Understanding Assault Laws in Houston, TX

The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that there were 134,372 assaults reported in the state of Texas. HPD reported 943,774 in the same year. 

On the surface, it sounds like a weird discrepancy. You can chalk it up to different reporting requirements for both departments and reporting practices. Either way, the number of assaults that get reported to law enforcement is only a fraction of the actual assaults that occur. 

Assault is common in part because it’s so misunderstood. Many people don’t realize that you can be charged with assault even if the other party isn’t injured in any way. 

Here’s what you need to know.

Class C Misdemeanor Assault 

Assault by Contact is a Class C misdemeanor. It covers instances where the alleged perpetrator touches another person in a provocative or offensive manner or threatens harm, but no injury occurs. 

Be very clear, your words matter here. You really can be charged with a crime for threatening another person. 

This crime is punishable by a fine of up to $500. 

Class B Misdemeanor Assault

You can be charged with Class B misdemeanor assault when you assault someone because of a sporting event, as long as it doesn’t cause a physical injury. 

This misdemeanor carries a fine of up to $2,000 and is punishable by up to 6 months in prison.

Class A Misdemeanor Assault

You can be charged with Class A misdemeanor assault if the assault causes physical harm or if you assaulted a disabled or elderly person without causing harm.

This misdemeanor carries a fine of up to $2,000 and is punishable by up to 6 months in prison.

Third Degree Felony Assault

You can be charged with third-degree felony assault if you physically harm a family member, date, public servant, emergency services worker, or security officer.

Third-degree felony assault is punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and carries a fine of up to $10,000.

Second Degree Felony Assault

You can be charged with second-degree felony assault if you brandish a weapon or cause another person serious harm. You may also hear this termed as an “aggravated assault” charge.

Aggravated assault is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and carries a fine of up to $10,000.

First Degree Felony Assault

Your assault charges may be elevated to a first-degree felony if you are accused of assaulting a criminal witness, security officer, informant, public servant, or someone who reports a crime.

First-degree felonies may be punished with a life sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. 

Get Help Today 

You should take any assault charge very seriously. Sometimes a situation gets out of hand before you even realize it has. Fortunately, there are many defenses we can offer and several tactics we can use to get the charges dropped, dismissed, or reduced.

Contact our expert legal team to schedule a free case review today.

See also:

Protection Orders in Houston, TX 

Why You Shouldn’t Talk to Your Friends and Family Members About Your Houston, TX Criminal Case

What Happens Between Arrest and a Houston, TX Criminal Trial