Understanding Assault Charges in Texas

Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.01, assault occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person, threatens another with imminent bodily injury, or intentionally causes offensive physical contact.

Simple Assault involves minor physical contact or threats without weapons. Penalties range from Class C misdemeanor fines to Class A misdemeanor (up to one year jail, $4,000 fine).

Aggravated Assault involves serious bodily injury or using/exhibiting a deadly weapon. This felony carries 2-20 years prison and fines up to $10,000.

Our firm provides detailed analysis of simple vs. aggravated assault in Texas to help clients understand their charges and consequences.

Types of Assault Cases We Handle

➤ Simple Assault

Simple assault cases often arise from heated arguments, bar fights, road rage, or workplace altercations. Penalties include:

• Class C Misdemeanor: Threatening bodily injury (fine up to $500)
• Class B Misdemeanor: Offensive physical contact (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Causing bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine)

➤ Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault involves serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon. This second-degree felony carries 2-20 years prison and $10,000 fines. Examples include stabbing, hitting with weapons, or causing injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.

➤ Domestic Assault / Assault Family Violence

Texas provides special designation for assault involving family or household members. Assault Family Violence charges carry enhanced penalties including loss of gun rights, protective orders, and mandatory counseling. Repeat offenses become felonies regardless of severity.

Charged with domestic assault in Arlington? Contact us at (972) 528-0478 for skilled legal defense.

➤ Assault on Public Servants

Assaulting police officers, firefighters, or emergency personnel carries enhanced penalties, typically elevated by one classification level.

➤ Self-Defense and Defense of Others

Texas law recognizes the right to defend yourself and others. The Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws provide legal protections for individuals using force to protect against imminent threats.

Our Defense Approach

Personalized Case Evaluation: We analyze witness statements, surveillance footage, medical records, and police conduct to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Strategic Defense Planning: Common strategies include challenging intent, arguing self-defense, demonstrating mutual combat, exposing false accusations, or highlighting insufficient evidence.

Skilled Negotiation & Trial Advocacy: We negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing when appropriate, and we’re fully prepared for trial when necessary.

Why Choose Our Arlington Assault Lawyers

Criminal Law Focus: Assault defense is our core practice area with decades of combined experience in Tarrant County courts.

Local Court Experience: We practice regularly at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center (401 W Belknap St, Fort Worth) where Arlington assault cases are heard, and we’re familiar with judges like Elizabeth Beach (Criminal District Court No. 1), Mike Thomas (Criminal District Court No. 4), and George Gallagher (396th District Court).

Arlington-Specific Knowledge: We understand unique challenges Arlington defendants face, from navigating downtown Fort Worth parking to working with Arlington Municipal Court (211 S Cooper St, Bldg A) for initial proceedings. We guide clients through bond requirements and court expectations.

Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully defended thousands of criminal cases, including assault charges throughout Tarrant County.

The Arlington Police Department processed over 2,800 assault cases in 2023 according to Texas Department of Public Safety crime statistics.

Our Arlington attorneys fight aggressively to protect your future—schedule a free consultation today at (972) 528-0478.

Penalties for Assault Convictions in Texas

Assault convictions carry both immediate and long-term consequences:

Immediate Penalties:

• Class C Misdemeanor: Fine up to $500
• Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine
• Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine
• Third-Degree Felony: 2-10 years prison, $10,000 fine
• Second-Degree Felony: 2-20 years prison, $10,000 fine

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent criminal record affecting employment
• Housing application rejections
• Educational opportunity limitations
• Loss of gun ownership rights (felony convictions)
• Family court implications in custody cases
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens
• Professional license revocation for healthcare workers, teachers, and other licensed professionals

Legal Defenses to Assault Charges

Self-Defense/Defense of Others: Texas Penal Code Section 9.32 allows using force when reasonably necessary to protect against imminent harm. Force must be proportional to the threat.

Lack of Intent: Assault requires intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct. Accidental contact typically doesn’t constitute assault.

False Accusations: Charges sometimes result from personal disputes, custody battles, or attempts to gain civil advantages.

Mutual Combat: When both parties willingly fight, neither can claim to be an innocent victim.

Insufficient Evidence: Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. We challenge weak evidence and unreliable witnesses.

Related Criminal Charges We Defend

Assault charges often accompany other allegations requiring comprehensive defense:

Disorderly Conduct frequently appears with assault in public altercations Weapons Charges accompany aggravated assault when deadly weapons are involved Public Intoxication may be charged when assault occurs under influence Criminal Mischief might accompany cases involving property damage

Our team serves as your comprehensive criminal defense lawyer in Arlington, handling all related charges as part of a unified strategy.

Call Our Arlington Assault Attorneys Today

Time is critical when facing assault charges. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may disappear, and delays in securing legal representation can harm your defense. The sooner we begin working on your case, the better positioned we are to achieve favorable outcomes.

Free Consultation: We offer confidential consultations to discuss your case, explain your options, and outline potential defense strategies. This initial meeting helps you understand the charges you’re facing and how we can help protect your rights.

Available 24/7: Arrests don’t happen on convenient schedules. Our firm provides around-the-clock availability for clients facing urgent legal situations.

Contact Information:

• 📞 Phone: (972) 528-0478
• 💻 Online: Complete our confidential contact form
• 🏢 Office: Serving Arlington and all of Tarrant County

Don’t let assault charges derail your future. Our experienced legal team is ready to fight for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for assault in Texas? Penalties range from fines up to $500 for Class C misdemeanors to 2-20 years prison for second-degree felony aggravated assault. Specific penalties depend on injury severity, weapon use, and criminal history.

Can assault charges be dropped by the victim? While victims can choose not to cooperate, they cannot directly “drop” charges. Prosecutors make the final decision about proceeding with cases. However, victim non-cooperation can influence prosecutorial decisions.

What’s the difference between assault and battery in Texas? Texas law combines assault and battery into a single “assault” offense under Penal Code Section 22.01. Other states separate these concepts, but Texas includes both threatening harm and actual physical contact under assault charges.

Can I claim self-defense in an assault case? Yes, Texas law recognizes self-defense as valid justification for using force. You must reasonably believe force is necessary to protect against imminent harm, and force used must be proportional to the threat.

How long does an assault case take in Texas? Misdemeanor assault cases typically resolve within 3-6 months, while felony cases can take 6-18 months or longer. Arlington cases processed through Tarrant County may experience delays due to court backlogs, especially in busy criminal district courts at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center. Complex cases involving serious injuries or multiple defendants may take even longer. Early legal representation can help expedite favorable resolutions and ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines.

What should I expect at my first court appearance? Your arraignment at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center typically lasts 10-15 minutes. You’ll enter a plea (we recommend “not guilty” to preserve your rights), receive copies of charging documents, and discuss bond conditions. Arrive 30 minutes early for parking and security screening. The courthouse is located near downtown Fort Worth, accessible via I-30 from Arlington with paid parking available at nearby lots on Belknap Street.