Austin Assault Attorney
When facing criminal charges, having a skilled austin assault attorney on your side makes all the difference. Gordon Law PLLC provides aggressive defense as your trusted austin assault attorney. Our team has helped countless clients — as an experienced austin assault attorney, we know what it takes to win. If you need a austin assault attorney who understands Texas courts, call us today. As your dedicated austin assault attorney, we review every detail of your case. Trust a proven austin assault attorney to fight for the best possible outcome. Gordon Law PLLC — the austin assault attorney you can rely on when it matters most. Free consultation with our austin assault attorney today.
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers on Assault
Assault charges in Austin and Travis County can range from misdemeanor to serious felony offenses. Whether you are facing charges for a physical altercation, domestic disturbance, or an alleged threat, understanding Texas assault law and your rights is critical.
At Gordon Law PLLC, we defend clients accused of assault in Austin and throughout Central Texas. This page provides a factual overview of Texas assault law, potential penalties, and general defense considerations.
How Texas Law Defines Assault
Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 22, a person commits assault if they:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to another person
- Intentionally or knowingly threaten another person with imminent bodily injury
- Intentionally or knowingly cause physical contact that a reasonable person would find offensive or provocative
The severity of the charge depends on the nature of the conduct, the relationship between the parties, and the presence of aggravating factors.
Assault Charge Classifications in Texas
Class C Misdemeanor Assault
- Threatening bodily injury or causing offensive physical contact
- Fine of up to $500
- No jail time, but creates a criminal record
Class B Misdemeanor Assault
- Assault against a sports official during or after a sporting event
- Up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000
Class A Misdemeanor Assault
- Causing bodily injury to another person
- Up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $4,000
- If the victim is a family or household member, the charge may carry additional consequences
Third-Degree Felony Assault
- Assault against a public servant, security officer, or emergency personnel
- Assault against a family or household member with a prior family violence conviction
- Assault by impeding breathing (strangulation)
- 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000
Second-Degree Felony Aggravated Assault
- Assault causing serious bodily injury or using or displaying a deadly weapon
- 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000
First-Degree Felony Aggravated Assault
- Aggravated assault committed against a family member, household member, or dating partner
- Aggravated assault by a public servant or against a witness
- 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000
Assault Involving Family Violence
When an assault involves a family member, household member, or dating partner, the charge is designated as Assault – Family Violence. This designation triggers additional consequences beyond the criminal penalties, including:
- Permanent prohibition on firearm possession under federal law
- Impact on child custody proceedings
- Potential immigration consequences
- Ineligibility for record expunction in most cases
Emergency protective orders are often issued at arrest, which can restrict contact with family members and access to the family home.
Aggravated Assault in Austin
Aggravated assault is a felony offense in Texas. It involves either causing serious bodily injury to the victim or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the assault. Deadly weapons include firearms, knives, and objects used in a manner capable of causing serious injury or death.
Aggravated assault convictions carry lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. They may also result in permanent consequences for employment, housing, and civil rights.
Common Defenses to Assault Charges
Every assault case turns on specific facts and circumstances. Common legal defenses in Austin assault cases include:
Self-Defense: Texas law permits the use of force to protect oneself when a person reasonably believes force is immediately necessary to protect against another’s use of unlawful force. The amount of force used must be proportional to the threat.
Defense of Others: A person may use force to protect a third party under circumstances where they reasonably believe the other person would be justified in using force to protect themselves.
Consent: In some limited contexts, consent may be a defense to certain types of physical contact.
Lack of Intent or Recklessness: The prosecution must prove the required mental state (intentional, knowing, or reckless). Conduct that was purely accidental may not satisfy the elements of the offense.
Challenging Witness Credibility: Witness testimony, including that of the alleged victim, may be challenged based on inconsistencies, bias, or other factors affecting reliability.
Constitutional Violations: Evidence obtained through unlawful searches, seizures, or interrogations may be subject to suppression.
Why Representation Matters in Austin Assault Cases
Assault cases in Travis County courts can move quickly. Early involvement by a defense attorney can help preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case. In some situations, early intervention may lead to reduced charges, diversion, or other alternatives to conviction and incarceration.
At Gordon Law PLLC, we represent clients facing assault charges in Austin and throughout Central Texas. Our focus is on criminal defense, and we work to protect our clients’ rights at every stage of the process.
Contact Gordon Law PLLC
If you are facing assault charges in Austin or Travis County, contact Gordon Law PLLC to discuss your situation.
Gordon Law PLLC
600 W. 28th Street, Suite #106A
Austin, Texas 78705
Phone: 512-678-9333 (WEED)
We offer free consultations and flexible payment plans.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a qualified attorney about the specific facts of your situation.
