Assault
Getting out of Jail Is Easy, Staying out Is Important.
Brazoria County Assault Attorney
Board-Certified Criminal Defense. Over 25+ Years Protecting Brazoria County Clients.
An assault charge in Texas can reshape your life quickly. Beyond the immediate threat of jail time or fines, a conviction can affect your employment, housing, and firearm rights for years. 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, a designation that requires demonstrated competence and peer recognition well beyond standard bar licensure. With over 25+ years of criminal defense experience in Texas and direct familiarity with Brazoria County courts and procedures, our firm is built to handle assault cases at every level of severity.
Brazoria County prosecutors treat assault charges seriously, and the stakes are higher than many defendants initially realize. The sooner we can assess the facts of your case, review the evidence, and identify available defenses, the better positioned you may be. We offer free consultations so there’s no barrier to getting started.
Call Law Office of Tom & Ann Stickler at (281) 601-4133 or contact us online for a free consultation with an assault attorney in Brazoria County.
How Texas Law Defines & Classifies Assault Charges
Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.01, assault occurs when a person knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; knowingly or intentionally threatens another with imminent bodily injury; or intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact that the other person would reasonably regard as offensive or provocative. That definition is broad, and the classification that follows determines the penalties you may face.
We handle both misdemeanor and felony assault cases, including aggravated assault. Here is how Texas classifies these charges:
Class C Misdemeanor (Assault by Contact): The least severe classification, carrying a fine of up to $500 and no jail time.
Class A Misdemeanor (Assault Causing Bodily Injury): Punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
Third-Degree Felony: Applies when aggravating factors are present, such as assaulting a public servant, an emergency services worker, or a family or household member with a prior family violence conviction. Carries 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Second-Degree Felony (Aggravated Assault): Charged when a deadly weapon is used or serious bodily injury results. Carries 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
First-Degree Felony (Aggravated Assault): Elevated circumstances, such as a deadly-weapon assault against a family member, can push the charge to this level. Carries 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Family violence classifications carry consequences that reach well beyond incarceration. Under federal law, even a misdemeanor assault conviction tagged as family violence can strip a person of their firearm and ammunition rights. Protective orders often accompany these charges, adding further legal constraints. The collateral consequences, including lost employment opportunities and difficulty securing housing, make it essential to take every assault charge seriously from day one.
Common defenses include self-defense, defense of a third person, and lack of intent. Each requires careful factual development, which is why we begin building your defense as soon as you contact our firm.
Why Assault Defendants in Brazoria County Hire Law Office of Tom & Ann Stickler
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. For clients facing assault charges, that distinction means their attorneys have met a formal, verifiable standard of competence that goes beyond basic licensure.
Board-Certified Criminal Defense: Tom and Ann Stickler are both certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in criminal defense, a credential that reflects demonstrated performance and peer-recognized competence.
Over 25+ Years of Texas Criminal Defense Experience: That depth of experience translates directly into familiarity with how local courts, prosecutors, and judges approach assault cases.
Brazoria County Court Familiarity: Our working knowledge of local procedures and the Brazoria County Courthouse in Angleton gives us a practical advantage in how we prepare and present your defense.
Personalized Defense Strategy: No two assault cases are identical. We build your defense around the specific facts of your situation, not a template.
Free Consultations & Payment Plans: A serious assault charge shouldn’t go undefended because of financial uncertainty. We offer free initial consultations and flexible payment options.
24/7 Availability: Assault charges don’t happen on a schedule. We’re reachable around the clock when you need us.
Post-Case Support: Our representation doesn’t necessarily end when the case does. We also assist with expungements and occupational licenses for clients managing life after a charge resolves.
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.
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 through preliminary hearings, arraignment, potential plea negotiations, and trial. You’re not left guessing about what comes next.
Throughout each phase, we keep you informed about what’s happening and why, so you can make confident decisions about your defense.
Speak With an Assault Attorney in Brazoria County Today
If you or someone you know has been charged with assault in Brazoria County, the time to act is now. Delay can work in the prosecution’s favor. Tom and Ann Stickler are board-certified criminal defense attorneys with 25+ years of experience and local knowledge to build a defense around your situation.
Contact Law Office of Tom & Ann Stickler at (281) 601-4133 or reach us online to schedule your free consultation. We’re available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Penalties Could I Face for an Assault Conviction in Brazoria County?
Penalties depend on how the charge is classified. A Class C misdemeanor (assault by contact) carries only a fine, while a Class A misdemeanor can mean up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Felony assault ranges from 2 years up to life in prison depending on the degree, with fines up to $10,000. A family violence designation can also affect your firearm rights under federal law, even at the misdemeanor level. We work to pursue every available defense to reduce the risk of these consequences.
What Happens After I’m Formally Charged With Assault in Brazoria County?
The process begins with arrest and a formal charge. From there, hearings are held at the Brazoria County Courthouse in Angleton. Misdemeanor matters are handled in county courts at law; felony matters go to district court. Securing legal representation immediately is critical. Early preparation allows us to assess the evidence before it becomes harder to challenge, identify defense strategies, and advise you on steps that could affect your case.
What Are Common Defenses to Assault Charges in Texas?
Self-defense is one of the most frequently raised defenses, but it requires factual support showing you reasonably believed force was necessary to protect yourself. Defense of a third person follows similar legal standards. Other defenses include lack of intent, which is relevant when the charge involves reckless conduct, and challenging the credibility or consistency of the alleged victim’s account. An arrest isn’t a conviction. The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and we look for weaknesses in their case from the start.
Can an Assault Conviction Be Expunged From My Record in Texas?
In some cases, Texas law allows an assault conviction or arrest to be expunged or sealed from your record. Eligibility depends on the nature of the charge, your criminal history, and whether probation terms have been completed. Expungement can significantly improve employment and housing prospects. We can review your circumstances and walk you through whether you qualify and what the process involves.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Charged With Assault?
Contact an attorney before making any statements. Don’t speak with law enforcement without counsel present, and don’t contact the alleged victim. An arrest doesn’t mean a conviction is inevitable. Your right to remain silent protects you, and exercising it until you have legal representation in place is one of the most important steps you can take in the early hours after a charge.
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.
