What Are the Differences Between Types of Assault Charges? 

According to Crime in Texas Report, there were about 90,759 total reported aggravated assault incidents statewide in 2022. Assault-related offenses, including simple assault, aggravated assault, and sexual assault, are serious crimes in Texas and usually attract harsh punishments. A defendant convicted of any assault offense may be subject to massive fines, lengthy imprisonment, a criminal record, and other life-altering consequences. 

Walker Law Office is dedicated to offering comprehensive legal guidance and skilled representation to clients facing assault-related charges. Attorney Mekisha Jane Walker can investigate the nature of your charges and outline a solid defense strategy in pursuit of the most favorable outcome for your personal situation. The firm proudly represents clients across Houston, Harris County, Galveston County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, and Brazoria County, Texas. 

What Is Assault?

Assault is a crime that occurs when a person intentionally threatens, provokes, or causes physical injury or harm to another person. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, assault may be non-sexual or sexual. Also, Texas law categorized assault-related offenses into misdemeanor and felony charges. 

Types of Assault in Texas

Here are some assault offenses in Texas: 

Simple Assault

According to Texas law, a person may be charged with simple assault if he or she intentionally, recklessly, or knowingly causes bodily injury or harm to another person. Simple assault may be categorized into: 

Class C Misdemeanor Assault: This occurs when the defendant threatens to cause bodily harm or uses physical contact with someone else in a provocative or offensive manner, but the victim isn’t injured from the incident. 

Class B Misdemeanor Assault: However, a Class C misdemeanor assault will be upgraded to Class B misdemeanor assault if the defendant causes bodily harm to the victim from the threats or provocative physical contact. 

Class A Misdemeanor Assault: This is an assault offense that causes physical harm or injury to the victim. 

Aggravated Assault

According to Texas law, a defendant may be charged with aggravated assault if: 

• The victim of the assault incident sustains serious bodily harm or injury. 

• The defendant committed the assault offense using a deadly weapon (Second-Degree Felony). 

• The victim of the assault offense is a family member, household member, or dating partner (Domestic Violence – Third-Degree Felony). 

• The assault crime was committed against a peace officer, public servant, witness, informant, or security officer on duty (First-Degree Felony Assault). 

• The defendant is a repeat offender or has prior assault convictions. 

Sexual Assault

Under Texas law, an individual may be charged with sexual assault or rape if he or she intentionally or knowingly penetrates another person’s sexual organ or anus without that victim’s consent. The offense of sexual assault is often charged as a second-degree felony. 

If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with a non-sexual or sexual assault offense, you need to reach out to a strategic criminal defense attorney straight away. Your legal counsel can assess the nature of your charges and enlighten you about the potential penalties. 

Possible Penalties

In the state of Texas, assault charges are very serious and usually attract far-reaching punishments. An offended convicted of an assault-related crime may face any of these penalties and ramifications: 

• lengthy imprisonment (ranging from months, years, or even decades) 

• substantial fines and court fees 

• restitution to the victim 

• mandatory anger management classes 

• a criminal record 

• loss of voting rights 

• increased difficulty in getting accommodation, employment, or public benefits 

• mandatory registration as a sex offender (sexual assault or rape) 

• loss of your rights to possess or carry a gun or firearm 

• increased difficulty in traveling overseas 

• loss of scholarships and university admission 

• possible deportation or inadmissibility into the United States 

• difficulties in getting certain financial loans 

An experienced Texas assault defense attorney can strategize an effective approach to help fight your charges and mitigate or prevent the devastating consequences of a criminal conviction. 

Get Your Questions Answered

When facing assault accusations, getting reliable representation is crucial to understand the nature of your charges and determine the best defenses. Attorney Mekisha Jane Walker has the diligence and expertise to represent and protect individuals charged with assault from the worst possible situation. As your legal counsel, she will fight aggressively to uphold your rights, dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence, and help keep your record clean. 

Facing assault charges can be scary. Don’t face them alone. Contact Walker Law Office today to schedule a simple case evaluation with a dependable criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Mekisha Jane Walker can guide you through the Texas criminal justice system and offer you the effective representation you need in your case. If you are in the Houston area—including Harris County, Galveston County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, and Brazoria County—reach out today.