Accusations of Aggravated Assault are serious. In Harris County, Texas these crimes are prosecuted as serious offenses on par with murder.
Section 22.02 of Texas’ Penal Code defines Aggravated Assault as any action that causes “serious” bodily harm or injury. This legal standard opens the door for a number of situations to qualify for an Agg. Assault charge.
Understanding Aggravated Assault Charges
In many instances, we’ve found that aggravated assault occurs as a result of an accident. In other situations, we’ve found there was no intention to do serious harm to the victim on part of the defendant. Many aggravated assault cases stem from situations in which a person was forced to defend themselves or someone else.
Regardless of the situation, and any perception of guilt or innocence, the defendant should seek out and retain an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible. Aggravated Assault charges may apply in the following circumstances;
- You shot a person with a firearm.
- Serious burnings.
- Fist fights in which things went too far, or an unintended serious injury occurred.
- Stabbings & Vehicular Assaults.
Some of the other justifications for Aggravated Assault charges can be related to a simple assault on someone who wasn’t able to defend themselves such as a child, a disabled person, or someone who is elderly.
Criminal Penalties if Convicted
If you’re convicted in court for Aggravated Assault you’ll face a number of harsh penalties like fines, exclusion of qualification for some federal loan programs, stiff prison sentencing, a criminal background, and you’ll lose your 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear firearms and other weapons.
The Harris County District Atty’s Office will engage in a relentless prosecution of the accused which is a segue for 10 – 20 year prison sentences if the defendant is found guilty or poorly represented.
Charged with Aggravated Assault in Houston?
Texas Criminal Lawyer Joe Gagliardi is On Your Side
Houston criminal defense attorney Joseph Gagliardi has had many successes defending many who were “accused” of aggravated assault, and may be able to help you with your case. There are a number of potential defense strategies available to us for defending you in court.
Some defenses for persons accused of Agg. Assault include insanity, fear of death, self defense, defending the defenseless, and “accidental” situations in which emotion overtook rationale and criminal charges were filed.
For legal advice, and to discuss securing legal representation, contact our Houston, TX law office as soon as possible. Our phone number is 713-224-6277.