Houston Heights Violent Crime Criminal Defense Attorney

Heights Assault & Violent Crime Defense Lawyer in Houston

If you are facing charges for assault or another violent crime, your future may be hanging in the balance. Possible consequences include not only jail time and fines, but also long-lasting effects on your reputation, social prospects, and possibly even job opportunities. If you live in the Houston Heights area and find yourself in this stressful position, you can advocate for yourself by hiring an experienced Houston Heights assault and violent crime defense attorney.

Surginer Stewart, PLLC—Your Houston Heights Defense Lawyer

If you are facing assault or violent crime charges, you need knowledgeable, strong legal counsel to help you defend yourself. We at Surginer Stewart, PLLC, have over 30 years of experience defending our clients against criminal charges. From our office on Long Pointe Road in Houston, we are conveniently located for clients in the Houston Heights. We’ll walk with you through every step of the legal process, from the initial investigation all the way to the courtroom.

What Constitutes Assault in Texas?

Texas law defines assault in Title 5, Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code. Assault is causing bodily harm to another person knowingly, intentionally, and/or through reckless behavior or threatening another person with imminent bodily harm.

In addition, causing physical contact with another person in a way that could be perceived as offensive or threatening can also be legally considered assault. The following are more detailed explanations of the three assault categories:

• Actual bodily harm: This is what most people picture when they think of assault. Straightforward assault means actually hitting, punching, or otherwise causing bodily injury to another person.
• Threat of bodily harm: Threatening imminent (meaning immediate, in the moment) bodily injury can also be charged as assault. An example of this would be raising a fist as if to hit someone, even if no actual contact occurs.
• Perception of threat: This kind of assault is based on perception and is more difficult to define. One example would be if a person shoved someone else. The person doing the shoving may not have intended to cause bodily harm, but if the person they shoved felt threatened, the action could be considered assault.

Is Assault a Felony in Texas?

Assault can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in Texas. What charges are filed depends on the circumstances of the violence, the identity of the victim, prior convictions for the offender, and any other aggravating factors like the use of a weapon.

What Are the Potential Consequences for Assault in Texas?

Assault is one of the most common criminal charges filed. In fact, 4,340 Texan adults were convicted of assault resulting in bodily injury in 2025 alone. Assault penalties vary depending on whether the offender is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. General sentencing guidelines are established in Texas Penal Code Title 3, Chapter 12. These are as follows for typical assault charges:

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

Why You Should Hire an Assault and Violent Crime Defense Attorney

In our criminal justice system, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other court officials are required to follow legal due process guidelines. People accused of crimes should be presumed innocent until evidence shows otherwise. However, reality does not always reflect these ideals. If you are facing criminal charges, you should hire an assault and violent crime defense attorney to help you protect your rights.

In the course of a criminal investigation or a trial, a defendant’s constitutional rights can be violated when due process is not followed. Incidents can stem from mistakes such as mishandling evidence, the admission of inadmissible testimony, and even unconscious bias.

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 Houston Heights Assault and Violent Crime Defense Attorney?

How much it costs to hire an assault and violent crime defense lawyer varies based on individual case complexities, time requirements, and the individual lawyer’s rates and fee structure. However, most attorneys require a single up-front payment, called a retainer, to begin working on your case. The lawyer’s actual time is then billed against this initial payment.

Besides Assault, What Other Crimes Are Considered Violent in Texas?

There are several other offenses, besides assault, that are considered violent crimes in Texas. These include homicide, kidnapping, robbery, sexual assault, and domestic violence. This list is not exhaustive, and there are nuances in these definitions. Generally, for a crime to be considered violent, it must involve inflicting bodily harm or threatening to inflict bodily harm.

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

No, you should not wait until official criminal charges are filed to hire a defense attorney. If you even suspect that you may be brought up on criminal charges, it is a good idea to consult a lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you seek legal advice, the earlier your lawyer can help you protect your rights and build a defense case.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Assault in Texas?

Yes, the statute of limitations for assault is outlined 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 can vary based on the aggravating factors at play. Generally, felony assault has a statute of limitations of at least three years.

Contact a Houston Heights Assault & Violent Crime Defense Attorney at Surginer Stewart, PLLC

If you are facing charges for assault or another violent crime, you should enlist legal counsel as soon as you are able to help you defend your rights and reputation. Legal processes can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate the next steps alone. Contact Surginer Stewart, PLLC, today to discuss your case.