1306), Sec. A conviction will result in a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. 1028, Sec. 2, eff. In this case, they can still be released from jail. 1, eff. 1, 2, eff. A Class A misdemeanor is the least serious of these charges. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 22.04. Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 5312, ch. 76, Sec. 1052, Sec. The best criminal lawyers make it a practice to prepare a packet of evidence establishing the injury does not meet the requirements under Texas law. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. (d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(2) that the conduct consisted of medical care for the child and did not include any contact between the anus or sexual organ of the child and the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of the actor or a third party. (B) the offense is committed by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the person by applying pressure to the person's throat or neck or by blocking the person's nose or mouth; (3) a person who contracts with government to perform a service in a facility as defined by Section 1.07(a)(14), Penal Code, or Section 51.02(13) or (14), Family Code, or an employee of that person: (A) while the person or employee is engaged in performing a service within the scope of the contract, if the actor knows the person or employee is authorized by government to provide the service; or. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 955 (S.B. In the following situations, however, aggravated assault will be charged as afirst-degree felony, and conviction can result in a prison sentence of five to 99 years and a fine of up to $10,000. September 1, 2015. Let us start building your defense. A conviction will result in a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. (B) anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. 2, eff. Because this charge is categorized as a felony under Texas law, it must be presented to a grand jury. TAMPERING WITH CONSUMER PRODUCT. (2) "Family violence" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.004, Family Code. Although the driver had no intention of hurting anyone, their actions were in conscious disregard to the risk and results that someone could be seriously injured. Repeat felony and misdemeanor offenders can face enhanced sentences, such as an increased felony level (third-degree moves up to second-degree) or mandatory minimums (a minimum of 90 days in jail or 15 years' prison time). If you or your loved one has been arrested for assault in Texas, make sure to contact a Texas based bail bond agent to post the bond on your behalf. Feb. 1, 2004. He is the founder of The Benavides Law Group. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. A conviction for aggravated assault or deadly misconduct becomes part of your permanent criminal record. 22.09. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. (vi) with the intent of facilitating the commission of the offense, administers or provides to the victim of the offense any substance capable of impairing the victim's ability to appraise the nature of the act or to resist the act; (B) the victim is younger than 14 years of age, regardless of whether the person knows the age of the victim at the time of the offense; or. A conviction can also result in monetary penalties, such as payment of fines and restitution. Web(1) a defendant has been previously convicted of an offense listed in those subsections committed against a person whose relationship to or association with the defendant is Your criminal defense attorney should aggressively seek the medical records and analyze them to determine if the medical experts are able to provide enough evidence to establish the proof of serious bodily injury.. 719 (H.B. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, eff. (i) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (b)(2) that before the offense the actor: (1) notified in person the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual that the actor would no longer provide the applicable care described by Subsection (d), and notified in writing the parents or a person, other than the actor, acting in loco parentis to the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual that the actor would no longer provide the applicable care described by Subsection (d); or. Jan. 1, 1974. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 822, Sec. (i) causes serious bodily injury or attempts to cause the death of the victim or another person in the course of the same criminal episode; (ii) by acts or words places the victim in fear that any person will become the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8) or that death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping will be imminently inflicted on any person; (iii) by acts or words occurring in the presence of the victim threatens to cause any person to become the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8) or to cause the death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping of any person; (iv) uses or exhibits a deadly weapon in the course of the same criminal episode; (v) acts in concert with another who engages in conduct described by Subdivision (1) directed toward the same victim and occurring during the course of the same criminal episode; or. 665 (H.B. WebBecause bail is 10% of a total bond, a $200 payment is required to get bail. Punishment for Assault. 34, eff. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Lower-income states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia carry a bail amount of $25,000 for attempted kidnapping, general kidnapping, and kidnapping for extortion. 1, eff. Texas Penal Code 1.07(46) defines serious bodily injury as follows: Texas Penal Code Section 1.07(17) defines a deadly weapon as: (A) a firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury; or. (2) a state jail felony if the offense is committed under Subsection (a)(1) and the actor has not received express consent as described by Subsection (b)(12). 977, Sec. 1286, Sec. Class A misdemeanor is when the offender attacks or physically provokes an older person or a disabled individual. 1, eff. (2) uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault. Is there another area your criminal defense lawyer should analyze to give you the best chance at a favorable result? (b) An omission that causes a condition described by Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) or (a-1)(1), (2), or (3) is conduct constituting an offense under this section if: (1) the actor has a legal or statutory duty to act; or. