When you have to appear at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center for an assault charge you’ll be seen as a violent criminal and prosecuted as such. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office takes assaultive offenses seriously, especially if there was a weapon involved.
Depending on the circumstances of the incident, the offense could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense. Regardless of the situation you’re facing, if you’re looking for a proven Texas defense lawyer to help you manage the difficulties associating with a criminal charge of assault, and to defend you while protecting your rights, contact The Law Office of Emily Detoto at 713-227-2244.
Assault & Texas Law
What is Assault?
Per Texas law, an assault occurs when an individual knowing, intentionally, or recklessly causes bodily harm, threatens to do so, or causes offensive physical contact with another person.
This means that you can be charges for punching for attacking someone physically, or threatening to do so.
One example of an offense that may not seem like a criminal act is patting someone on their back or poking someone to get their attention. If the “victim” chooses to escalate the matter, you can be arrested and charged with assault.
Assault cases involving serious injury or the use of a weapon are defined as Aggravated Assault.
Criminal Penalties If Convicted of Assault
Simple Assault
Anyone accused of assault outside of mutual combat or defending someone can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in Harris County, TX. In cases where an assault resulted in a minor injury, one may be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor Assault offense.
Harris County prosecutors may seek an enhancement to Third Degree Felony classification if the defendant assaulted a family member, a public servant or security guard while they were executing their job duties.
In some of more minimal assault cases that only involved touching or verbal threats, the defendant may be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor, a ticketable offense.
Aggravated Assault
If convicted of Aggravated Assault the stakes are much higher. In Texas, Aggravated Assault is classified as a Second Degree Felony, and can be charged as a First Degree Felony in cases of domestic violence or if the victim could be defined as a public servant.
Special Note: Assaults against the elderly, children, public servants, or persons who can not defend themselves are always enhanced to the next level up in criminal classification.
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Attorney Emily Detoto, Texas Warrior Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of assault by the State of Texas you’ll want to fight back.
Attorney Emily Detoto, a Board Certified® criminal law counselor, has the experience you’ll need on your side to thwart the government’s attempt of a guilty adjudgement.
Since 1996 Attorney Emily Detoto has defended Houstonians that were accused of even the most heinous crimes.
If you’re ready to consult with an experienced attorney about your case, don’t hesitate to contact The Law Office of Emily Detoto at 713-227-2244.