Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer in Houston

Providing Clients With Aggressive Legal Representation

If you have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault, you must hire an experienced defense attorney immediately. Texas has stiff criminal penalties for anyone convicted of aggravated assault.

Because aggravated assault is considered a violent felony, a conviction can negatively impact an individual and make it challenging for them to achieve life goals such as enlisting in the military, attending a higher learning institution, or legally owning firearms.

For these reasons, it is in your best interest to hire a Houston aggravated assault lawyer immediately who can help defend you against these serious charges. Contact Drehner Law of Houston, TX, and ask to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a Houston aggravated assault attorney and determine what legal options may be available.

What is the Difference Between Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault?

There are distinct differences between simple assault and aggravated assault in Texas. An individual may be charged with simple assault if they intentionally or recklessly cause physical harm to another person. In addition, an individual may also be charged with assault if they make offensive contact. Offensive contact includes any unwanted contact that makes the other person feel uncomfortable. Finally, a person can also be charged with assault for threatening to harm another, even if no physical contact or bodily injury occurred.

However, a charge of aggravated assault may be brought if the contact results in serious bodily harm or involves the threat or use of a deadly weapon. Under Texas law, individuals must have committed a simple assault to be charged with aggravated assault charges.

Some factors that can lead to an aggravated assault charge include:

• The victim suffered severe injuries.
• Use of a deadly weapon in the assault, even if the weapon was not used on the victim.

If you are still unclear on the differences between a simple or aggravated assault in Texas, contact Drehner Law at our Houston law office and ask to schedule a free consultation to learn more.

What Are the Criminal Penalties for Aggravated Assault?

Due to the violent nature of aggravated assault, anyone who is convicted can face steep fines and significant jail time. Aggravated assault is classed as a felony offense, and a conviction, at minimum, could result in the defendant being sentenced to over a year in prison. However, aggravated assault is usually charged as a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine ranging up to $10,000.

Aggravated Assault charges may be upgraded to a first-degree felony in cases where the following has occurred:

• The accused committed an assault against a public servant, such as a police officer who was acting in their job capacity at the time the incident occurred.
• The accused used a deadly weapon and caused severe bodily harm to the victim while committing a domestic assault.
• The accused committed an aggravated assault to retaliate against a witness, informant, or someone who reported a crime.

A first-degree aggravated assault is punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

A conviction for aggravated assault can have harmful lifelong consequences and leave individuals with a permanent criminal record.

Contact Drehner Law of Houston and ask to schedule an appointment with our highly skilled criminal defense attorney, who will advise you of your possible legal options for your Houston aggravated assault charges.

Are There Any Defenses to Aggravated Assault?

If you have been accused of aggravated assault, there may be several possible legal defenses that your aggravated assault lawyer may be able to use to try and have your charges reduced or dismissed.

Some common defenses to aggravated assault include:

• Self-defense: If the defendant can demonstrate they acted in self-defense, they may be able to have their charges thrown out.
• Lack of intent: The defendant contends they did not intend to cause the victim harm.
• Mistaken identity: The defendant can prove they were not the individual who committed the aggravated assault.
• Defense of a third party: The defendant committed the aggravated assault to protect a third party from harm. However, the defense must prove that the third party faced an immediate threat and there was a reasonable belief that the defendant needed to take action. Finally, the defendant’s actions were reasonable to the third party’s threat.

Even though there are several legal defenses that Texas accepts in aggravated assault cases, defendants should never try to handle their own defense cases. The criminal justice system can be overly complex and confusing for individuals who lack legal training.

Instead, hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is always best to determine which legal strategy is appropriate for the case. Drehner Law of Houston, TX, has comprehensive experience in developing innovative legal strategies for aggravated assault cases and would be honored to assist you with your case.

What Makes Your Criminal Defense Lawyer the Best Choice to Help Me With My Charges?

If you or a loved one have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault, you need a criminal defense lawyer who will fight to protect your freedom. Our aggravated assault defense lawyer is fearless when defending clients accused of serious felony offenses.

One of the main objectives of Drehner Law of Houston is to negotiate with the prosecution and ask to have your charges reduced or dismissed. However, if the prosecution is unwilling to reduce or dismiss the charges, our defense lawyer will take your case to court to defend your freedom.

Time is of the essence when it comes to hiring an attorney in any type of criminal defense case. Often, witnesses’ memories quickly fade, or evidence that could support your claim disappears. Contact a Houston aggravated assault attorney from Drehner Law at 832-626-0063 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.