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. (a) A person commits an offense: (i) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that person's consent; (ii) causes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that person's consent; or, (iii) causes the sexual organ of another person, without that person's consent, to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; or. September 1, 2005. (a) A person commits an offense if, with the intent to assault, harass, or alarm, the person: (1) while imprisoned or confined in a correctional or detention facility, causes another person to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of the actor, any other person, or an animal; (2) while committed to a civil commitment facility, causes: (A) an officer or employee of the Texas Civil Commitment Office to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of the actor, any other person, or an animal: (B) a person who contracts with the state to perform a service in the facility or an employee of that person to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of the actor, any other person, or an animal: (ii) in retaliation for or on account of the person's or employee's performance of a service within the scope of the contract; or. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT. 1.01, eff. 399, Sec. Sept. 1, 1983. Aggravated assault is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. As a practical matter, the grand jury reviews cases and, if they have the opportunity to hear both sides of what took place, they may come to a different conclusion than the police and the alleged victim. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, other items like chairs, ropes, or baseball bats can be considered deadly weapons. 688), Sec. September 1, 2017. Class A Misdemeanor Assault: when the victim sustains injury, or if an elderly or disabled person September 1, 2015. Bail percentages can vary by state & be as low as 5% or even as high as 20%. 2023 (3) "Disabled individual" means a person: (i) autism spectrum disorder, as defined by Section 1355.001, Insurance Code; (ii) developmental disability, as defined by Section 112.042, Human Resources Code; (iii) intellectual disability, as defined by Section 591.003, Health and Safety Code; (iv) severe emotional disturbance, as defined by Section 261.001, Family Code; (v) traumatic brain injury, as defined by Section 92.001, Health and Safety Code; or, (vi) mental illness, as defined by Section 571.003, Health and Safety Code; or. (3) a Class A misdemeanor if the offense is committed against a pregnant individual to force the individual to have an abortion. 459, Sec. 162, Sec. (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless the actor's conduct causes suicide or attempted suicide that results in serious bodily injury, in which event the offense is a state jail felony. If a judge has assigned a total bail amount for your case, you can choose to hire a bail bond agent to post bond on your behalf. 194), Sec. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 873 (S.B. Offender knows the victim to be a public servant and acts in retaliation for the duties performed by the public servant. (a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to promote or assist the commission of suicide by another, he aids or attempts to aid the other to commit or attempt to commit suicide. If you have been charged with aggravated assault in Texas, you need to be informed about the charges you are facing and prepared for what you can do to attack those charges. 284 (S.B. 1, eff. 549), Sec. If the grand jury agrees, the aggravated assault charge could be lowered to a misdemeanor assault charge or be completely dismissed through a no bill. September 1, 2007. (2) not attended by an individual in the vehicle who is 14 years of age or older. When the conduct is engaged in recklessly, the offense is a felony of the second degree. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. It is a finding that establishes you have been exonerated of the charges and provides the opportunity to have your criminal case file and arrest expunged from your criminal record. 3, eff. 784 (H.B. 16.003, eff. Its the highest possible felony in Texas and it applies when committed against dating partners, family members, or household members. Thus, well discuss the different types of assault crimes in Texas and how each of them can be punished by law. 2, eff. (c) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section. 22.01. The grand jury is a panel of citizens that are responsible for determining if a felony case has probable cause. 900, Sec. Use of a deadly weapon that might result in imminent bodily injury to a family member or anyone in general; or in the worst-case scenario, death; Usually, the attackers use weapons like metal pipes, firearms, ropes, knives, rocks, etc. 388, Sec. September 1, 2019. 2.04, eff. 1, eff. Many times, an injury can appear serious but be determined to NOT meet the Texas Criminal Law definition of Serious Bodily Injury.. 11, eff. If you are convicted for assault charges in Texas, your consequences go beyond prison and fines. 1576), Sec. (k) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the act or omission consisted of: (1) reasonable medical care occurring under the direction of or by a licensed physician; or. 1, eff. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. Sec. 1576), Sec. 2018), Sec. (2) "Elderly individual" means a person 65 years of age or older. (b) A person commits an offense if he knowingly discharges a firearm at or in the direction of: (2) a habitation, building, or vehicle and is reckless as to whether the habitation, building, or vehicle is occupied. 164, Sec. An offense under Subsection (a-1) is a state jail felony when the person, with criminal negligence and by omission, causes a condition described by Subsection (a-1)(1), (2), or (3). 135, Sec. 399, Sec. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 467 (H.B. (b) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor. Sec. 467 (H.B. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. (2) the victim knew the conduct was a risk of: (C) a scientific experiment conducted by recognized methods. Start here to find criminal defense lawyers near you. