Assault & Violent Crimes in Texas
Charged with a Violent Offense? Let’s Talk
Violent crime charges can carry life-altering consequences—including years in prison and a permanent felony record. If you’re facing assault, aggravated assault, or another violent charge in the greater Houston area, we’ll step in immediately to defend your freedom and your future.
Violent Crime Charges Move Fast
You Need a Defense That Hits Back
Texas prosecutors treat assault and violent crime cases with urgency—especially when weapons, serious injury, or domestic violence is alleged. You could be facing a protective order, high bond conditions, and felony charges before you even understand what’s happening. That’s where we come in. We know how to challenge shaky witness statements, self-defense claims, and overblown police reports. Our job is to slow things down, build a smart defense, and get you back in control.
We know what’s at stake. That’s why we prepare every case for trial, never accept lowball settlements, and go head-to-head with corporations and insurance companies to ensure our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Charges We Often Defend
Assault & Violent Crimes
We defend clients accused of serious violent offenses, from bar fights to felony-level assault charges across Texas.
Simple Assault
This charge applies when someone is accused of intentionally causing bodily injury, making threats of harm, or engaging in offensive physical contact.
Domestic Violence (Assault Family Violence)
These cases involve allegations of violence against a spouse, partner, roommate, or family member and can lead to protective orders and enhanced penalties.
Deadly Conduct
This charge involves reckless actions that place others in imminent danger, particularly when a firearm is involved or discharged.
Aggravated Assault
Assault becomes “aggravated” if it involves a deadly weapon or results in serious bodily injury. This offense is often charged as a second-degree felony in Texas.
Injury to a Child, Elderly, or Disabled Person
Harming or endangering vulnerable individuals is prosecuted aggressively and often classified as a felony with significant sentencing enhancements.
Terroristic Threats
Making threats that cause fear of serious harm or disrupt public services can lead to criminal charges and long-term consequences.
Understanding Sentencing in Texas
Violent Crimes & Their Penalties
Violent crimes are taken seriously under Texas law and carry steep penalties—especially if weapons are involved or if the victim is elderly or disabled. Sentencing depends on the severity of the alleged act, the presence of bodily harm or death, and your criminal history. Here’s a quick breakdown of how these offenses are classified and punished in Houston-area courts:
| Charge Level | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000 |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days to 2 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000 |
| Third-Degree Felony | 2 to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000 |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2 to 20 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000 |
| First-Degree Felony | 5 to 99 years or life in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000 |
We Know the Courts, Judges & Juries Here
Local Violent Crime Defense
In the greater Houston area, assault and violent crime cases are handled seriously at both the county and district court levels. Judges often set high bonds, require GPS monitoring, or impose no-contact orders right away—especially in domestic cases. Prosecutors in Harris County rarely dismiss these cases without the right strategies.
We’ve represented clients charged in areas including Houston, Cypress, Baytown, and Missouri City. We’re familiar with the tendencies of local judges and understand how these cases are viewed by Harris County juries. Whether your case involves a fight at a bar, a road rage incident, or a false accusation at home, we’ll get to the bottom of it and make your voice heard.
How These Cases Are Fought
Defenses to Violent Crime Charges
Being charged doesn’t mean being convicted. Under Texas law, there are several legal defenses that may apply in assault or violent crime cases—depending on the facts. A skilled attorney can evaluate the details of your case and identify the best possible path forward. Common defenses include:
We take the time to thoroughly investigate the incident, review evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge weak or inconsistent prosecution claims. Building the right defense starts with understanding your side of the story.
| Defense | When It Applies |
|---|---|
| Self-Defense | You reasonably believed force was necessary to protect yourself from harm. |
| Defense of Others | You used force to protect someone else from being injured or attacked. |
| Defense of Property | You were protecting your home, vehicle, or belongings from unlawful interference. |
| Use of Deadly Force | Justified when used to stop a violent felony or protect life in serious danger. |
| Insanity | You lacked the mental capacity to understand the nature or wrongfulness of your actions. |
| Entrapment | Law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have. |
| Intoxication (Involuntary) | You were unknowingly drugged or impaired, affecting your ability to form intent. |
| Mistake of Fact | You made an honest, reasonable error that negated criminal intent. |
What You Need to Know Right Now
Assault & Violent Crime FAQ
Can I be charged with assault even if no one was hurt?
Yes. In Texas, you can be charged with assault simply for threatening someone with bodily harm or making offensive physical contact—whether or not an injury occurred. Verbal threats or a raised fist could result in criminal charges. We often challenge whether the alleged behavior actually meets the legal definition of assault.
What’s the difference between assault and aggravated assault?
Aggravated assault usually involves serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon. For example, punching someone might be charged as simple assault, while using a knife or causing a broken bone could raise it to aggravated assault. Aggravated charges carry harsher penalties, including up to 20 years in prison.
What happens if the victim doesn’t want to press charges?
Even if the alleged victim wants to “drop the charges,” the State of Texas can still prosecute the case. Prosecutors often continue without the victim’s cooperation, especially in domestic violence cases. That said, the victim’s statement can impact how the case is handled, and we can help navigate that process carefully.
Is self-defense a valid defense in assault cases?
Yes. If you acted in self-defense or defense of others, that may be a complete defense to an assault charge. Texas law supports the right to protect yourself—but the situation must meet certain conditions. We gather witness statements, surveillance footage, and officer reports to support a self-defense claim when it applies.
Will a violent crime conviction stay on my record forever?
Most likely, yes. Violent crimes—especially felony-level offenses—cannot be sealed or expunged if you’re convicted. That’s why fighting the case early is so critical. If we can get the charge dismissed or reduced, you may later be eligible for a nondisclosure under certain circumstances.
