Assault is an umbrella term that can mean a number of different types of offenses and penalties in Texas, from misdemeanor to felony, including but not limited to:
- Bodily Injury
- Recklessness
- Provocative or Offensive Contact
- Simple Assault
- Domestic Assault
In essence, Assault is described as threatening or attempting to hit, strike, attack or in some way injure another person. It doesn’t matter whether the accused succeeds in the assault. The intent is enough to get you charged. A person convicted of a misdemeanor in Texas faces the following possible penalties:
- Class A misdemeanor – up to 1 year in jail, a fine up to $4000, or both
- Class B misdemeanor – up to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $2000, or both
- Class C misdemeanor – a fine up to $500.
A person convicted of a third degree felony can get two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Additional penalties can include restitution, probation, curfew and court-mandated drug testing. A defendant can also plead guilty and receive deferred adjudication, especially if it’s a first-time offense. All assaults are not equal. A misdemeanor automatically becomes a felony if the assault victim is elderly, disabled, or a public servant at work. If you are facing an assault charge, only someone who knows the local criminal court system and cases like yours will be able to gauge your chances for a favorable outcome in court or at the negotiating table. At Jarvis Law Firm, we will investigate your case, seek out new evidence, interview all parties involved (including law enforcement), bring in witnesses, and present you with every option for your defense. If you want serious and effective lawyers who will give your case the personal attention you need, we are the law firm for you. At Jarvis Law Firm, your freedom and constitutional rights are as important to us as they are to you. Contact us for a case evaluation.