Arrested For Assault Charges? A Former DA Breaks Down What To Expect Next!

What to Expect after Getting a Texas Assault Charge

If you are arrested on assault charges in Texas, it is important to understand the legal process that you will have to go through. This way, you’ll be more prepared at each step of the journey and give yourself a better chance of achieving a positive outcome.
Below, you’ll find a stepbystep walkthrough of the legal process following your arrest for assault.
Appearing before a judge
Within 48 hours of the arrest, you will appear before a magistrate, or judge, who will read you the charges and inform you of certain rights, such as your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
It is impossible to stress enough the importance of retaining experienced legal counsel as early on in the process. Ideally, your lawyer will appear at this meeting.
The judge will also inform you of your right to an examining trial, where reasons for the arrest or probable cause must be established by the prosecution.
Additionally, the judge will either set bail or order you to be released without bail. The judge has full discretion on your bail amount, though your attorney can request a bail reduction if you qualify.
Finally, the date for your next court appearance will be set.
Charges filed
The prosecution will file charges based on the level of your assault charge. The levels are as follows:
Class C misdemeanor: threatening bodily harm or causing offensive physical contact
Class B misdemeanor: assault on a sports participant related to a performance
Class A misdemeanor: causing bodily injury to someone, or causing offensive physical contact against an elderly person
Third degree felony: Assault on a family member, household member, dating partner, or other protected status individuals. Also applies to intoxicated assault, which is causing serious bodily injury to another while intoxicated.
Second degree felony: Assault on a family member, household member or dating partner, has a previous similar offense against the same person, or the offense involves choking
First degree felony: Aggravated assault against a domestic partner or other protected status individuals.
Aggravated assault charges will apply if it causes serious injury or a weapon is used during the offense.
Arraignment
This is the first court appearance after charges are filed. Your charges may be read in court, and you will have the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Your attorney or the prosecution may ask for a continuance for further investigation into the case.
At this point, your attorney may negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor for reduced charges and penalties. If a deal cannot be brokered, the case will proceed to trial.
Trial
A misdemeanor case will have six jurors and a felony case will have 12 jurors. The prosecution must prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, or the jury can find you not guilty.
If you are convicted for assault, the sentencing will fall along these lines:
Class C misdemeanor: Fine of up to $500.
Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Class A misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
Third degree felony: Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
Second degree felony: Two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Firstdegree felony: Five years to life in prison, plus a fine set by the judge.

Fight Your Assault Charges – Contact a Texas Criminal Attorney Immediately
Assault charges come with serious penalties, and you need an experienced lawyer to help you. With a skilled attorney’s assistance, you may have a better chance at receiving a reduced sentence or getting your charges dropped. Reach out today for a free case review.

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0:00 Arrested For Assault Charges? A Former DA Breaks Down What To Expect Next!
01:35 what is “Arraignment” about?
02:22 Remember: try your best to hire an attorney before your first court date!
03:13 Remember: an average time to resolve a Misdemeanor can be from 2 months to a year!
04:53 Remember: the lowest level of assault is Class C Misdemeanor!
05:25 What is defined as “Class A Misdemeanor” assault?
06:00 What is defined as “Third Degree Felony” assault?
06:23 What is defined as “Second Degree Felony” assault?
06:38 Remember: of your assault charge is a felony, it must be indicted by a grand jury!
07:38 How can we help you?