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. Sec. This (1) "Process server" has the meaning assigned by Section 156.001, Government Code. (Tex. Penal Code 12.21, 12.34, 22.05 (2022).). State jail felony is an offense that includes DWI with a child passenger in the vehicle, DWI driving while intoxicated, theft of property that has an estimated value from $2,500 to $30,000, or forgery. (3) the offense is committed by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the person by applying pressure to the person's throat or neck or by blocking the person's nose or mouth. The fines for this type of assault range from up to 1 year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines. (2021). 1.01, eff. (b) A person commits an offense if, having custody, care, or control of a child younger than 15 years, he intentionally abandons the child in any place under circumstances that expose the child to an unreasonable risk of harm. 22.041. 7, eff. (l) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section: (1) that the act or omission was based on treatment in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized religious method of healing with a generally accepted record of efficacy; (2) for a person charged with an act of omission causing to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual a condition described by Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) that: (A) there is no evidence that, on the date prior to the offense charged, the defendant was aware of an incident of injury to the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual and failed to report the incident; and. Jan. 1, 1974. The punishment must be a minimum term of 25 years in two circumstances: The offender sexually assaulted a child younger than 6 years of age. (f) An offense under Subsection (a)(3) or (a-1)(3) is a felony of the third degree when the conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly, except that an offense under Subsection (a)(3) is a felony of the second degree when the conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly and the victim is a disabled individual residing in a center, as defined by Section 555.001, Health and Safety Code, or in a facility licensed under Chapter 252, Health and Safety Code, and the actor is an employee of the center or facility whose employment involved providing direct care for the victim. (6) influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. If you or your loved one has been arrested for assault in Texas, make sure to contact a Texas based bail bond agentto post the bond on your behalf. WebAggravated assault is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. A third-degree felony conviction carries 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Your ability to find quality employment and housing may be hampered, and you will lose other rights such as the right to bear arms. 223, Sec. 176), Sec. 436 (S.B. This month we feature Eric Benavides a criminal attorney in Houston, Texas. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. This type of assault includes all the actions of simple assault, with the difference that the offender causes severe bodily harm to the victim. September 1, 2007. If you are convicted for assault, the sentencing will fall along these lines: Class C misdemeanor: Fine of up to $500. If you are convicted later of another crime, the court can consider your prior conviction and impose a harsher sentence in the new case. (2) is committed against a public servant. 399, Sec. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. A 3rd-degree felony includes deliberately harming a family member, dating partner, or household member. 1, eff. 1286, Sec. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 688), Sec. If the assault is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, the penalty is a maximum fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail. WebSIMPLE OR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: THE DIFFERENCE IT CAN MAKE. 1, eff. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 896, Sec. 22.05. (d) An offense under Subsection (a)(3) is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the actor causes pecuniary loss of $1,500 or more to the owner of the building, room, place, or conveyance, in which event the offense is a state jail felony. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1, eff. The fine for this felony can be a maximum of $1,500. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Texas law dictates three different types of assault charges intentional, deliberately threatening, and using physical contact in an offensive way. (b-2) Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(1), an offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a felony of the second degree if the offense is committed against a person the actor knows is a peace officer or judge while the officer or judge is lawfully discharging an official duty or in retaliation or on account of an exercise of official power or performance of an official duty as a peace officer or judge. The offense becomes a first-degree felony when any of the following circumstances apply: For a first-degree felony, a conviction carries five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. 1.125(a), eff. 1259), Sec. September 1, 2021. 436 (S.B. (4) causes another person to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of any person. 1306), Sec. (b) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree, except that the offense is a felony of the first degree if: (1) the actor uses a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault and causes serious bodily injury to a person whose relationship to or association with the defendant is described by Section 71.0021(b), 71.003, or 71.005, Family Code; (2) regardless of whether the offense is committed under Subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2), the offense is committed: (A) by a public servant acting under color of the servant's office or employment; (B) against a person the actor knows is a public servant while the public servant is lawfully discharging an official duty, or in retaliation or on account of an exercise of official power or performance of an official duty as a public servant; (C) in retaliation against or on account of the service of another as a witness, prospective witness, informant, or person who has reported the occurrence of a crime; (D) against a person the actor knows is a process server while the person is performing a duty as a process server; or, (E) against a person the actor knows is a security officer while the officer is performing a duty as a security officer; or. 4, eff. 977, Sec. (m) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsections (a)(1), (2), and (3) for injury to a disabled individual that the person did not know and could not reasonably have known that the individual was a disabled individual, as defined by Subsection (c), at the time of the offense. 