Aggravated Assault Attorney in Brazoria County

Protecting Your Rights After an Aggravated Assault Charge

Facing an aggravated assault accusation in Brazoria County can leave you feeling uncertain about your future. The fear, stress, and potential consequences are real. You need an experienced advocate who understands the stakes and knows how to guide you through each step.

At the Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, our attorneys offer more than 32 years of combined experience representing people facing serious criminal charges. We know how aggravated assault cases are handled in Brazoria County, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and providing clear guidance when you need it most.

Call (832) 900-9867 or reach out online now for a consultation. Choose the aggravated assault attorney in Brazoria County with over 32 years of experience, leveraging bilingual services in English and Spanish, and the insight of a former prosecutor.

Understanding Aggravated Assault Laws in Texas

Aggravated Assault is a serious felony offense in Texas, distinguished from Simple Assault (a Class A Misdemeanor) by two key factors that demonstrate an escalation of danger. Your Brazoria County aggravated assault lawyer must quickly determine which factor the State will rely upon.

• Serious Bodily Injury (SBI): The assault causes serious bodily injury to another person. Texas law defines SBI as bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
• Use or Exhibition of a Deadly Weapon: The defendant uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault. A "deadly weapon" is not limited to firearms or knives; it can be any object that, in the manner of its use or intended use, is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury (e.g., a blunt object, a car, or even certain body parts).

Felony Degrees and Enhancements

Aggravated Assault is generally classified as a Second-Degree Felony, which carries severe penalties. However, the charge is often enhanced to a First-Degree Felony if the victim is:

• A member of the defendant's family, household, or dating partner (Family Violence).
• A public servant (police, firefighter, EMT) while performing their duty.
• A witness or informant.

Our firm immediately investigates the facts and the classification. Preventing the enhancement of a Second-Degree Felony to a First-Degree Felony is a critical goal, as it drastically reduces the minimum prison time.

Penalties and Lifetime Consequences of a Texas Conviction

An Aggravated Assault conviction in Texas triggers some of the state's harshest sentencing rules, specifically the "3G Offense" designation, making the threat of prison time very real.

Mandatory Direct Legal Penalties (TPC § 22.02)

• Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by 2 to 20 years in Texas State Prison and a fine up to $10,000.
• First-Degree Felony (Enhanced): Punishable by 5 to 99 years, or Life in Texas State Prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The 3G Offense Restriction

A finding that a deadly weapon was used or exhibited, or that the charge is a specific violent offense like Aggravated Assault, automatically classifies the case as a 3G Offense. This has two severe, life-changing consequences:

• Parole Restriction: The defendant must serve at least one-half (1/2) of their sentence (up to 30 years) before becoming eligible for parole. (Most non-3G offenses require serving only one-quarter of the sentence.)
• No Judicial Probation: The judge is prohibited from offering straight probation as part of a plea bargain. The only way to receive probation is via a jury recommendation after a guilty verdict, or through deferred adjudication (if the charge is reduced to avoid the 3G finding).

Lifelong Collateral Consequences

Beyond prison, an Aggravated Assault conviction carries permanent burdens that your Brazoria County aggravated assault lawyer must help you fight:

• Loss of Firearm Rights: Permanent loss of the right to own or possess firearms under state and federal law.
• Employment and Licensing: Felony status will prohibit employment in licensed fields and certain service sectors.
• Immigration: Aggravated felonies lead to mandatory deportation for non-citizens.

Facing Aggravated Assault Charges? Here’s How We Help

The experience of being arrested for aggravated assault, or learning of an accusation, can be overwhelming. In Brazoria County, the stakes are especially high—convictions for aggravated assault may mean prison time, a permanent felony record, and long-term impact on your work or family life. Understandably, you will have questions about what to do next and how to defend yourself.

Our attorneys work quickly to listen, assess your situation, and explain the local process in a way that makes sense. Steve Gonzalez and Kristina King lead our team, ensuring each client receives individual attention and a plan developed for their specific circumstances.

From the start, we guide you through essential next steps:

• Initial consultation: Discuss your concerns and get answers about your charges and options.
• Defense planning: Begin building a legal strategy focused on your needs and goals.
• Local insight: Explain what to expect at the Brazoria County Courthouse and how your case may proceed.

We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish. This is critical for clients, witnesses, and family members who may be more comfortable speaking Spanish. Our ability to communicate complex legal theories and factual details flawlessly in both languages ensures that nothing is lost in translation—a common weakness in police investigations and prosecutor presentations.

Our goal is to give you clarity and reassurance right away, so you can face the days ahead with a plan in place.