Are you aware of the various types of assault charges that are prosecuted in Texas? It's important to know your rights and understand which type of offense is being charged. To help protect yourself or someone you love, it helps to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of assault crimes in Texas so that if a charge is brought against someone, they can be prepared for what may come next.
Assault Charges in General
In Austin and throughout the state of Texas, there are three types of assault charges: simple assault, aggravated assault, and deadly conduct.
Simple Assault:
Simple assault is the least serious type of assault charge in Texas and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. This offense occurs when someone intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person, including threats or physical contact.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated Assault is a more serious offense and occurs if someone uses a deadly weapon during an assault or causes serious bodily injury.
Deadly Conduct
Deadly Conduct is committed by anyone who recklessly engages in behavior that puts another person’s life at risk. Penalties for these types of assaults vary but may include jail time, probation, and fines. It is important to contact an experienced attorney if you have been charged with any type of assault in Texas. They can help you understand your rights and the consequences you may face.
Assault Charges, Classifications, and Fines
Assault by Contact is charged when a person has been threatened or felt offended due to physical contact. This offense carries the consequence of being classified as a Class C Misdemeanor and may be punishable with fines of up to $500 upon conviction.
Assault with Bodily Injury is a more serious offense than regular assault, and it can carry penalties of up to one-year imprisonment as well as fines of $4,000. This Class A misdemeanor charge applies when an injury has been sustained due to the incident.
Aggravated Assault is when the victim of an assault suffers serious bodily harm or the perpetrator uses a deadly weapon during the assault, they can be charged with aggravated assault. This carries a penalty of two to 20 years in prison.
Additionally, if the assault at any level occurred against a protected class, such as a senior citizen or a public servant like a firefighter, police officer, or paramedic, the charges can be upgraded to a Third Degree Felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
Domestic Violence as a Category of Assault
Domestic violence is generally charged as a Class A misdemeanor; however, if the victim was choked or strangled (which impeded their breath) then this could become a felony offense. Subsequent offenses can even lead to First Degree Felony charges. Furthermore, any domestic violence conviction prohibits you from owning firearms and ammunition in the future.
Note: Often we see in our offices that a domestic assault charge leads to further criminal charges ancillary to the original assault charge, like DWI and protective orders.
If you have been accused of assault, you need to contact an Austin Criminal Defense Attorney. At The Law Offices of RRK, we will fight for your case to keep the assault charge from becoming a conviction, and off of your record. And we are local. Our lawyers can mount a successful defense after determining the situation that led to the alleged assault, whether you were provoked or defending yourself or other extenuating circumstances. Call 512-436-2779 for a free consultation.
Q&A
6. What are the different types of assault charges in Texas? The blog post "Various Types of Assault Charges in Texas" provides an overview of the various assault charges recognized under Texas law, such as simple assault, aggravated assault, assault on a public servant, and more. It explains the key elements and potential consequences for each type of charge.
7. What should I do if I'm facing assault charges in Texas? The article "Assault Charges in Texas: What You Need to Know" offers helpful guidance on the steps to take if you've been charged with assault in Texas. It covers topics like understanding your rights, building a strong defense strategy, and the importance of securing experienced legal representation.
8. How can the RRK Law Office assist with assault cases? As highlighted in "A Firm You Can Count On in Austin and Round Rock," the RRK Law Office has a team of skilled criminal defense attorneys who can provide comprehensive legal support for those facing assault charges and other criminal matters in the Austin and Round Rock areas. Their expertise spans assault, DWI, drug crimes, and more.
9. Where can I find more resources on criminal law topics? The "RRK Law Office - Blog Posts, Industry" section contains a wealth of blog articles and resources covering various areas of criminal law, personal injury law, and family law. This is an excellent place to explore additional insights and information from the legal experts at RRK Law.
10. How complex are assault charges in Texas? The blog post "Unraveling the Complexity of Texas Assault Charges" delves into the intricacies of assault charges in Texas, explaining the legal definitions, potential defenses, and the importance of understanding the nuances of these charges to effectively navigate the legal system.
To deepen your understanding of the nuances surrounding assault charges in Texas, we invite you to explore our comprehensive resources. Discover in-depth insights into the legal landscape by reading articles like "Unraveling the Complexity of Texas Assault Charges" and "Assault Charges in Texas: What You Need to Know." For detailed explanations of each type of assault charge, consider our article, "Understanding Types of Assault Charges: Your Legal Standpoints." You can find these informative pieces and more on our blog at RRK Law Office - Blog Posts, Industry. Each post is designed to clarify the specifics of the criminal justice system and enhance your understanding of your rights and legal options under Texas law.