Assault Lawyer in Conroe, TX

Texas Assault Defense FAQs

What is the difference between simple assault and aggravated assault in Texas?

Simple assault under Penal Code § 22.01 covers intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury, threatening imminent bodily injury, or offensive contact. Aggravated assault under § 22.02 requires either serious bodily injury or use/exhibition of a deadly weapon, and is a second-degree felony (up to 20 years) — or first-degree (up to life) in certain domestic or public-servant scenarios.

Is assault a felony in Texas?

It depends on the circumstances. Misdemeanor assault (Class A or C) covers minor injuries or threats. The charge becomes a third-degree felony if committed against a public servant, family member with a prior conviction, or with a choking/strangulation allegation. Aggravated assault is always a felony.

Can assault charges be dropped if the alleged victim does not want to press charges?

No. In Texas, the prosecutor — not the victim — decides whether to pursue charges. A victim's affidavit of non-prosecution may influence the decision, but the State can still proceed using 911 calls, body-cam footage, medical records, and other evidence even if the victim refuses to testify.

What is "Assault Causes Bodily Injury – Family Member" (ACBIFM)?

ACBIFM is the formal charge under Penal Code § 22.01(b)(2) for an assault between household or dating partners. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, but it carries lifetime firearm restrictions under federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment) and elevates any future family-violence assault to a third-degree felony.

Can I claim self-defense in a Texas assault case?

Yes. Texas Penal Code § 9.31 allows force when reasonably believed necessary to defend against another's unlawful force. Deadly force is justified under § 9.32 to prevent murder, aggravated kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery. Texas also has "stand your ground" and "castle doctrine" presumptions that strengthen self-defense claims.

How long does an assault charge stay on my record?

An assault conviction in Texas is permanent. Dismissed cases or acquittals can be expunged. Deferred-adjudication probation outcomes may qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure that seals the record from public view — though family-violence assaults are statutorily excluded from nondisclosure under Gov. Code § 411.074.

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Are you facing assault charges in Conroe, TX? If so, you must take swift action. This will allow you to build a strong defense to protect your rights. Your first step should be to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. You can contact us at Napier Law Firm to consult a highly skilled and experienced Conroe criminal defense lawyer who has successfully defended cases that involve assault charges. 

Assault Charges in Conroe, TX

You can be charged with assault in Conroe, TX if you intentionally or recklessly caused physical injury to another person, threatened another person with physical injury, or made physical contact with another person with the intent to provoke or offend. 

An assault charge is typically a Class A misdemeanor but can be increased to a higher offense depending on the case. For example, an assault offense can be raised to a third-degree felony if the assault was against a public servant in their official duty, a person who lives with you, such as a domestic partner or blood relative, an elderly or disabled person, a security officer on duty, or an emergency service provider on duty. 

A third-degree felony conviction can result in 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. A first-degree felony conviction has the most severe penalties and can include life imprisonment. 

Aggravated Assault Charges

Under Texas criminal law, aggravated assault is more serious than simple assault. You can be charged with aggravated assault if the assault causes serious bodily injury or if you exhibit a deadly weapon during the assault. The penalties for aggravated assault charges vary widely as several factors have to be considered, including the defendant’s criminal history and the severity of the bodily injuries suffered by the alleged victim. 

Legal Defense to Texas Assault Charges

An attorney will have to assess your case to determine the best legal strategy to defend against the assault charges. Several factors would need to be considered, including the available evidence in the criminal case. 

A common defense to criminal charges is self-defense. Texas law allows individuals to use force to defend themselves or others from imminent harm. In this defense, you would have to prove that it was necessary to use force against the plaintiff. 

Another defense in assault cases is lack of intent, where you try to prove that it was not your intent to cause bodily harm. For example, you could try to prove that the alleged incident was an accident. 

Consult an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Conroe, TX

An assault charge is a very serious offense that can have severe consequences. Not only do you face imprisonment, and fines, but you also get a criminal record that can impact the rest of your life. However, with the assistance of an assault defense attorney in Conroe, TX, you can fight against the charges. 

You don’t have to search online for an assault lawyer near me when you can have Napier Law Firm represent you. With our deep understanding of Texas criminal law and experience in criminal cases that involve assault charges, we know how to defend against the charges. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a Conroe assault defense lawyer. 

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