In Texas, assault does not only encompass intentionally causing physical hurt to someone. Assault can be something as simple as unwanted physical contact with the intent to provoke or offend, threatening physical injury, or recklessly causing it. One moment, life could be normal, and the next, you’re staring down the barrel of severe legal consequences. But you don’t have to face this alone – our assault lawyers will aggressively defend your freedom.
The system isn’t always fair and you need the best defense to avoid conviction and getting labeled for life as a violent offender. Innocent mistakes, misunderstandings, or false allegations can spiral into devastating outcomes, including fines, prison time, and the suspension of your Second Amendment rights. Our team of assault defense lawyers has the experience to bring forth the best possible defense.
However, we need to understand all the details of the situation first.
| Classifications of Assault Charges in Texas | Penalties |
| Class C Misdemeanor Assault | A fine of up to $500. |
| Class B Misdemeanor Assault | Up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. |
| Class C Misdemeanor Assault | Up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000 |
| Third-Degree Felony Assault | Two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. |
| Second-Degree Felony Assault | Two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. |
| First-Degree Felony Assault | Five to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. |
Class C assault in Texas is classified as assault that has not caused any bodily injury or harm; this is a misdemeanor charge that can be penalized with a maximum fine of $500. While class C assault is the lowest-level assault charge in Texas, with the least harsh penalties, the consequences for your personal and professional life could still be far-reaching so you should not take this charge lightly.
Simple assault in Texas can be a class A, B, or C misdemeanor. Class C assault was explained above – when no bodily injury occurs; class B misdemeanor assault is rare and includes threats or offensive contact to a sports participant; class A misdemeanor assault is the most common type and what most people think of when they think of this offense – it involves assault that causes bodily harm. The penalties for class A assault include a fine of up to $4,000 and one year in jail. If you are accused of any of these misdemeanor assault charges, you should have qualified assault lawyers representing you.
An assault enhancement charge can happen if the alleged assault is committed against a special category of people, such as public servants, government employees, security officers, emergency service workers, pregnant, elderly, or disabled people; if it is classified as family violence; if serious bodily injury is caused; if a deadly weapon was used in the commission of the assault; or if the alleged perpetrator has previous convictions. Enhanced assault charges can range from third-degree to first-degree felonies, with first-degree felony assault carrying a sentence of no less than 5 years and up to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Enhanced assault charges are some of the most serious accusations you could face – this is not something you can face on your own. For these, you need the best assault lawyers in Texas to defend you. Our criminal defense team has vast experience defending clients, including those accused of:
Evading arrest can be enhanced to a state jail felony, with sanctions ranging from 180 days to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000, a third-degree felony, with sanctions ranging from two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, and a second-degree felony, with sanctions ranging from two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges can be enhanced to felonies if you used a motor vehicle or watercraft in the commission of the offense, had previous convictions, or another person suffered serious bodily injuries or died as a result of the evading. However, just as with the base charge, all elements need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Our evading arrest lawyers know how to dispute the charges.
Assault that happens in the context of family violence also often involves an enhancement charge. A simple assault charge can be enhanced to a third-degree felony charge if the alleged victim is a family member, including a dating partner. A third-degree assault conviction could lead to between two and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, and a permanent family violence conviction on the record. If serious bodily injury, as defined by Texas Law, is caused, the charges could be enhanced to a first-degree felony, the second-most serious crime after a capital offense. Prosecutors can pursue enhanced assault charges even if the victim does not wish to. Regardless of the circumstances of the case, there is always something that can be done, but you need experienced lawyers on your side.
The assault attorneys at M|C Criminal Law have worked for the Prosecutor’s Office before becoming criminal defense lawyers. We have the legal knowledge and expertise to bring the best possible legal defense forward.
More than that, we know the inner workings of Dallas County’s court system and how to protect you against all types of assault accusations. Reach out to assault lawyers in Dallas today and explain the situation so that we can start preparing a defense strategy.
Kendall is an extraordinary attorney with great legal knowledge, experience, common sense and judgement. The quality of Kendall’s character is equally outstanding. He deeply cares about his clients and doing the very best for them. Kendall was an invaluable counsel and resource in in our difficult domestic child abuse case. I am honored to know
Messina Madson is the greatest!! She not only knows the law in and out, but truly cares for her clients. Messina was up front and honest about everything happening throughout my case. I spoke to Messina for the first time while I was in jail and thought I had zero chance of getting out on
My loved one had a very serious charge, and I wanted to do everything I could to make sure he got the best outcome possible. After almost a year, the plea deal stayed the same, and I was frustrated. Also getting his bond reduced was denied over and over. Someone I work with told me
When I first learned I needed a defense lawyer for some very serious charges I was lost and scared, and feared the worst. I saw my life spinning out of control with the possibility of losing everything and even jail. I had never needed a lawyer and didn’t know who to turn to. Kendall Castello
No, besides causing physical injury, assault in Texas also encompasses threats of physical violence or unwanted offensive or provocative contact that does not cause physical harm.
No, the prosecution can charge the alleged offender of an assault regardless of whether the victim wishes to press charges. However, a victim can submit an affidavit of non-prosecution that states that they do not wish to proceed with criminal charges; this may influence the prosecution’s decision.
The statute of limitations is two years for misdemeanor assault and three years for felony assault in Texas.
