Experienced Defense for Misdemeanor and Felony Assault Charges in Houston and Harris County.
Assault charges in Texas should never be taken lightly. A conviction can lead to serious consequences, including significant jail or prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that can impact your life long-term. In Houston and Harris County, prosecutors aggressively pursue assault cases, making the choice of your defense attorney one of the most important decisions you will make.
Lisa Shapiro Strauss is an experienced Houston assault lawyer dedicated to providing aggressive defense for individuals facing assault charges. With a deep understanding of Texas law and the specifics of how these cases are handled in Harris County courts, she has the expertise, skills, and dedication to thoroughly examine the evidence against you and formulate an effective defense strategy. When you have a Former Prosecutor like Lisa Shapiro Strauss on your side, you gain an invaluable perspective on the criminal justice system.
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Understanding Assault Charges Under Texas Law
Under Texas law, a person commits assault if they:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to another person.
- Threaten another person with imminent bodily injury.
- Cause physical contact with another person when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.
The specific details of the alleged actions and the resulting harm (if any) determine the level of the assault charge, which can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony. Understanding the specific definition of assault under Texas law is crucial to building your defense.
Types of Assault Charges We Defend in Harris County
Assault charges in Harris County come in various forms, each with distinct legal elements and potential penalties. The specific type of charge you face depends on the details of the alleged incident, the severity of any injury, the method used, and the identity of the alleged victim. As experienced Houston assault attorneys, we defend clients against a wide range of assault charges, including:
- Simple Assault: Typically involves offensive contact or threats without serious injury.
- Aggravated Assault: Occurs when serious bodily injury is caused or a deadly weapon is used or displayed.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A specific felony charge involving the use or display of a weapon.
- Assault Against a Public Servant: A felony charge involving alleged assault against government officials or other public servants.
- Domestic Violence / Assault Family Member: Assault against a family member, household member, or dating partner.
- Assault Impeding Breath or Circulation: A serious felony involving the obstruction of a person’s breathing or circulation.
The specifics of your charge in Harris County will determine the path of your defense. It is crucial to work with an attorney who understands the nuances of each charge and how they are prosecuted in Houston courts.
Penalties and Consequences for Assault Convictions in Texas
The penalties for an assault conviction in Texas vary significantly based on the specific charge level (misdemeanor or felony). These consequences can impact your freedom, finances, and future opportunities in Houston.
Misdemeanor Assault Penalties in Harris County
- Class C Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $500 (typically involves offensive contact or threat without injury).
- Class B Misdemeanor: Jail time of up to 180 days and/or a fine of up to $2,000 (includes certain terroristic threats or assaults on sports participants).
- Class A Misdemeanor: Jail time of up to one year and/or a fine of up to $4,000 (includes actions placing another in danger of serious bodily injury, or threats against family/public servants in certain contexts).
Felony Assault Penalties in Texas/Harris County
Felony assault charges carry much more severe consequences. The degree of felony depends on factors like the use of a deadly weapon, the severity of injury, and the identity of the victim or the defendant’s criminal history.
- Third-Degree Felony: Prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and/or a fine up to $10,000 (e.g., Assault Family Member with prior conviction, Assault on a Public Servant/Emergency Worker).
- Second-Degree Felony: Prison sentence of 2 to 20 years and/or a fine up to $10,000 (e.g., Aggravated Assault).
- First-Degree Felony: Prison sentence of 5 to 99 years or life and/or a fine up to $10,000 (e.g., Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon and specific victim types, or with prior convictions).
Long-Term Consequences
Beyond direct criminal penalties, an assault conviction, especially a felony, can have lasting impacts on your life in Houston, including difficulty finding employment or housing, loss of professional licenses, and loss of firearm rights.
Understand the potential penalties for your specific assault charge. Contact us.
Building Your Defense Against Assault Allegations
Being charged with assault in Houston does not automatically mean you will be convicted. There are often important details and defense strategies that can challenge the prosecution’s case. An experienced criminal defense attorney will thoroughly examine every aspect of your case to identify the best course of action.
Potential Defense Strategies
Defense strategies for assault charges in Texas vary depending on the specifics of the accusation. Common defenses that may be applicable include:
- Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were necessary to protect yourself from imminent harm.
- Defense of Others: Arguing that your actions were necessary to protect another person from imminent harm.
- Lack of Intent or Recklessness: Challenging the mental state required for the charge.
- Lack of Bodily Injury: If bodily injury is an element of the charge, arguing that it did not occur or was not caused by your actions.
- False Accusations: Presenting evidence that the allegations are untrue.
- Insufficient Evidence: Arguing that the prosecution has failed to meet their burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Building an effective defense requires a meticulous review of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and any available surveillance video. Lisa Shapiro Strauss will evaluate every aspect of your case – from witness statements to surveillance videos – to determine the best course of action and fight for your rights.
