Assault
Getting out of Jail Is Easy, Staying out Is Important.
Assault Attorney in Pearland
Board-Certified Criminal Defense Attorneys Focused on the Facts
An assault allegation can involve bodily injury, a threat of imminent bodily injury, or contact considered offensive or provocative. The charge can become more serious based on the alleged injury, the relationship between the parties, prior qualifying convictions, or a claimed aggravating factor. At Law Office of Tom & Ann Stickler, Tom and Ann Stickler are both board-certified in criminal defense by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and have more than 25 years of criminal defense experience.
We serve Pearland clients facing misdemeanor assault, felony assault, and aggravated assault charges. Our assessment begins with the accusation itself, including witness accounts, communications, video, reported injuries, and the circumstances leading to the encounter. We offer free consultations to discuss the allegation and possible next steps.
Call Law Office of Tom & Ann Stickler at (281) 601-4133 or contact us online for a free consultation with an assault attorney serving Pearland.
How Texas Classifies Assault Charges
Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.01, assault occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; intentionally or knowingly threatens another with imminent bodily injury; or intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact that the other person would reasonably regard as offensive or provocative. The classification depends on the alleged conduct and specific statutory circumstances, not simply the fact that an arrest occurred.
We handle both misdemeanor and felony assault cases, including aggravated assault. The potential classifications include:
Assault by threat or offensive contact: These allegations may be charged as Class C misdemeanors, but the classification can increase when the alleged victim or circumstances fall within a statutory exception.
Assault causing bodily injury: This offense is generally a Class A misdemeanor, subject to statutory enhancements.
Enhanced felony assault: An allegation can become a felony based on circumstances such as certain protected victims, a qualifying prior family violence conviction, or alleged strangulation involving a family or household member.
Aggravated Assault: This charge involves assault that allegedly causes serious bodily injury or includes the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. The felony degree depends on additional statutory facts.
Statutory punishment ranges vary by offense level. A Class C misdemeanor generally carries a fine of up to $500, while a Class A misdemeanor can carry up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Felony punishment can range from a term of years to life in prison, depending on the degree of the charged offense. These are general ranges, not a prediction of what may happen in an individual case.
A family violence finding can create consequences beyond the criminal sentence, including firearm restrictions and limits on certain forms of record relief. Protective orders may also impose separate restrictions. Potential defense issues can include self-defense, defense of a third person, the required mental state, consent where legally applicable, identification, and the reliability or completeness of the evidence.
Board certification in criminal defense through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization isn’t automatic. It requires an attorney to demonstrate a sustained record of criminal defense work, pass a rigorous written examination, and earn peer recognition for competence in the field. Tom and Ann Stickler both hold this credential.
Our representation is built around the details that can shape an assault case:
Early Case Preparation: We examine the allegation, available evidence, and possible defense issues rather than relying on a standard approach.
More Than 25 Years of Experience: Our criminal defense experience informs how we evaluate misdemeanor and felony allegations under Texas law.
Clear Communication: We keep clients informed about case developments, available options, and upcoming steps.
Brazoria County Process: When a Pearland assault case is filed in Brazoria County, we prepare for the procedures that apply in the county courts at law or district courts.
Payment Options: We offer free initial consultations and payment options for clients facing financial difficulty.
Post-Case Services: We assist with expungements and occupational licenses when the client and disposition meet the applicable legal requirements.
The Assault Defense Process at Our Firm
From the first call through resolution, our process is built around transparency and early action. Here’s what working with us looks like:
Free Initial Consultation: We review the facts of your case, explain how Texas law applies, and outline your realistic options with no obligation to retain us.
Evidence Gathering: We collect witness statements, review available video or physical evidence, and examine the prosecution’s case for weaknesses.
Defense Strategy Development: We build a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, whether that means raising self-defense arguments, challenging the credibility of the alleged victim’s account, or contesting the prosecution’s evidence.
Court Representation: We represent you at hearings, during plea negotiations, and at trial when applicable. We keep you informed about what comes next.
Discuss Your Pearland Assault Charge with Our Attorneys
If you’ve been accused of assault, avoid discussing the facts with law enforcement or contacting the alleged victim before receiving individualized legal advice. We can review the charge, explain how Texas law may apply, and identify the evidence and defense issues that require attention.
What Penalties Could I Face for an Assault Conviction in Pearland?
Penalties depend on the conduct, alleged victim, injury, criminal history, and applicable enhancements. A Class C misdemeanor may carry a fine, while a Class A misdemeanor can mean up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Felony punishment ranges depend on the degree. A family violence finding can also affect firearm rights, even at the misdemeanor level.
What Happens After I’m Formally Charged with Assault?
The next steps depend on how the case was initiated, the charge, and the court with jurisdiction. In Brazoria County, misdemeanor criminal matters generally proceed in the county courts at law, while felony matters proceed through the district-court system. Early preparation allows us to assess the evidence, identify potential defenses, and advise you about hearings, release conditions, negotiations, and other steps affecting your case.
What Are Common Defenses to Assault Charges in Texas?
Self-defense may apply when the facts support a reasonable belief that force was immediately necessary. Defense of a third person follows related legal standards. Other issues can include the required mental state, consent where legally applicable, mistaken identification, and inconsistent witness accounts. An arrest isn’t a conviction. The prosecution must prove every required element beyond a reasonable doubt, and we look for weaknesses in its evidence from the start.
Can an Assault Case Be Removed from My Texas Record?
Eligibility to have records expunged, sealed through nondisclosure, or addressed through another remedy depends on the disposition, offense, criminal history, family violence findings, and statutory waiting periods. Expunction and nondisclosure aren’t interchangeable, and an assault conviction generally doesn’t become eligible merely because probation was completed. We can review your record and explain whether any form of relief may be available.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Assault Charge?
Contact our attorneys before making any statements. Don’t speak with law enforcement or contact the alleged victim before receiving legal advice. You should also preserve messages, videos, photographs, and other information related to the incident without altering or posting them. An arrest doesn’t mean a conviction is inevitable.
Tom & Ann are a dynamic duo, when you watch them in court you quickly realize you hired the best of the best, excellent communication, and answered every question I had thoroughly and quickly. I was extremely happy with the outcome. Great firm, great people and I highly recommend.
Brian P.
“Tom Stickler is amazing, hands down the best attorney in Brazoria County”
Tom Stickler is amazing, hands down the best attorney in Brazoria County. Hopefully I will never need an attorney but if I do, I'll only use Tom Stickler. He's the BEST!! Thank you Tom.
Brandi B.
“Extremely thankful & appreciative his the best of the best. Couldn’t have asked for a better outcome!”
Tom & Ann did their thing! Made this experience super easy & stress-free. Where I had lost hope Tom made it happen & got my case dismissed! Extremely thankful & appreciative his the best of the best. Couldn’t have asked for a better outcome!
At the Law Office of Tom & Ann Stickler, our primary concern is making sure our clients get the very best care for their legal needs. We strive to be upfront and informative, making sure you get the information pertinent to your case as it arises — not just when we feel like it. No matter when you need us, we are there, offering 24/7 contact availability. With over 20 years of reliable legal service, you can entrust the care of your case to our team.
