Aggravated Assault Attorney In Houston

Serious Charges Call For Serious Defense

An aggravated assault charge in Houston is not a misunderstanding that simply goes away. It is a serious Texas felony that can put your freedom, your record, and your future at risk. If you or someone you care about has been arrested or is under investigation, you need clear information and strong legal help.

At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, we focus our practice on criminal defense. We represent people accused of serious offenses, and we understand how quickly an aggravated assault case in this city can become a threat of prison time, job loss, and lasting damage to your reputation. Attorney Jed Silverman, a Board Certified Criminal Law attorney through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, leads our firm. Our Houston-based team has extensive experience handling complex criminal cases, and we work to protect your rights at every stage.

To discuss your situation confidentially, you can contact us today using our easy to use contact form. Call (713) 597-2221 to make an appointment.

Why Choose Our Defense Team

When you face an aggravated assault allegation, the lawyer you choose can influence every part of your case. You are trusting someone with your freedom, your record, and your family’s stability. You deserve a defense team that regularly handles violent felonies in Harris County courts and knows how these cases are prosecuted.

Attorney Jed Silverman is Board Certified in Criminal Law in Texas, a distinction held by a small group of criminal defense lawyers. This credential reflects substantial experience in criminal practice and additional testing in Texas criminal law. It is one reason clients turn to our firm when everything is on the line.

Our attorneys have an exceptional trial success rate. Many aggravated assault cases resolve through negotiation, but prosecutors know that we are prepared to proceed to trial when that is in a client’s best interests. That trial readiness often shapes how the State views a case and how willing they are to consider reductions or alternative resolutions. We also bring a deep understanding of the Texas prison system. Our experience with how sentences play out in the real world guides our strategy. We work to minimize or avoid incarceration whenever the facts and law allow, and we carefully evaluate options that may reduce the long-term impact on your life.

Because our practice is rooted in Houston, we are familiar with how aggravated assault cases move through the Harris County Criminal District Courts. We understand how local prosecutors and judges tend to approach violent allegations, and we use that knowledge when we evaluate offers and present your defense. Most importantly, our clients receive personalized attention. We do not treat aggravated assault cases as files on a shelf. We sit down with you, learn what happened from your perspective, explain the law in plain language, and build a strategy that reflects your unique circumstances. When you hire us, you work directly with attorneys who are passionate about defense and committed to guiding you through a difficult time.

Understanding Aggravated Assault Charges

Many people come to us unsure whether the incident that led to their arrest really qualifies as aggravated assault. Texas law covers more ground than many expect. It is important to understand how these charges are defined, because the specific allegation can affect both possible penalties and available defenses.

Under the Texas Penal Code, assault usually involves causing bodily injury, threatening someone with imminent bodily injury, or causing offensive physical contact. The charge can become aggravated when certain factors are present. This can include causing serious bodily injury, using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the assault, or targeting certain categories of individuals, such as a family member or public servant, under specific circumstances.

Real cases often arise from situations that escalated quickly. A heated argument at home that results in significant injury, an altercation outside a bar where someone is accused of using a weapon, or a confrontation where a firearm is displayed can all lead to aggravated assault allegations. Police and prosecutors usually rely on statements taken at the scene, medical records, and any weapons they believe were involved.

Potential penalties in Texas can be severe. Aggravated assault is commonly charged as a second-degree felony, which brings a possible sentence of two to twenty years in prison and a substantial fine. In some situations, such as certain domestic cases or alleged offenses against public servants, it may be charged as a first-degree felony, with a possible sentence of five to ninety-nine years or life in prison.

These ranges are broad because courts consider many factors, including the nature of the injury, any alleged use of a deadly weapon, the background of the accused person, and the presence of prior convictions. Our job is to work to ensure that your side of the story is heard, that the law is applied correctly, and that the State is required to meet its burden of proof. Our team carefully reviews the allegations and the evidence in each aggravated assault case. We look closely at whether an object truly qualifies as a deadly weapon, whether the injuries meet the legal standard for serious bodily injury, whether the identification of our client is reliable, and whether the complaining witness’s account has changed over time. These details can be critical in negotiations and at trial.

How We Defend Aggravated Assault Cases

Facing an aggravated assault charge can make you feel as if you have lost control of your life. One way we help restore a sense of control is by explaining how the process typically works in Harris County and what our team does at each stage. While every case is unique, most follow a predictable path.

Many cases begin with an arrest and booking, followed by a bond hearing at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. Courts consider factors such as the nature of the charge, any alleged violence, and your background when setting bond and conditions. Our attorneys work to address bond issues, explain conditions, and help you understand what is required to stay in compliance.

