September 1, 2009. ANYTHING can be a deadly weapon if the manner of its use was intended to cause serious bodily injury or death. (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. 1, eff. 1.01, eff. 22.041. We must first start by analyzing the mental state required to be proven by the State of Texas beyond a reasonable doubt. (d) In this section, "correctional or detention facility" means: (2) a "secure correctional facility" or a "secure detention facility" as defined by Section 51.02, Family Code, operated by or under contract with a juvenile board or the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or any other facility operated by or under contract with that department. Aggravated assault is charged as at least a second-degree felony, with possible consequences including 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. September 1, 2005. 1, eff. The Texas Republican Party will decide Saturday whether to censure U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of San Antonio over his votes to uphold same-sex Scott Saunders Jr., the former mayor of Smithville, Texas, was arrested twice in 2021 on a total of five charges, including sexual assault of a LUBBOCK, Texas Jeffrey Hatton, 26, pleaded guilty Friday to aggravated sexual assault of a child. Let us start building your defense. 1, eff. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 16.002, eff. (e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(2): (1) that the actor was the spouse of the child at the time of the offense; or. Bail Has Been "Reformed" in Texas: What You Sec. If the total bail amount is $30,000, the bail bond agent will require you to pay them $3,000 to post bond on your behalf. 34 (S.B. 2, eff. 900, Sec. September 1, 2005. 1038 (H.B. (2) notified in writing the Department of Family and Protective Services that the actor would no longer provide the applicable care described by Subsection (d). Intoxication assault. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 27, eff. AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT. 1, eff. (i) was a victim of family violence, as that term is defined by Section 71.004, Family Code, committed by a person who is also charged with an offense against the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual under this section or any other section of this title; (ii) did not cause a condition described by Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3); and, (iii) did not reasonably believe at the time of the omission that an effort to prevent the person also charged with an offense against the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual from committing the offense would have an effect; or, (A) the actor was not more than three years older than the victim at the time of the offense; and. (a) In this section, "abandon" means to leave a child in any place without providing reasonable and necessary care for the child, under circumstances under which no reasonable, similarly situated adult would leave a child of that age and ability. 6, eff. Over the course of his career, he has helped countless Texans protect their rights and get the best possible outcome in their criminal cases. Texas Penal Code Section 22.02 - Aggravated Assault (14) the actor is a caregiver hired to assist the other person with activities of daily life and causes the other person to submit or participate by exploiting the other person's dependency on the actor. A No Bill is the equivalent of a dismissal of your aggravated assault charges. This article will review the crimes of aggravated assault (with or without a deadly weapon) and deadly conduct and their penalties. 809, Sec. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. A conviction can also result in monetary penalties, such as payment of fines and restitution. Added by Acts 1984, 68th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 1.01, eff. September 1, 2019. (3) a Class A misdemeanor if the offense is committed against a pregnant individual to force the individual to have an abortion. (4) Repealed by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 22.021. 2, eff. 22.07. 1, eff. (a) In this section: (1) "Consumer Product" means any product offered for sale to or for consumption by the public and includes "food" and "drugs" as those terms are defined in Section 431.002, Health and Safety Code. 946), Sec. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. September 1, 2017. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 16.002, eff. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. 1.01, eff. These are considered non-sexual forms of assault and prosecutors can use the charges to convert a class A misdemeanor into a third-degree felony. 399, Sec. Penal Code Ann. 2 min read. Sept. 1, 1985; Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 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. 284(32), eff. 902), Sec. The estimated bail amount in such cases can be more than $500,000. (3) "Health care services provider" means: (A) a physician licensed under Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code; (B) a chiropractor licensed under Chapter 201, Occupations Code; (C) a physical therapist licensed under Chapter 453, Occupations Code; (D) a physician assistant licensed under Chapter 204, Occupations Code; or. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 791, Sec. Nothing on this website should be considered valid legal advice, nor is it intended to be. (3) "Disabled individual" means a person older than 13 years of age who by reason of age or physical or mental disease, defect, or injury is substantially unable to protect the person's self from harm or to provide food, shelter, or medical care for the person's self. This is important to remember this concern and bring it up to your criminal attorney so that the true motive behind the alleged victims claim can be exposed at a criminal trial. 3, eff. 22.01 (Assault) and the person: (1) causes Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. (c-1) For purposes of Subsection (c), it is presumed that a person engaged in conduct that places a child in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment if: (1) the person manufactured, possessed, or in any way introduced into the body of any person the controlled substance methamphetamine in the presence of the child; (2) the person's conduct related to the proximity or accessibility of the controlled substance methamphetamine to the child and an analysis of a specimen of the child's blood, urine, or other bodily substance indicates the presence of methamphetamine in the child's body; or. ABANDONING OR ENDANGERING CHILD. 4170), Sec. While states define and penalize aggravated assault differently, most punish these crimes 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. Aggravated assaultis normally a second-degree felony. 1, eff. Sec. His bail has been set at $100,000. (B) who otherwise by reason of age or physical or mental disease, defect, or injury is substantially unable to protect the person's self from harm or to provide food, shelter, or medical care for the person's self. 1286), Sec. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Examples: Aggravated perjury. 