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Assault in Texas

Austin Assault Attorney

Experienced Defense Against Assault Charges in Texas

If you or a loved one has been arrested for assault in Travis County or Central Texas, then look no further than The Law Office of Will Mitchell to help you avoid harsh criminal penalties and clear your name. With more than 18 years of experience, our Austin assault defense attorney is not afraid to take your case to trial in order to get the most favorable results in your case.

To schedule a free initial consultation with our Austin assault attorney to discuss your case, contact us today at (512) 858-8611. 

What is Assault?

Assault charges in Texas range from a fine only Class C Misdemeanor all the way to a First-Degree Felony. I hear many people say they were arrested for assault but don’t have any idea what kind of assault until a lawyer sits down and explains to them the difference between all the charges. This post seeks to help you understand the nature of your Assault case and what are some collateral consequences of a conviction.

Assaultive Offenses are explained in Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code. Sexual Assault offenses are also found in this chapter. Section 22.01 states that an individual can be charged with assault if he or she “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly” cause bodily injury to another. You also can be charged with a class A misdemeanor assault without ever making contact under this section by only threatening imminent bodily harm. 

Texas Assault Laws & Penalties

The more serious the injury, then the higher the level of offense. For example, choking the victim is a third-degree felony. If serious bodily injury is inflicted, or the use of a deadly weapon is proven, then the offense is enhanced to a second-degree felony and in other severe cases, a first-degree felony. The level of the offense also varies based on the relationship to the alleged victim. Assaulting a public servant (police officer) is a third-degree felony. Same thing if the victim is an on-duty security officer or Emergency Medical Technician. Causing serious bodily injury to an elderly person, disabled person, or child is a first-degree felony if done knowingly or intentionally.

As you can see, there are many tiers of assault offenses. Different levels depending on the severity of the injury caused, the relationship to the victim, the age of the victim, and the identity of the victim.

One of the most common assault offenses we see is known as Assault Family Violence. This offense also carries some of the most debilitating collateral consequences. “Family Violence” is a term used to define the relationship of the actor with the victim. If the relationship falls under the definition of section 71.002 et seq. of the Texas Family Code, then the offense is a class A misdemeanor if bodily injury (as opposed to ‘serious bodily injury’) is caused. If the Court makes a family violence finding, then more consequences are added beyond the statutory punishment designated for a class A misdemeanor. Once a family violence finding is made, the actor may never own or possess a firearm, may never be employed as a peace officer under federal law, and if the actor is ever charged with the offense subsequently, then the charge is automatically enhanced to a third degree felony. If a person is convicted of any type of assault, they are typically disqualified from most types of residential leases. This means that an assault conviction will likely prevent you from ever leasing an apartment or house.

Understanding Protective Orders

One of the most problematic consequences of an Assault Family Violence charge/conviction is the issuance of a Protective Order. There are two types.

  • An Emergency Protective Order may be issued prior to your release from jail and can last between 30 and 60 days (90 days if a deadly weapon is used) under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • There are also Family Code Protective Orders. Protective Orders impose conditions to prevent you from going within a certain distance of an address or person. They limit contact with the alleged victim, by prohibiting any contact and limiting communication.

Violation of a Protective Order itself is an offense that you can be charged with committing. It is classified as a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense.

Contact Our Assault Lawyer in Austin Today

Accordingly, being charged with an assault case is extremely complicated and requires a lawyer who is familiar with the nuances and statutes that apply. If you or someone you know has been charged with an assault in Texas, our Austin assault lawyer will be ready to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.

Call us today at (512) 858-8611 for immediate legal support from our dedicated criminal defense team. Serving clients in Austin, Travis County, and throughout Central Texas. 

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  • "Will was a lifesaver for me."

    Will was a lifesaver for me. He helped me put together documentation that resulted in having a felony dropped to a misdemeanor. Olivia, his assistant, is awesome also. I had Will's cell number and was able to call or text any time I felt uneasy. The team is very responsive and supportive. I could not ask for a better outcome. Thank you, Will!

    Kalyn S.
  • "You are in good hands with Will Mitchell."
    Will Mitchell handled my case swiftly, intelligently and was very diligent about getting it resolved in a professional manner. I was very upfront about the circumstances and what he thought I should expect and I appreciated his no BS approach. Candor is imperative when you are dealing with a potentially life changing situation. I would recommend him and have to everyone I know. You are in good hands with Will Mitchell.
    Ross
  • "If needed, Will will be the first lawyer I contact to help me."
    I reached out to Will after finding his name through a Google search. I was not looking for DWI consultation but for unpaid tickets and a suspended license issue. He was very personable on the phone….he listened to me explain what I needed help on. He didn’t rush the call or make me feel like another dollar in his pocket. I was able to resolve my issues because of the information Will provided. If needed, Will will be the first lawyer I contact to help me with my driving issues because he was so helpful in this case.
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  • "He explained what he could do to help my case and he did exactly that."
    I would personally like to thank Mitchell for his professional work with my case. He explained what he could do to help my case and he did exactly that. If I or anybody needed a lawyer I would strongly recommend him.
    M.L.
  • "I would recommend him to everyone!"

    Will is awesome!!! Great lawyer!! Super friendly, knowledgeable, and hands down the best lawyer to have on your case! Will and Olivia (his assistant) were always there to answer any questions I had about anything! He helped me with a payment plan, and he just really made the whole process way less stressful! I would recommend him to everyone! Thanks again, Will!!

    Whitney C.
  • "He got my felony dropped, that says it all."

    I will forever be grateful for Will! He helped me get through one of the hardest times of my life. I was so scared when I first walked into his office for a consultation because my case was bad. He got my felony dropped, that says it all. Thank you Will for being there for me physically, mentally, and emotionally!

    Jessica P.
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    Will is a very competent and dependable attorney.

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  • "He worked to have the charges against me reduced significantly!"

    Will is great representation. He worked to have the charges against me reduced significantly!

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