Many people think assault must involve physical violence. In reality, Texas law includes a wide range of actions, even threats or unwanted physical contact, under the umbrella of assault. We’ve seen cases stem from everything from throwing a tub of butter and threatening someone with a golf club to biting and spitting.
We have extensive experience defending all types of assault charges in San Antonio:
Simple Assault
Under Texas law, simple assault can include:
- Causing bodily injury to someone else
- Threatening to cause harm
- Offensive or provocative physical contact
Penalties for a conviction range from fines to jail time, and the consequences become more severe if the alleged victim is a public servant, an elderly individual, or a family member. Our attorneys will examine the details of your case and fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
About 67% of assault cases in Bexar 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
|
54.4%
|
|
Acquittals
|
1%
|
|
Convictions
|
28%
|
|
Deferred adjudication
|
10.6%
|
|
Other outcomes
|
6%
|
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 charges apply when an incident involves a serious injury or the use of a deadly weapon.
Close to 58% of aggravated assault cases in Bexar 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
|
29.5%
|
|
Acquittals
|
.6%
|
|
Convictions
|
26.3%
|
|
Deferred adjudication
|
24.9%
|
|
Other outcomes
|
18.7%
|
Our firm will build a strong, evidence-based defense to ensure your rights are protected.
Domestic Violence (Family Violence)
Accusations involving harm or threats against a spouse, partner, or another household member fall under Texas’s family violence laws.
These cases have serious ramifications, including social stigma, the potential for a protective order, and the possibility of losing access to your home. We approach these sensitive cases with both skill and compassion, helping clients navigate complex family dynamics while mounting a zealous defense.
Close to 72% of family assault cases in Bexar 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
|
53.1%
|
|
Acquittals
|
.3%
|
|
Convictions
|
15.6%
|
|
Deferred adjudication
|
15.7%
|
|
Other outcomes
|
15.2%
|
Sexual and Aggravated Sexual Assault
Sexual assault cases involve some of the most serious charges you can face. When the allegations involve threats, injury, or weapons, the charge can be elevated to aggravated sexual assault. You may also be required to register as a sex offender.
Just under half of the cases of sexual assault involving adults in Bexar 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
|
32.8%
|
|
Acquittals
|
12%
|
|
Convictions
|
25.4%
|
|
Deferred adjudication
|
16.4%
|
|
Other outcomes
|
13.4%
|
Strategic Defense for San Antonio Assault Charges
An arrest does not equal a conviction. Many assault cases arise from exaggerations, false accusations, or murky facts. Our defense strategies in San Antonio may include:
- False accusations
- Acting in self-defense or defense of others
- Acting while under duress
- Taking necessary actions
- Lack of intent
- Mutual combat
- Mistaken identity
- Mental health defenses
Every case is different. We thoroughly review the facts and craft a tailored defense that challenges the prosecution’s narrative and evidence.
What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested for Assault
If you’ve been arrested, you must take immediate action to protect yourself.
- Ask for an attorney right away
- Don’t speak to the police without legal counsel
- Exercise your right to remain silent — don’t discuss your case with anyone except your attorney
- Stay away from the alleged victim, even if you live together
- Follow all court-issued protective orders
Call our team at Michael & Associates as soon as possible. Early action can make a major difference in your case.
Why Choose a Local San Antonio Assault Attorney?
Hiring a local defense attorney gives you a major edge. We know how Bexar County courts operate, from courtroom procedures to juror dynamics. Our attorneys are respected in the local legal community and have a deep understanding of the unique factors that influence cases in San Antonio.
Our team in San Antonio includes a former judge and at least one former prosecutor. We also have an ex-FBI agent on our team. This wide range of backgrounds gives us unique insight into how the other side builds cases and how to counter them.
When you hire us, you get:
- Attorneys who know the Bexar County court system
- Relationships with local prosecutors, judges, and court staff
- In-person availability for urgent questions or updates
- Fast, clear communication – we return calls and texts the same business day
