Criminal Defense & Assault Lawyer in Uptown Galleria, Houston

Criminal Defense & Assault Attorney in Uptown Galleria, Houston

Being charged with assault can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Aside from possible jail time, fines, and other penalties that come with a conviction, even allegations can affect job opportunities, social prospects, and your reputation. If you are facing assault charges and need to hire a criminal defense and assault lawyer in Uptown Galleria, Houston, we at Surginer Stewart, PLLC, are ready to help you.

Surginer Stewart, PLLC—Your Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing criminal charges can be incredibly stressful, and the legal system is complicated. That’s why you need a knowledgeable, confident attorney on your side. At Surginer Stewart, PLLC, we have over 30 years of combined experience advocating for our clients throughout the entire criminal defense process. With our office on Long Pointe Road in Houston, we are conveniently located for clients in the Uptown Galleria area.

What Constitutes Assault in Texas?

Assault is defined in Title 5, Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code. According to the law, knowingly, intentionally, and/or recklessly causing bodily harm or threatening another person with imminent bodily harm constitutes assault. Additionally, touching another person in such a way that they could reasonably construe the contact as offensive or threatening can also be considered assault. Here are some further explanations of each of these situations:

Actual bodily harm: These situations are what most people think of when they think of assault. Examples of this include actually hitting, punching, or otherwise touching someone in a way that causes bodily injury.
Threat of bodily harm: It may seem counterintuitive, but threatening imminent bodily harm is also considered assault. An example of this is raising a hand as if you were going to hit someone, even if you don’t actually do it.
Perception of threat: This kind of assault is somewhat harder to define and prove in court, but if you make contact with another person, even recklessly, and a reasonable person could perceive the contact as a threat, you can be charged with assault.

What Are the Potential Consequences for Assault in Texas?

In 2025, there were 4,340 Texans convicted of assault causing bodily injury. The potential sentences for an assault conviction depend on the nature of the charges. Penalties for misdemeanors are very different than penalties for felonies. The following are examples of general sentencing guidelines, as established in Texas Penal Code Title 3, Chapter 12:

• Class A misdemeanor: Up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $4,000
• Third-degree felony: Between two and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Second-degree felony: Between two and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

It is important to note that aggravating factors can result in a first-degree felony charge for an assault. For example, if a person assaulted a family member with a deadly weapon and caused serious bodily injury, they would likely be charged with aggravated assault, and the charge would be a first-degree felony.

Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense and Assault Lawyer

In Uptown Galleria, Houston, the criminal justice system is designed to be fair and impartial. People are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and court officials are required to follow due process.

Unfortunately, that ideal is not always reflected in reality. That is why you should hire a criminal defense and assault lawyer to help you safeguard your rights.

Whether due to unconscious bias or procedural mistakes, defendants’ rights are often violated during the course of an investigation and criminal proceeding. An experienced attorney can provide guidance and oversight during a police investigation and the criminal justice process, ensuring everyone follows proper procedure. Your lawyer can also represent you in court and present evidence and arguments on your behalf.

FAQs

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Uptown Galleria Criminal Defense and Assault Lawyer?

The cost to hire a criminal defense and assault lawyer can vary significantly from case to case. Factors such as the complexity of the case, the time the lawyer expects to spend on it, and the individual lawyer’s rates and fee structure can affect the final cost. Most attorneys require an up-front payment called a retainer to begin using their services. After this initial fee is paid, the lawyer’s actual hours are billed against it.

Is There a Minimum Prison Sentence for a Misdemeanor Assault in Texas?

No, there is no mandatory minimum prison or jail sentence for a Class A misdemeanor in Texas, which is usually the classification for misdemeanor assault. According to Title 3, Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code, a Class A misdemeanor can result in a prison sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000, but these are not mandatory, and sentencing is ultimately at the judge’s discretion.

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 lawyer. It is actually advisable to hire an attorney if you even suspect that you may be charged with assault. The earlier you enlist legal counsel, the sooner they can help you. Before charges are filed, your attorney can communicate with law enforcement officers and make certain that nothing in your case is being mishandled.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Assault in Texas?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations for assault in Texas. These limitations are established in Title 1, Chapter 12 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. For misdemeanor assault, the statute of limitations is two years. For felony assault, the statute of limitations is at least three years, depending on the specifics of the offense.

Contact a Criminal Defense & Assault Lawyer in Uptown Galleria, Houston, at Surginer Stewart, PLLC

If you are facing assault or other criminal charges, you may feel like your life has been turned upside down. However, you don’t need to face uncertainty alone.

Hire an experienced attorney to help you defend your rights and your reputation. Contact Surginer Stewart, PLLC, today to discuss your case.