Blog Post
Assault Charges in Texas: Know What You’Re Facing
3/21/2026
Under the Texas Penal Code, assault is defined broadly. It doesn’t only include physical violence—it can also involve threats or offensive physical contact. As a result, assault charges can arise from many situations: bar altercations, domestic disputes, workplace conflicts, or even false accusations.
Understanding how assault is classified is the first step in building a strong defense.
Types of Assault Charges in Texas
Simple Assault
Simple assault is the most basic form of assault. It may involve:
Threats of bodily harm
Offensive or provocative physical contact
Minor physical altercations such as shoving or slapping
Even if no serious injury occurs, the charge is still taken seriously. These cases often stem from heated moments or misunderstandings that escalate quickly.
Typically charged as a Class C or Class A misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances.
Assault Causing Bodily Injury
This charge applies when someone causes physical pain, illness, or impairment to another person. Visible injury is not always required—pain alone may be enough.
These cases commonly arise from:
Domestic disputes
Physical confrontations
Escalated arguments
If the alleged victim is a family member, public servant, or certain protected individuals, the charge may be enhanced to a felony.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault involves:
Serious bodily injury, or
The use or exhibition of a deadly weapon
Because of the increased danger involved, these cases carry significantly harsher penalties and require a detailed legal strategy. In some circumstances, aggravated assault can be charged as a second-degree or even first-degree felony.
What Are the Penalties?
Penalties depend on the severity of the charge and the specific facts involved.
Misdemeanor Assault
Up to 1 year in jail
Fines up to $4,000
Community supervision (probation)
Mandatory anger management or counseling
Protective or no-contact orders
Even a misdemeanor conviction can impact employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Felony Assault
2 to 10 years in prison (third-degree felony)
2 to 20 years in prison (second-degree felony)
Up to life imprisonment (first-degree felony in extreme cases)
Fines up to $10,000
A felony conviction can also affect child custody matters, firearm rights, and immigration status.
Factors That Can Increase the Severity
Certain circumstances can raise the stakes significantly:
Was a weapon involved?
Was the alleged victim a family member, public servant, or elderly individual?
Does the case involve domestic violence allegations?
Is there a prior criminal history?
Every detail influences how prosecutors charge the case—and how your attorney approaches your defense.
Consultation & Case Evaluation
Your first meeting with a defense attorney is about clarity and strategy. This stage includes:
Reviewing police reports for inconsistencies
Examining medical records or surveillance footage
Interviewing witnesses
Identifying gaps in the prosecution’s evidence
Evaluating possible defenses
Small details can change everything. Perhaps the other person initiated contact. Perhaps your actions were defensive. Perhaps key context was left out of the police report.
Arlington Criminal Attorneys
3901 Arlington Highlands Blvd, Suite 200
Arlington, TX 76018