Why Choose Lisa Shapiro Strauss for Your Assault Defense?
When facing the serious consequences of an assault charge in Houston or Harris County, the experience and skill of your defense attorney are paramount. Lisa Shapiro Strauss offers a unique combination of legal insight and local knowledge.
The Former Prosecutor Advantage
As a Former Prosecutor, Lisa understands the criminal justice system from both sides. She was trained by prosecutors and knows how they approach each type of criminal case, including assault. This background allows her to anticipate how your case may be handled by the State and take steps to prevent complications. She understands prosecutorial tactics, the legal system, and judges in Harris County, giving you a strategic advantage.
Extensive Criminal Defense Experience
With Over 25 Years of Legal Experience as a criminal defense attorney, Lisa has successfully handled thousands of cases for clients throughout the Houston area. She has extensive experience negotiating with prosecutors to have clients’ assault charges reduced and knows how to work towards dismissals, acquittals, and alternative sentencing options.
Local Knowledge of Harris County Courts
Lisa’s deep familiarity with the judges, prosecutors, and court staff in Harris County courts is a significant asset. She understands the nuances of the local system, enabling her to navigate the legal process efficiently and effectively on your behalf.
Lisa Shapiro Strauss is a tough, dedicated Houston assault attorney committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive a fair outcome.
Answers to Your Assault Charge Questions
Introductory Sentence: Facing assault charges can bring up many questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions for clients in Houston, Texas:
How Much Jail Time Will I Serve for an Assault Conviction in Harris County?
The potential jail or prison time depends entirely on the level of the assault charge (Class C, B, A misdemeanor, or 3rd, 2nd, 1st Degree Felony) and your criminal history. Penalties can range from a fine only to life in prison. We can provide a more specific assessment based on your unique charges in Harris County.
How Will a Mistrial Affect my Assault Case in Houston?
A mistrial means the current trial is stopped and concluded without a verdict. It does not mean the case is dismissed. The prosecution in Harris County can choose to retry the case. A mistrial can occur for various reasons, such as a hung jury or procedural errors.
Should I Accept a Plea Agreement for an Assault Charge in Houston?
Deciding whether to accept a plea agreement is a critical decision that should only be made after consulting with an experienced attorney. We will evaluate the evidence, the strength of the prosecution’s case, and the potential outcomes of going to trial versus accepting a plea offer in Harris County to help you make an informed decision.
What happens if the police forget to read me my Miranda Rights?
US law requires Miranda Rights to be read before a custodial interrogation. If they aren’t read at the correct time, it doesn’t automatically dismiss your case, but statements you made during an interrogation might be suppressed. An attorney can help determine the impact.
What can I expect from my first meeting with a criminal defense attorney?
Your first meeting is a chance for the attorney to understand your case and for you to evaluate the attorney. Be prepared to discuss the details of your arrest and charges. The attorney will ask questions and explain the legal process and how they can help. It’s also your opportunity to ask about their experience and approach.
Houston Assault Charge Case Results
State v CL: Client Charged with Assault on a Family or Household Member with Previous Conviction. Lisa got the case dismissed.
State v CL: Client Charged with Aggravated Assault on a Family Member. Lisa got the case dismissed.
State v AH: Client Charged with Assault on a Family/House Member by Impeding Breath or Circulation. Lisa got the case dismissed.
**Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they can demonstrate the type of representation and dedication our firm provides in complex assault cases. Lisa Shapiro Strauss has achieved favorable outcomes for clients facing assault charges, including serious felony allegations, in Houston and Harris County.
Get Help From a Houston Assault Lawyer Today
Assault is a very serious charge; a conviction could follow you for the rest of your life, making it hard to get a job, housing, or financial assistance. However, being charged with assault isn’t the same as being convicted. There may be important details in your case that you aren’t even aware of, details that could ultimately get the charges against you dropped or reduced.
You need a tough, dedicated Houston assault attorney to fight for your rights and ensure you receive a fair trial. Lisa Shapiro Strauss is a Former Prosecutor with Over 25 Years of Experience as a criminal defense attorney. She understands your case from both sides. As your Houston assault lawyer, you can be sure that Lisa Shapiro Strauss will exhaust all legal tools and resources to ensure your assault charges are kept off your record and don’t harm your future. She has extensive experience negotiating with prosecutors to have clients’ assault charges reduced. She knows how to get assault charge dismissals, acquittals, and alternative sentencing options in Harris County.
If you’ve been charged with assault in Houston or other surrounding communities in Harris County, don’t put off getting legal help – contact the law offices of Lisa Shapiro Strauss to schedule a free consultation to review the details in your case. Call (713) 449-9922 to arrange a confidential discussion.
Contact our Houston office now to discuss your defense strategy.
