imprisonment sentence for a Class A misdemeanor. According to Title 3, Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code, a Class A misdemeanor can carry a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000. However, these penalties are not mandatory, and sentences are ultimately decided by judges.

Do I Need to Wait Until Charges Are Filed to Hire a Lawyer?

No, you do not need to wait until charges are filed to hire a defense attorney. In fact, it is advisable to consult a lawyer if you even suspect that you will be facing criminal charges. The earlier you seek legal counsel, the earlier they can support you. Even before charges are ever filed, your lawyer can communicate with police and prosecutors and help protect your rights.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Assault in Texas?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations for assault in Texas, which is outlined in Title 1, Chapter 12 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The statute of limitations for misdemeanor assault is two years. For felony assault, the statute of limitations is at least three years, but it can be longer for some instances of aggravated assault, depending on the specifics of the offense.

Contact a Sharpstown Assault & Criminal Defense Attorney at Surginer Stewart, PLLC

Facing assault or other criminal charges can be incredibly stressful. The legal system is complicated, and you may feel anxious about what lies ahead. However, you don’t have to walk into this uncharted territory alone. Seek experienced legal counsel to help you defend your rights. Contact Surginer Stewart, PLLC, today to discuss your case.