An assault offense involving no aggravating factors is commonly referred to as a simple assault, but an assault that causes serious bodily injury to another person is considered an aggravated assault. An aggravated assault could also involve the use of a deadly weapon.
The Texas Penal Code provides specific definitions for deadly weapons, and assault with a deadly weapon will result in felony charges. Convictions not only carry very heavy immediate penalties but also significant long-term consequences.
If you or your loved one were arrested for an alleged assault with a deadly weapon in the greater Fort Worth area, you are going to want to make sure that you have legal representation before you say anything to authorities. You will want to contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy.
Our firm can fight to possibly get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Call (817) 422-5350 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
A person commits assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.01 when they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another, including the person’s spouse, intentionally or knowingly threatens another with imminent bodily injury, including the person’s spouse, or intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. A person commits aggravated assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.02 if they commit an assault that causes serious bodily injury to another, including the person’s spouse, or the use or exhibit of a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault.
A deadly weapon is defined under Texas Penal Code §1.07(a)(17) as a firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury, or anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. Weapons are covered under Chapter 46 of the Texas Penal Code, and Texas Penal Code § 46.01 lists definitions for all of the following weapons:
Tire Deflation Device — A device, including a caltrop or spike strip, that, when driven over, impedes or stops the movement of a wheeled vehicle by puncturing one or more of the vehicle’s tires. The term does not include a traffic control device that is designed to puncture one or more of a vehicle’s tires when driven over in a specific direction and has a clearly visible signposted in close proximity to the traffic control device that prohibits entry or warns motor vehicle operators of the traffic control device.
Assault with a deadly weapon is usually a second-degree felony but can be classified as a first-degree felony if:
Assault with a deadly weapon conviction is generally punishable as follows:
Even when a person is released from prison after being convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, the conviction can carry steep consequences for many other aspects of their daily life. Employers may not make job offers and landlords might be less likely to offer homes to people with assault with a deadly weapon conviction.
Some people are charged with assault with a deadly weapon for alleged offenses that did not actually involve deadly weapons. When an item has been misclassified, an attorney may be able to get the criminal charges reduced or completely dismissed.
Another common defense could be self-defense or defense of others’ claims. Some alleged offenders may be able to claim their actions were not intentional.
Penal Code Offenses by Punishment Range — This Texas Attorney General document gives an overview of criminal penalties in Texas. As noted here, assault other than a first-degree felony or Class A misdemeanor assault committed within an area subject to a declaration of disaster or an emergency evacuation order will lead to the punishment being increased to the next highest category under Texas Penal Code § 12.50. The minimum punishment is increased to 180 days for a Class A misdemeanor assault committed within an area subject to a declaration of disaster or an emergency evacuation order.
Texas Penal Code | Chapter 46 | Weapons — You can view all state laws relating to weapons. Find information about unlawful possession or transfer crimes. Also, learn more about increased penalties for offenses committed within weapon-free school zones.
Were you or your loved one arrested for an alleged assault with a deadly weapon in Fort Worth or a surrounding area of Tarrant County? You are going to want to be sure that you have an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy handles all kinds of weapons offense cases in Tarrant County. We will provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call (817) 422-5350 or contact us online to receive a free consultation.
Yes, if the weapon in question can cause death or serious bodily injury it can be used to charge you as a felon. This can include Baseball bats, scissors, pellet guns, rocks, cars, heavy furniture or equipment. Do not assume that if it a non-lethal every day item used in an assault; it cannot be considered a felony.
Yes, if the weapon was used for the intent to cause fear of imminent death or bodily injury in the victims mind, then this is enough to allow the government to proceed with a felony charge against you.
Self-defense is an affirmative defense to the charge against you. Once presented it is the State’s job to disprove you claim as an excuse to the criminal charge. The State can do so by showing your response to a danger was excessive. For example, you were slapped in the face and then hit them over the head with a baseball bat, the state would argue your reaction was excessive.
Depends on the situation. Miranda rights only apply to verbal communications with the police in response to a custodial interrogation issue. The police asking basic identification questions or safety question is not interrogation. You just talking out loud is not protected. Even if there is a violation, such violation my only remove the use of the statements made in court and not the physical evidence collected.