Houston Aggravated Assault Attorneys
Trial-Tested Defense Attorneys in Houston, TX
Houston aggravated assault attorneys fight the charges you face by building a strong defense against the prosecution's case. Tell us your side of the story and see how we can protect your rights.
Schedule a free case evaluation today.
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Are you facing assault charges? Call us today.
At Universal Law Group, we pride ourselves on being problem solvers, and problems don’t get much bigger than felonies.
In Texas, aggravated assault is a felony offense. With our criminal justice lawyer on your side, you have someone to ensure you receive fair treatment in the eyes of the law.
With experience as former prosecutors, our team is ready to fight. Schedule a free case evaluation* today for a better chance tomorrow.
Fill out the form or call us at 832-767-0339.
An Aggravated Assault Attorney Houston Depends On
A charge of aggravated assault in Texas means you stand accused of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing serious bodily harm to another individual. Additionally, someone might face this charge when they use or exhibit a deadly weapon in a way that seems threatening.
When you face these charges, you need the help of an experienced Houston aggravated assault attorney. Our team has the experience and expertise to help.
Typically, aggravated assault in Texas is a second-degree felony. A conviction means you could receive a sentence of anywhere from 2 to 20 years in prison as well as fines up to $10,000. However, some cases result in first-degree felony convictions. A first-degree assault charge results in 5 to 99 years in prison with a fine of up to $10,000.
When Assault Becomes Aggravated
There are many circumstances in which assault charges elevate to aggravated cases. Houston aggravated assault attorneys can explain the specifics of your case at your consultation.
However, there are a few standard times in which a case becomes aggravated.
- The victim is a public servant, such as a law enforcement officer, engaged in their duties.
- Your case involves assault against a family member and a deadly weapon or serious bodily harm.
When you need to fight criminal charges, trust in the legal team at Universal Law Group. As dedicated problem solvers, we actively seek justice for our clients. Let us help you navigate these charges and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Former Prosecution Experience
Trial Attorneys Since 2004
State and Federal Court Trials
How Texas Defines Aggravated Assault
According to Texas Penal Code Section 22, the state defines aggravated assault as an assault offense when one of two factors (or both) is present.
- Serious bodily injury
- A deadly weapon
Bodily Injury
Legally speaking, bodily injury covers a broad range of injuries. In fact, the legal definition of aggravated assault in Texas covers mere physical pain. As such, a victim suffers “bodily injury” even when they claim someone grabbed or contacted them in any way that caused them to feel pain.
When you partner with our Houston aggravated assault attorney, we can explain the circumstances of your case. Moreover, we work to build a defense to tackle accusations of bodily injury.
According to the State, “serious bodily injury” is a bodily injury that puts a person at substantial risk of death. Alternatively, it might cause permanent disfigurement, death, or loss or impairment of the function of the body or an organ. Typically, the courts determine what constitutes serious bodily injury on a case-by-case basis.
Oftentimes, people hear the phrase “deadly weapon” and picture guns or knives. However, almost any object has the potential to become a deadly weapon in the eyes of the law. Ultimately, it depends on how the accused uses the object.
Our Houston aggravated assault attorney has the experience and expertise necessary to build a proper defense to this case. As such, it’s important for anyone accused to understand the broad range this covers. While you might picture a gun, a “deadly weapon” might be a cane, plastic bag, DVD player, or coffee pot.
The truth of the matter is that almost any object qualifies when the prosecution wants to charge you with aggravated assault. Even a child’s toy might qualify if you wield it in a threatening manner. However, it is the job of the State to prove that you used the item as a “deadly weapon” at the time.
How These Charges Change Your Life
Everyone gets into an argument with another person every once in a while. Unfortunately, these disagreements escalate at times to the point where someone calls on the police to intervene. When a situation reaches this point, tempers are often hot.
As you offer statements to the police, you might find yourself arrested for aggravated assault in Texas. Days later, things cool down. The person who complained changed their mind and no longer wants to press charges.
Unfortunately, the prosecution does not need their compliance to continue with the case. A Houston aggravated assault attorney can build a defense against their case, showcasing that no one wants to press charges.
A charge of assault in Houston has the potential to change your life in many ways. More often than not, it’s always for the worse. First, you face jail time and fines. Next, there’s the continued presence of your criminal record.
However, an arrest and charge don’t equal a conviction. With the help of a Houston aggravated assault attorney, there’s always the potential for a better outcome. To learn more about your options, schedule a free case with our criminal defense lawyers.
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Houston Aggravated Assault Attorney FAQ
How do I get a case dismissed in Houston, TX?
Step 1: Partner with a Houston Aggravated Assault Attorney
Your first and most important step towards the best possible outcome in your case is to partner with a Houston criminal lawyer. An attorney with experience in assault cases is an incredibly valuable partner.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid any contact with law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office. First, the police cannot make your charges go away on their own. Second, conversations with the prosecution have the potential to make matters worse.
With a criminal defense lawyer on your side, you have an advocate to protect your rights and your future. Moreover, you have someone to negotiate on your behalf. Our goal is to reduce, dismiss, or drop your charges.
Step 2: Examination & Investigation
Once you partner with a Houston aggravated assault attorney, your legal team begins to investigate your case. This starts with an examination of the details as well as any evidence against you.
- Did they legally obtain the evidence under the Texas Rules of Evidence?
- Are there extenuating circumstances behind the charges?
- Did you act in self-defense?
- Does the witness want to change or recant their story?
- Have you been in trouble with the law before?
With a Houston aggravated assault attorney on your side, you have someone to thoroughly investigate the case against you. We analyze your case to build the strongest defense possible.
Step 3: Negotiations with the Prosecution
Oftentimes, in cases of aggravated assault, only the prosecutor has the power to drop the charges against you. However, they need a reason to do so.
There are a few circumstances in which a prosecutor might consider reducing or dropping your charges.
- The witness is no longer willing to testify or cooperate with the prosecution.
- There is not enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- New evidence emerges to clear you of the charges.
They lack the resources to pursue your case. - This is your first offense.
- You agree to cooperate with the prosecution on a different case.
At Universal Law Group, our Houston aggravated assault attorney works to explore every avenue of your case. Our goal is always to pursue the best possible outcome of your case.
Does the prosecutor drop charges when the victim won’t cooperate?
Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. Typically, the prosecutor does not need the cooperation of the victim to charge you with aggravated assault in Texas. In many cases, there’s a concern that the defendant bullied or intimidated the victim into changing their story.
Additionally, it makes matters worse in some cases when the victim asks the prosecution to drop a case. However, when a victim has a change of heart, it is crucial that they speak to your Houston aggravated assault attorney.
This helps to build a stronger defense for your case.
Houston Aggravated Assault Attorney
Protect Your Future
At Universal Law Group, we are more than a personal injury law firm. Our Houston criminal lawyer has experience as a former prosecutor. That means we understand how they think and build their case. Today, we use our experience and expertise to help our clients.
When we take on a case, we fight with determination and integrity. Your Houston aggravated assault attorney is your advocate. Our goal is to protect your future so that you can move on with your life.
When the prosecution is ready to make their case, they move quickly. That’s why it is crucial for you to partner with a legal team skilled in criminal defense and criminal justice. If you face charges of aggravated assault in Texas, you need a team that’s ready to fight for you.
Contact our team today to schedule a free case evaluation* and begin building a strong defense. Our Houston aggravated assault attorney is ready to advocate for you.
*Consultation fees may be waived on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the reviewing attorney.