Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney in Pearland

Serious Felony Charges Need A Focused Defense

If you or someone you care about has been accused of aggravated assault in Pearland, you are facing one of the most serious charges in Texas criminal law. A conviction can threaten your freedom, your job, your family relationships, and your future. You may already have a court date scheduled and feel that the system is moving faster than you can keep up.

At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, we defend people who are dealing with life-changing criminal accusations, including aggravated assault, in this part of Texas. Our attorneys bring over 32 years of combined criminal defense and DWI experience, and we use that background to carefully evaluate the facts, the law, and the options in every case. When your freedom is on the line, you deserve a legal team that understands how felony cases move through county courts and is ready to stand beside you.

We know this is a stressful time. Our goal is to give you clear information, a straightforward plan, and a direct way to speak with a criminal defense lawyer who will listen to your side of the story. You can contact us to discuss what happened, what you are charged with, and what the next steps may look like.

Your reputation and your liberty are on the line. For a defense built on three decades of success and bilingual support, reach out to us at (832) 900-9867 or through our contact form. 

Understanding Aggravated Assault Laws in Texas

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.02, an assault is elevated to "aggravated" if the actor commits a standard assault and either causes "serious bodily injury" or uses or exhibits a "deadly weapon" during the commission of the crime. As your Pearland aggravated assault lawyer, we carefully scrutinize which of these "aggravating factors" the state is alleging, as each requires a different defensive approach.

Texas law defines these critical terms with significant breadth:

• Serious Bodily Injury (SBI): This is 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. A broken bone, a deep scar, or an injury requiring surgery often meets this definition.
• Deadly Weapon: While firearms and knives are obvious examples, Texas law includes "anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury." This can include vehicles, baseball bats, or even household items if used in a threatening manner.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Aggravated Assault in Texas

The penalties for aggravated assault in Texas are divided into two primary tiers, both of which carry devastating consequences.

Second-Degree Felony (Standard)

Most aggravated assault cases are classified as second-degree felonies. The punishment includes:

• Prison: 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
• Fines: Up to $10,000.

First-Degree Felony (Enhanced)

The charge is elevated to a first-degree felony, carrying 5 to 99 years or life in prison, if:

• The actor uses a deadly weapon and causes serious bodily injury to a family member or dating partner.
• The assault is committed against a public servant (such as a police officer or emergency worker) performing their duties.
• The assault is committed in retaliation against a witness or informant.
• The actor discharges a firearm from a vehicle at a building or vehicle and causes injury.

Collateral Consequences

A felony conviction in Brazoria County stays on your record forever; it cannot be expunged. This leads to:

• Loss of Firearm Rights: A permanent ban under federal law.
• Professional Licensing: Automatic disqualification for many medical, legal, or teaching licenses.
• Immigration Status: Aggravated assault is considered a "crime of violence" that can lead to immediate deportation for non-citizens.
• Housing and Employment: Extreme difficulty passing background checks for high-quality housing or corporate jobs.

How Our Team Builds A Defense To Aggravated Assault

When we accept an aggravated assault case, we start by taking the time to understand what led up to the arrest and how the state is framing the accusations. We review the charging document, police reports, and any available video or other physical evidence to see how the facts line up with the legal elements the prosecution must prove. Our attorneys look for gaps, inconsistencies, and assumptions that can be challenged.

In many aggravated assault cases, questions about intent, self-defense, and the role of any alleged weapon are central. We evaluate whether the evidence supports a claim that you acted to protect yourself or someone else, whether the injury described truly qualifies as serious bodily injury, and whether the item called a deadly weapon fits that legal definition. We also pay attention to witness statements and how they might be affected by stress, bias, or misunderstanding.

Our team does not use a one-size-fits-all plan. The facts of a domestic argument in a Pearland home are different from a late night confrontation outside a business, and each scenario calls for a different approach. Drawing on our experience in courts across Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, and Fort Bend Counties, we consider how local practices, judges, and prosecutors may influence options ranging from negotiation to contested hearings and trials.

Why Our Firm Is A Strong Choice For Serious Assault Charges

Choosing the right legal team for an aggravated assault case is a major decision. Our firm brings more than 32 years of combined criminal defense and DWI experience to that task, and we draw on that history when we evaluate charges, evidence, and options. Experience in Texas criminal courts has given us insight into how serious cases are built and challenged.

Criminal defense is not a sideline for us. Our practice focuses on DWI and other criminal matters, which helps us stay familiar with the procedures, prosecutors, and judges in Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, and Fort Bend Counties. For someone charged with a violent felony in or around Pearland, that familiarity can be important when assessing potential plea offers, filing motions, or preparing for contested hearings.

We also place a strong emphasis on personalized representation. That means we take the time to hear your perspective, learn about your background, and understand what matters most to you, whether that is protecting a professional license, staying employed, or limiting the risk of incarceration as much as possible. 

Our attorneys, including Steve Gonzalez and Kristina King, are known for their determination and willingness to face tough prosecutors and judges. We strive to combine that tenacity with integrity and straightforward communication so that you always know where things stand.

To secure result-oriented legal representation from an aggravated assault defense attorney in Pearland, call the Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez at (832) 900-9867 or contact us online. Hablamos Español.