620, Sec. Sept. 1, 1994. A Class A misdemeanor is the least serious of these charges. Sept. 1, 1985; Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 2, eff. 2, eff. WebAggravated sexual assault is a 1 st degree felony and carries a potential 5 to 99 years in prison Child Pornography can be charged as up to a 2 nd degree felony which carries a 2 to 20 year prison term. Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 5312, ch. DEADLY CONDUCT. 4, eff. 1031, Sec. 1, 2, eff. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Third-degree assault charges can be punished with a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison if the assault was of high severity and the victim belongs to one of the categories mentioned above. September 1, 2009. (d) For purposes of Subsection (b), the actor is presumed to have known the person assaulted was a public servant, a security officer, or emergency services personnel if the person was wearing a distinctive uniform or badge indicating the person's employment as a public servant or status as a security officer or emergency services personnel. (C) in discharging the firearm, causes serious bodily injury to any person. September 1, 2011. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. Jul 14, 2020. CONSENT AS DEFENSE TO ASSAULTIVE CONDUCT. September 1, 2005. If you have been arrested Schedule Your Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. September 1, 2017. 22.06. 900, Sec. 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. 1306), Sec. 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. Sept. 1, 1994. September 1, 2005. 399, Sec. September 1, 2005. What to Expect after Getting a Texas Assault Charge Criminal Lawyer Tip: Serious bodily injury must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that establishes a permanent or substantial loss of use of a bodily member or organ. 1019, Sec. Updated: September 28, 2021; Original post: June 7, 2018. 42A.051, 42A.102; Tex. (a) A person commits an offense if, without the other person's consent and with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, the person: (1) touches the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of another person; (2) touches another person with the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of any person; (3) exposes or attempts to expose another person's genitals, pubic area, anus, buttocks, or female areola; or. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. These crimes are punishable by up to a year in prison, up to $4,000 in fines, or both. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1.01, eff. (a) A person commits an offense if the person commits assault as defined in 22.01 and the person: (1) causes serious bodily injury to another, including the person's spouse; or. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 738 (H.B. Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 2812, ch. In the next sections, we will discuss the definitions of a deadly weapon and serious bodily injury.. 594 (H.B. The fines for this type of assault range from up to 1 year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines. (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. Typically, Aggravated Assault is charged as a Second or First Degree felony. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1 to 3, eff. So, how much is bail for assault in Texas? September 1, 2019. Class A Misdemeanor Assault: when the victim sustains injury, or if an elderly or disabled person Community supervision is not an option, though, if the offender used or displayed a deadly weapon in the offense. Can You Get a Bail Bond for a Felony Charge in Texas? Indecent exposure to a child. (f) The minimum term of imprisonment for an offense under this section is increased to 25 years if: (1) the victim of the offense is younger than six years of age at the time the offense is committed; or. (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. September 1, 2007. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1415, Sec. According to Tex. 2.08, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. (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. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. Texas GOP may censure Tony Gonzales over votes on gay marriage, guns, At least 13 mayors arrested on child sex crimes since 2021 | Fox News, Man guilty of sexually abusing girl in Lubbock gets 25 years in prison - KLBK, causes serious bodily injury to another, including his or her spouse or, uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of an Assault. Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 12.21, 12.22, 12.23, depending on the type of misdemeanor assault, you face the 3, eff. (c-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (c)(2), an offense under Subsection (a)(2) is a state jail felony if the offense is committed against a person the actor knows is a peace officer or judge. 573, Sec. TAMPERING WITH CONSUMER PRODUCT. 4170), Sec. Thus, well discuss the different types of assault crimes in Texas and how each of them can be punished by law. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 3, eff. (e) For purposes of Subsection (a)(3), the actor is presumed to have known the person was a public servant if the person was wearing a distinctive uniform or badge indicating the person's employment as a public servant. Consequently, a deadly weapon is any type of gun or anything that can be used to cause death or serious bodily. 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. Aggravated Assault and Deadly Conduct in Texas Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. The bail bond agent will post bond on your behalf in exchange for a fee that is equal to If youve been charged with a crime, call us today. (h) It is an exception to the application of this section that the actor voluntarily delivered the child to a designated emergency infant care provider under Section 262.302, Family Code. Sept. 1, 1994. Simply breaking a bone or suffering a head injury is not, alone, sufficient to meet the standard required by law. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1576), Sec. 21.002(14), eff. (j) Written notification under Subsection (i)(2) or (i)(3) is not effective unless it contains the name and address of the actor, the name and address of the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual, the type of care provided by the actor, and the date the care was discontinued. Jail Time Will You Serve for an Assault Charge in Texas 2, eff. (2) the victim of the offense is younger than 14 years of age at the time the offense is committed and the actor commits the offense in a manner described by Subsection (a)(2)(A). (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. (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. (2) "Elderly individual" has the meaning assigned by Section 22.04(c). 334, Sec. 318, Sec. 268 (S.B. 1.01, eff. aggravated 553, Sec. A conviction for a violent crimeeven a misdemeanorcan hurt you when you are looking for a job or applying to rent a house or apartment. (4) the dispensation of a drug in accordance with law or administration of a drug prescribed in accordance with law. The offense becomes a first-degree felony when any of the following Sec. September 1, 2017. 1, eff. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 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.