Fort Bend County Assault Lawyer

Fort Bend County Assault Attorney

Getting accused of assault in Texas can be a frightening situation. Even a false allegation can have a significant impact on your future. A Fort Bend County assault lawyer can help you through this difficult period and mitigate the effects on your life going forward.

About Us

At Segura and Kiatta, LLP, we have spent years assisting the people of Southeast Texas with their assault cases. Our Fort Bend County criminal defense lawyers, Anthony R. Segura and David Kiatta, have over five decades of experience handling violent crimes. We have aided clients in charges ranging from simple battery to murder. We understand that one situation doesn’t define who you are.

Overview of Fort Bend County Assault

Assault is one of the most common types of violent crimes that occurs in the country, with an average of 292.7 instances per 100,000 residents. The Fort Bend County rate is far lower, at 106.8 per 100,000 residents.

Assault is committed when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily harm to another, threatens bodily harm, or makes physical contact with another that is reasonably regarded as offensive or provocative.

The courthouse for an assault case changes depending on the severity of the charges. Misdemeanor cases can be handled in the municipal courts nearest to you. Felony assaults are heard at the Fort Bend County Justice Center. This court is located at 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond, TX.

What Penalties Does Assault Have in Texas?

The penalties for assault in Texas depend on the circumstances of the charge. The two main types of assault are simple and aggravated.

A simple assault case is treated as a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by a maximum of one year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines. The charge can be escalated to a third-degree felony if the act is carried out against a public servant or someone you have an intimate relationship with, such as a roommate, romantic partner, or family member.

Simple assault becomes aggravated assault when serious bodily harm is caused to another, or when a deadly weapon is used during the assault. The minimum charge is a second-degree felony, with the potential of 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine capped at $10,000.

Aggravated assault can be raised to a first-degree felony if the incident causes paralysis or equivalent health issues, the target is a public servant, or the offender is in a vehicle and discharges a firearm from it. The maximum punishment for a first-degree felony is life in prison.

Potential Assault Case Defenses

Valid defenses against an assault allegation depend on the circumstances of your case. Frequent defense arguments include:

• You acted in self-defense
• You were defending another person
• You were protecting your property
• There was previously established consent
• False allegations
• You have an alibi for the incident
• It was an accident
• Police violated your rights
• Prosecution manipulated the evidence
• The state utilizes unreliable witnesses
• You were mistaken for another person

Hire an Assault Lawyer

The high stakes of an assault case make it vital that you hire an assault lawyer. Your Fort Bend County assault attorney can assist you with all steps of your case. They can advocate for you against manipulative law enforcement tactics, help you build a strong defense, and represent you in all court proceedings.

If your case proceeds to trial, a Fort Bend County criminal defense lawyer from Segura and Kiatta, LLP, can negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution if that is a viable option in your case. A plea deal can shorten the time spent in jail or prison, lower fines, and potentially reduce your charges.

FAQs

How Much Does an Assault Lawyer Cost in Texas?

How much an assault lawyer costs in Texas depends on the variables of your case, its complexity, and the work hours it requires. A simple assault case for a first-time offender tends to be cheaper than one involving aggravating factors such as a deadly weapon and multiple parties. Another contributing factor is the payment model, with different firms charging by the hour, retainer rates, or a flat fee for certain cases.

What Are the Penalties for an Assault Case in Texas?

The penalties for an assault case in Texas depend on the details of your case and prior convictions. A simple assault case is a Class A misdemeanor, with the potential for one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. If the charges are aggravated assault, then it may be escalated to second or first-degree felony with prison time maximums of between 10 and 20 years.

How Long Does an Assault Case Take to Resolve in Texas?

How long your Texas assault case takes to resolve depends on the severity of the charges, complications in the case, and Fort Bend County’s court workload. A minor assault involving minor injuries and a first-time offender can potentially resolve far more quickly than an aggravated assault case involving a plethora of evidence and victims. Your assault attorney from our firm can provide a rough timeline for your case.

What Are Three Elements That Prove an Assault Occurred in Texas?

There are three elements that the prosecution can demonstrate to prove that an assault occurred in Texas. The first is that the defendant intentionally or recklessly caused bodily harm to another. The second is that there was an intentional or knowing threat of violence. Finally, the defendant made physical contact that the other person would regard as offensive or provocative.

Speak With a Fort Bend County Assault Attorney Today

At Segura and Kiatta, LLP, you are more than just a case number. Our team has the knowledge and experience that can make a positive impact on your case.

Contact us today for a consultation, where we can discuss your assault case and provide you with all potential legal pathways. You may also visit our Sugar Land office, located on Commerce Green Boulevard, just east of Alkire Lake.