22.02. September 1, 2017. In the next sections, we will discuss the definitions of a deadly weapon and serious bodily injury.. August 1, 2005. 22.01 (Assault) and the person: (1) causes He has been named one of the 3 Best DUI Lawyers in Fort Worth, recognized by Expertise, National Trial Lawyers, Avvo, and others, and he is Lead Counsel rated. How much bail costs normally depends on the charge that the defendant is facing. 29), Sec. This article will review the crimes of aggravated assault (with or without a deadly weapon) and deadly conduct and their penalties. Texas Criminal Attorneys Taking Care of Texas Blawg. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. Barnes remained in jail as of Monday, according to court records. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly leaves a child in a motor vehicle for longer than five minutes, knowing that the child is: (1) younger than seven years of age; and. the offender shoots a firearm from a motor vehicle at a house, building, or motor vehicle with reckless disregard for whether it's occupied and causes serious bodily injury to the victim. 875 (H.B. 22.011. (A) an officer or employee of the Texas Civil Commitment Office: (i) while the officer or employee is lawfully discharging an official duty at a civil commitment facility; or, (ii) in retaliation for or on account of an exercise of official power or performance of an official duty by the officer or employee; or. Sept. 1, 2003. 260 (H.B. 1415, Sec. Jan. 1, 1974. His bail has been set at $100,000. 1.18, eff. 1, eff. Sec. (c) A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence, by act or omission, engages in conduct that places a child younger than 15 years in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 915 (H.B. (c) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both. If you are just holding a deadly weapon but the alleged victim tells the police they were scared for their life, you can be charged with aggravated assault. Community supervision is not an option, though, if the offender used or displayed a deadly weapon in the offense. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. Penal Code 1.07, 22.01, 22.02 (2022).). (3) causes another person the actor knows to be a public servant to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of the actor, any other person, or an animal while the public servant is lawfully discharging an official duty or in retaliation or on account of an exercise of the public servant's official power or performance of an official duty. 1.01, eff. September 1, 2017. 2240), Sec. Sec. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. If a non-sports participant provokes or threatens a sports participant, whether its a coach, referee, staff member, or instructor, the law will address the crime as a Class B misdemeanor. CLICK HERE FOR TITLE OR CONTRACT BONDS. Jan. 1, 1974. 4170), Sec. September 1, 2021. 4, eff. September 1, 2005. 12.21, 12.22, 12.23, depending on the type of misdemeanor assault, you face the Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. September 1, 2019. For purposes of an omission that causes a condition described by Subsection (a-1)(1), (2), or (3), the actor acting during the actor's capacity as owner, operator, or employee of a group home or facility described by Subsection (a-1) is considered to have accepted responsibility for protection, food, shelter, or medical care for the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual who is a resident of the group home or facility. 16.002, eff. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Barnes remained in jail as of Monday, according to court records. Aggravated assault involves: Aggravated assault is considered a 2nd-degree felony, however, if it involves domestic violence that ends with serious harm, its considered a 1st-degree felony. 91), Sec. For example, a reckless driver does not necessarily act with intent to harm but presents a risk of harm to the other driver with his or her reckless actions, such as speeding or tailgating. 38, eff. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. If you are convicted of an aggravated assault deadly weapon or serious bodily injury charge, the court may require you to pay restitution to the victim for his or her medical treatment, counseling, and property damages related to the crime. Do not delay. 22.06. Deadly conduct with a firearm. September 1, 2005. September 1, 2019. How Much Is Bail for a Felony in Philadelphia? Escape from felony custody. 719 (H.B. 1, eff. 15.02(a), eff. 34 (S.B. 22.07. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 1576), Sec. 3, eff. 2, eff. (Tex. 788 (S.B. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 739, Sec. (e) An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the second degree if the actor abandons the child under circumstances that a reasonable person would believe would place the child in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment. Sometimes a person will make up a claim of aggravated assault deadly weapon to protect themselves. In Texas, a person who threatens, causes, or recklessly places another at risk of serious bodily injury can face charges of aggravated assault or deadly conductboth of which carry felony penalties and the possibility of prison time. 1808), Sec. 2, eff. 1, eff. (b-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), an offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed: (1) while the actor is committed to a civil commitment facility; and. September 1, 2009. An experienced criminal defense attorney can determine whether you have any grounds for dismissal of the charges against you, explore plea options, or represent you at trial. 2, eff. 164, Sec. 1, 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005. 357, Sec. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 1031, Sec. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Serious bodily injury means injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.