Once a case is filed, it is typically assigned to a particular Criminal District Court. During the pretrial phase, we obtain discovery, including police reports, body camera footage when available, statements, medical documentation, and any forensic reports. We scrutinize how evidence was collected, whether your rights were respected, and whether the State’s theory is supported by the facts.

There are many potential defense themes in aggravated assault cases, and the right approach depends on the evidence. Some matters involve strong claims of self-defense or defense of others. Others may focus on lack of intent, accidental injury, mutual combat, false or exaggerated accusations, or misidentification. In some cases, constitutional issues, such as unlawful searches or improper interrogations, can affect what evidence the State can use.

Some defense strategies we may consider include:

• Arguing that you acted in self-defense or defense of another person under Texas law
• Challenging whether the alleged weapon meets the definition of a deadly weapon
• Questioning whether the injury qualifies as serious bodily injury as defined by statute
• Exposing inconsistencies in witness statements or prior accounts of the event
• Highlighting problems with identification or the reliability of the State’s evidence
• Raising concerns about police procedure or possible violations of your constitutional rights

Negotiation is an important part of many aggravated assault cases. Our attorneys use their knowledge of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and local court practices to evaluate offers realistically. We work to seek charge reductions where the facts support it, such as from aggravated assault to a lesser offense, and we explore sentencing options that may avoid extended incarceration when appropriate.

If negotiations do not produce a result that protects your interests, a trial may be the right path. Our team prepares thoroughly, from jury selection strategy through cross-examination of the State’s witnesses and presentation of your defense. The State has the burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We work to show the jury where that burden has not been met.

What To Do After An Arrest

The days and weeks after an aggravated assault arrest are often confusing and frightening. You may be dealing with a protective order, bond conditions, and family stress, all while trying to keep your job and maintain daily life. Taking the right steps early can help protect your case and your future.

Key actions to take after an aggravated assault arrest:

• Limit discussions about the incident to conversations with your attorney, not friends, coworkers, or social media.
• Follow all bond conditions and any protective orders, even if you disagree with them.
• Preserve potential evidence, such as messages, call logs, or contact information for witnesses.
• Avoid contacting the alleged victim directly, because this can lead to new charges or bond violations.
• Do not give statements to law enforcement or prosecutors without legal counsel present.
• Contact a criminal defense firm promptly so your rights are protected from the start.

Investigators and prosecutors often move quickly in aggravated assault cases. Early legal guidance can make a real difference in how evidence is developed and how the State views your case. When you reach out to The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, we take time to listen, review the available information, and explain your options before important decisions are made.

You do not have to navigate Harris County court dates, paperwork, and difficult conversations alone. Our attorneys are here to help you understand each step, prepare for hearings, and make informed choices about how to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties can I face for aggravated assault?

Aggravated assault in Texas is usually a second-degree felony with a possible sentence of two to twenty years in prison and a fine. In some circumstances, it can be a first-degree felony with even higher potential time. The exact range depends on the specific allegation and your background.

Can self-defense be a defense to my aggravated assault charge?

Yes, self-defense can be a valid defense in some aggravated assault cases. Texas law allows the use of force in certain situations when you reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect yourself or others. Our attorneys review the facts carefully to determine whether a self-defense theory applies.

How will your team handle my aggravated assault case?

We start by listening to you and reviewing the State’s evidence. Our attorneys then identify weaknesses in the case, explore possible defenses, and evaluate negotiation options. If trial is the right choice, we prepare thoroughly and present your defense in court while working to protect your rights at every stage.

Do I need a local aggravated assault defense lawyer?

Working with a lawyer who practices regularly in Harris County can be beneficial. Our firm handles cases in the Houston criminal courts and understands how local prosecutors and judges approach aggravated assault. That local knowledge helps us evaluate offers and prepare strategies that reflect how these courts actually operate.

When should I contact an attorney after an arrest?

You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an aggravated assault arrest or if you learn you are being investigated. Early involvement allows us to help protect your rights, address bond issues, and guide your decisions before statements are made or important deadlines pass.

Talk To Our Team About Your Case

If you or someone you love is facing an aggravated assault charge in Houston, you do not have to face the criminal justice system on your own. Our team at The Law Offices of Jed Silverman is ready to listen, explain the law, and develop a defense strategy that reflects your situation and goals. When you contact our office, you can speak with attorneys who focus on criminal defense and who understand how aggravated assault cases move through Harris County courts. We work to protect your rights, limit the consequences whenever possible, and help you make informed decisions at every step.

To schedule a confidential consultation with our aggravated assault defense attorney in Houston, call us today at (713) 597-2221 or contact us online.