People tend to assume that assault involves violence. However, that isn’t always the case. Under Texas law, some forms of assault don’t even include physical harm. In the Houston area, one woman was arrested for throwing a frozen burrito, while another was arrested for spitting on a constable deputy.
We have decades of experience handling all categories of Texas assault charges:
Simple Assault
Texas’s definition of simple assault is broad. Just threatening to harm someone can be enough for criminal charges. This can include:
- Causing bodily injury
- Threatening to injure another person
- Provoking physical contact
About 72% of assault cases in Harris County in 2024 have been resolved. Simple assaults are typically Class A misdemeanors with penalties including up to a year in jail and fines of as much as $4,000. The most common outcome was a dismissal.
| Outcome |
Percentage of case results |
| Dismissals |
76% |
| Acquittals |
.3% |
| Convictions |
15% |
| Deferred adjudication |
6.7% |
| Other outcomes |
2% |
Simple assault charges – and the penalties you’ll face – could be upgraded to a felony if the victim is a public servant, elderly person, or family member. Our team will closely examine the evidence and fight for a charge reduction or dismissal.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault involves either:
- Serious bodily injury
- Use of a deadly weapon during the assault
Close to 69% of aggravated assault cases in Harris County in 2024 have been resolved. These charges carry severe penalties, including two to 20 years in prison. The most common outcome was a dismissal. Here are the case outcomes by percentage.
| Outcome |
Percentage of case results |
| Dismissals |
42% |
| Acquittals |
.3% |
| Convictions |
28% |
| Deferred adjudication |
17.7% |
| Other outcomes |
12% |
Our firm will build a strong, evidence-based defense to ensure your rights are protected.
Domestic Violence
In cases of domestic violence – called family assault in Texas – charges arise when you’re accused of threatening or harming a family or household member. Depending on the case and whether you have any prior history, these charges range from misdemeanors to felonies. We understand that these cases involve complex dynamics. We provide legal defense and compassionate support.
If you’ve been charged with family violence, you need to act quickly. We’ve seen clients who were barred from entering their own homes, even when that home was solely in their name.
Close to 82% of family assault cases in Harris County in 2024 have been resolved. Penalties will vary based on the incident and any injuries. For first-time offenders, it’s typically considered a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Repeat offenders could end up facing a third-degree felony charge with a prison sentence of two to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. The most common outcome was a dismissal.
| Outcome |
Percentage of case results |
| Dismissals |
61% |
| Acquittals |
.1% |
| Convictions |
18.9% |
| Deferred adjudication |
11.3% |
| Other outcomes |
8.7% |
Sexual & Aggravated Sexual Assault
In Houston, sexual assault is a second-degree felony. If the incident involves threats, injuries, or weapons, the charge could be upgraded to aggravated sexual assault, which is a first-degree felony.
The stakes are particularly high in cases involving rape and sexual assault, not only due to the risk of serious legal consequences but also because of the potential for social stigma. You must act quickly. We’re experienced in defending clients against these serious allegations.
Close to 55% of the cases of sexual assault involving adults in Harris County in 2024 have been resolved. Depending on the severity of the charges, the maximum penalty can range from two to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Dismissal was the most common outcome.
| Outcome |
Percentage of case results |
| Dismissals |
55.7% |
| Acquittals |
.2% |
| Convictions |
29.3% |
| Deferred adjudication |
9.5% |
| Other outcomes |
5.3% |
Aggressive Defenses Against Assault Charges in Houston
An arrest never equals guilt. You’re innocent unless proven guilty. And many assault charges stem from exaggerations, misunderstandings, insufficient evidence, or even a desire for retribution. Our Houston team will explore every possible defense, which may include:
- False accusations
- Self-defense or defense of others
- Necessity or duress
- Lack of intent
- Mutual combat
- Mistaken identity
- Insanity or mental health defenses
Each case is unique. We will analyze the evidence in your case and use it to build a customized defense strategy designed to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
What to Do If You Are Arrested for Assault in Houston
If you’ve been arrested, you must take immediate steps to protect yourself:
- You have the right to an attorney – request one immediately
- Don’t talk to police officers without a lawyer: Anything you say will be used against you
- Exercise your right to remain silent: Do not discuss your case with others, especially during the booking process or while in jail, where conversations are recorded
- Avoid contact with the victim, even if he or she lives in the same household
- Comply with any protective orders the court has issued
Call Michael & Associates as soon as possible to begin your defense. We’re available 24/7.
Why Choose a Local Houston Assault Attorney?
A local defense attorney gives you a major advantage. Institutional knowledge and experience matter. Our attorneys have deep roots in the Houston-area legal community and are committed to protecting our neighbors’ rights. We have decades of experience and an established track record of success. Our firm prides itself on meticulous preparation and commitment to clients.
We only hire attorneys with significant legal experience and diverse skill sets. While each is a tough criminal defense lawyer, our teammates also have a wide array of other experiences. Our Houston-area team includes multiple career criminal defense attorneys and a former prosecutor. We also have a former judge and an ex-FBI agent on staff. This wide range of experience offers critical insight into how our opposition will approach your case. We use this to customize our strategy to get you the best possible case outcome.
At our firm, we:
- Understand court procedures and know the key personnel in Harris County and the surrounding area, including Brazoria, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Waller, and Galveston counties.
- Have established relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court staff
- Are familiar with community-specific legal trends and juror dynamics
- Offer easy in-person access for urgent questions — we return calls and texts the same business day
