Harris County Assault Lawyer

Assault Attorney in Harris County, TX

An assault charge can be overwhelming and complex. If you or a loved one is facing assault charges in the greater Houston area, hire a Harris County assault lawyer today to get the representation you deserve. With the right legal counsel, you gain a skilled advocate who can defend you against the charges, mitigate penalties, or have your case dismissed.

Types of Assault Charges in Texas

There are several forms of assault outlined in the Texas legislature. Assault offenses can range from misdemeanor to felony charges, depending on the situation. Physical assault that results in serious injuries is highly punishable. In the Texas Penal Code, assault is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily harm, physical contact, or the threat of harm to another person.

Misdemeanor Assaults

Misdemeanor assault, also referred to sometimes as simple assault, is charged in cases where either slight or no physical harm was caused by the incident itself.

• Class C Misdemeanor Assault: A Class C misdemeanor is the least severe assault charge in Texas. It applies to assault cases where no injury took place. This may apply to situations such as threats of violence or where there was physical contact but no injury. This may result in up to $500 in fines, but no jail time.
• Class B Misdemeanor Assault: Class B misdemeanors are the most niche of assault charges. It is applicable in cases where an athlete, coach, or referee is threatened or physically assaulted during a sporting event by a patron. The penalties for these charges are up to six months in jail and fines not exceeding $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor Assault: Class A misdemeanors are the most severe of the three. These charges occur when someone is physically injured in an assault, but the injuries are not serious enough to pursue a felony. It also applies to threats with no violence against protected classes of people, such as the elderly and disabled. For these cases, sentencing involves up to a year in jail and fines not exceeding $4,000.

Felony Assaults

Felonious assaults are taken much more seriously and face harsher sentencing than misdemeanors in the state of Texas. These cases are handled at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, 1201 Franklin, Houston, TX.

• Third Degree Felony Assault: A third-degree felony assault in Texas is charged when the victims of assault are family members, law enforcement, or emergency staff such as EMTs. These cases do not include severe bodily injury. Fines imposed may not exceed $10,000, and offenders can face up to 10 years of jail.
• Second Degree Felony Assault: This form of assault involves the use of a deadly weapon such as a firearm or switchblade. These charges are also applicable if bodily harm is caused to protected personnel. Offenders can be sentenced to fines of up to $10,000 and up to 20 years in jail.
• First Degree A Felony Assault: The most severe assault charge involves the use of a deadly weapon, and severe bodily harm has occurred. This can result in life in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Why Do I Need to Hire an Assault Lawyer?

If you are facing assault charges, hire an assault lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney will be able to craft a defense that is tailored to the specific details of your case, making them an invaluable asset in the courtroom. Assault charges can affect your freedom, future employment, and interpersonal relationships. If you are being charged with assault, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney.

Surginer Stewart, PLLC – Assault Attorneys in Harris County

Reports show there were 85,452 aggravated assaults in the state in 2024. If you are facing assault charges in Harris County, you are not alone. An experienced assault attorney will be familiar with the many nuances of Texas law and how they interact with your unique case. They can determine the most suitable defense for your case and build a solid case for optimal results.

With over 30 years of combined experience, the criminal defense attorneys at Surginer Stewart, PLLC, are prepared for any case. They understand all that is at stake and can work tirelessly to support your interests throughout the entirety of your assault case. During this difficult time, place your case in the local, trusted hands of our dedicated and effective legal team at Surginer Stewart, PLLC.

FAQs

What Is Considered Bodily Injury in an Assault Case?

Bodily injury in an assault case qualifies as any pain, illness, or physical impairment. This is often caused by shooting, stabbing, punching, kicking, biting, and other methods. This makes it relatively easy to press assault charges, especially since bodily harm does not have to occur for an assault charge to be considered.

Can Assault Charges Be Dropped in Texas?

Yes, assault charges can be dropped or dismissed in Texas. However, in cases such as domestic violence, some Texan prosecutors enforce “no-drop” policies to prevent victims from being pressured into dropping charges against their offender. Having a skilled attorney is an essential component in getting your charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed in Texas.

What Evidence Is Used in Assault Cases?

Many forms of evidence are relevant in an assault case. Some examples may include police reports, medical records, eyewitness reports, and physical proof, if there is any. If any of this evidence was obtained improperly, your attorney can motion to have charges dismissed, as unlawfully obtained evidence is not admissible in court.

Can You Go to Jail for a First-Time Assault Offense?

It is possible to go to jail for a first-time assault offense in cases where the assault resulted in particularly grievous injuries. However, some first-time offenders for assault charges may receive minimal sentencing or probation. A Harris County assault attorney may be able to help you avoid harsh sentencing, even if you are a repeat offender.

Contact Our Team of Harris County Assault Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one is facing assault charges in Harris County or the greater Houston metropolitan area, contact the attorneys at Surginer Stewart, PLLC, today.