In Texas, almost any crime can be considered an aggravated crime if the person committing it did something particularly dangerous during the commission of it. The purpose of this classification is to impose harsher sentences on persons the state believes are a significant danger to society. In a state that is already known for giving out strict punishment, an aggravated charge can have a very serious effect on the rest of a person’s life, even for minor crimes.
However, per the Texas Penal Code, the state first needs to prove that:
If you have been arrested for a crime with an aggravated enhancement, do not risk your future and talk to the police on your own. At MC Criminal Law, we have an experienced team of lawyers who know the best defense to use against aggravated charges. Even if you believe that nothing can be done, trust us when we say there is always something we can do. Whether it is reducing your charges, fighting for a dismissal, or representing you during the trial, we will find a way to get the best outcome.
| Aggravated Felonies in Texas | Fine | Incarceration |
| State Jail Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to two years |
| Third-Degree Felony | Up to $10,000 | Two to 10 years |
| Second-Degree Felony | Up to $10,000 | Two to 20 years |
| First-Degree Felony | Up to $10,000 | Five to 99 years |
A person can be charged with aggravated robbery if during the commission they display or use a deadly weapon, cause serious bodily injury, or cause bodily injury to an older or disabled person. Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony, while robbery is a second-degree felony; if the state can prove that a robbery was committed and that one of the aggravating factors existed, a convicted person faces a fine of up to $10,000 and five to 99 years in prison. Our aggravated robbery lawyers will consider all the factors of your situation and provide the best possible defense.
In Texas, simple assault is typically charged as a misdemeanor, while standard aggravated assault is usually a second-degree felony, carrying a penalty of two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. There are many aggravating factors that can elevate simple assault to aggravated assault, such as causing serious bodily injury to the victim, committing the assault concurrently with another felony, or if the victim holds a special status, such as being a romantic partner or family member of the assailant, an elderly person or child, or a public official. In some cases, aggravated assault will be charged as a first-degree felony. However, the prosecution needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the aggravating factors existed. We have experienced aggravated assault lawyers at your disposal to defend you.
Simple assault can be elevated to aggravated assault if a deadly weapon is exhibited or used during an assault. A deadly weapon can be any object that can cause serious bodily injury, such as a knife, baseball bat, or firearm, and even everyday objects like rocks. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon does not always necessitate intent to cause injury – if a person’s reckless actions cause serious bodily injury, that can be enough to elevate the charge. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is typically classified as a second-degree felony, but it can be further elevated to a first-degree felony if the alleged victim is a family or household member, a public official discharging their duties, or if the assault happened in retaliation to a public servant. In such instances, the accused faces five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. We have the best lawyers for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Texas who will fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
For an aggravated sexual assault to happen, a deadly weapon must be used, serious bodily injury caused, or harm threatened to force unwanted sexual contact. Standard sexual assault can also be elevated to aggravated status if the alleged victim was of a protected class, such as a child, elderly, or disabled person. Sexual assault is typically a second-degree felony, while aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony, with a punishment of five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, a person convicted of aggravated sexual assault in Texas needs to register as a sex offender for life. An aggravated sexual assault accusation is one of the most serious charges a person can face; even beyond the legal ramifications, the presumption of innocence is often discarded when a person is accused of this crime. At MC Criminal Law, we have experienced aggravated sexual assault attorneys who know how to navigate these complex accusations.
At MC Criminal Law, we have experienced lawyers for all types of aggravated crimes. We will listen to your store, gather evidence on your behalf, and investigate all the relevant factors before we design a defense strategy. The defense will be unique to your situation and can range from fighting to reduce your charges to a non-guilty verdict. However, we first need to understand all of the circumstances of your case. Don’t delay – call us today and let us help you get the best possible outcome.
This company is top notch, they really listen to you. They make sure you understand the process and keep you updated. Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for an attorney!
Call them! They definitely know what’s best for you and how to comfort their clients in a rough time.
Messina and Kendall at MC Criminal Law are my go-to attorneys for clients needing representation in criminal defense matters.
Kendall is very professional and an incredible lawyer. He and Liz helped me at every step in the process, resulting in dismissal in my case. If you need a lawyer for a criminal case, absolutely go with MC Criminal Law.
An excellent attorney to be engaged with for your peace of mind and trust for a positive outcome.
Excellent customer service…MC Criminal Law is a top-notch law firm. They really helped me through a tough time and fought to find the truth behind my case. They listened, stayed fair, and asked the right questions. I’m so glad they were on my side! They saw through the “red tape” and got my case dismissed.
This is the absolute best law firm I’ve ever experienced. They promised me results & I got EXACTLY THAT.
I had the privilege of being represented by Messina. This process was all new to my family and me, and I’m very glad to say she was able to give us the peace of mind that everything would okay. Happy to say my case was dismissed. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Mrs. Madson and her team.
Jessica is truly a fighter. She’s honest about what she can do, passionate about her work, and she genuinely cares it’s not just about the money with her. If you or a loved one is facing any criminal situation, call Jessica. Trust her process. She will stand by you and fight for you.
I spoke with 2 other attorneys prior to hiring Kendall, and there was a big difference in how they handled their clients. Kendall guides you through the whole process. Liz does an amazing job at providing updates and helping you feel at ease. I recommend this law firm to anyone.
Yes, causing serious bodily harm is only one of the many factors that can contribute to a crime being elevated to aggravated status.
Yes, one potential defense for aggravated crimes is negotiating or fighting to have aggravated charges reduced to regular charges, which carry a significantly lesser penalty.
Yes, a prior criminal history has a significant effect on the severity of the charges and can be one of the factors that elevate a charge to aggravated status. Additionally, Texas follows the three-strikes rule, where a third offense can result in the maximum possible penalty.
