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legalassistant@wm-attorneys.comFacing assault charges in Texas is a serious matter, as they carry serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and lasting impacts on your personal and professional life. Whether you’re accused of simple assault or a more severe felony, it’s critical to understand the legal framework and your options. At the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC: Austin Criminal Lawyer, we’re here to provide the guidance you need during this challenging time.
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Under the Texas Penal Code (§ 22.01), assault includes intentionally causing bodily injury to another person, threatening someone with imminent bodily harm, or engaging in offensive or provocative physical contact. While often confused with battery, the state’s law treats this as a broader offense that may include threats of harm or non-injurious physical contact. Assault and battery, though related, have distinct definitions under the law.
Assault charges in Texas are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the seriousness of the alleged offense and the circumstances involved.
Aggravated assault occurs when a person causes harsh bodily injury to another or uses a deadly weapon during the event. Serious bodily injury is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes permanent disfigurement, or results in the loss of a physical function.
Using or exhibiting a deadly weapon, such as a firearm or knife, during an assault automatically escalates the charge to aggravated assault, even if no injury occurs. A deadly weapon can also include objects not typically considered weapons if they are used in a manner likely to cause harm.
Penalties for these charges depend on the type and severity of the offense. Consequences can range from minor fines to decades of imprisonment. Beyond legal penalties, an assault conviction can damage your reputation, limit job opportunities, and affect your relationships.
For example:
If you’re facing assault charges, several defenses may apply to your case, depending on the circumstances:
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David D. White
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer
Assault charges in Texas are serious, but you don’t have to face them alone. At the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC: Austin Criminal Lawyer, we have the knowledge and experience to assist you in navigating the legal system and building a strong defense. Call us at 512-369-3737 or schedule a free consultation here. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and fight for your rights.
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I called David last August after my daughter got a minor in possession while away in college. My wife & I were terrified that this mistake might cost our daughter dearly. Luckily for us, we found David to take care of this for us. He walked us through the process during the initial free consultation. Several months later the case was dismissed and ultimately expunged. We cannot thank David enough for all his help in protecting our daughters future!
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The founder of the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC: Austin Criminal Lawyer, has been defending the rights of criminal defendants in Austin, Texas since 2008. We are a client-centered law firm where we fight to preserve the presumption of innocence on behalf of our clients in every criminal case we take. We believe that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and we strive to provide our clients with the best possible defense to ensure that this is true.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney, David D. White who has more than 20 years of legal experience as an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer.
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