What is Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Texas?

What is Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Texas?

In Texas, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a criminal offense defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing serious bodily injury to another person, or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the commission of an assault. A deadly weapon refers to any object or instrument capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. This crime is classified as a second-degree felony, with potential penalties including 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Types of Aggravated Assault in Texas

There are four ways Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon is charged in Texas are:

  1. Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon occurs when an individual commits an assault and uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault.
  2. Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon by Threat occurs when a person threatens an assault while exhibiting a deadly weapon.
  3. Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon includes an assault that results in serious bodily injury.
  4. Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon occurs when a person shoots from a car in the direction of a building, residence, or vehicle and seriously injures a person. Here the accused does not have to have the intent to cause injury, and the person only needs to be reckless about whether the structure could be occupied.

Punishment for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon is generally a second degree felony. 

second degree felony punishment range in texas
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Texas

There are three ways that Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon can be enhanced to a first degree felony:

  1. If the alleged victim is family member or household member.
  2. If the victim is a public servant in the course of their employment or in retaliation against a public servant.
  3. If the victim is a process server or security officer in the course of their employment.

Definitions related to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Assault

An assault, is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person or threatening another person with imminent bodily injury.

Deadly Weapon

A “deadly weapon” can include any item that is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

Serious Bodily Injury

Serious bodily injury is an injury that puts someone at substantial risk of death, causes permanent scaring, and the loss or impairment of bodily member or organ.

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon by Threat may be the most surprising because it allows a person to be charged with a second-degree felony without causing any injury.

Video: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Defenses in Texas.

How is Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon defined in Texas?

According to Texas Penal Code §22.02, the offense of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon as:

  1. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing serious bodily injury to another person or;
  2. Using or exhibiting a deadly weapon in the course of committing any assault crime, including threatening another with bodily injury or engaging in conduct that the victim will likely find offensive.

Understanding Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon: Video

What is the Difference between Assault and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Texas?

What most people think of as an assault – Assault Causing Bodily Injury – requires some showing that a person was hurt. This would be a Class A misdemeanor and includes everything from “it hurt” to any level of injury that does not qualify as serious bodily injury as defined below. That means an alleged victim could have two black eyes and bruises all over their body, but the charge would still be a misdemeanor if there was no serious bodily injury as defined.

The offense comes “aggravated” if serious bodily injury was caused, if a deadly weapon was exhibited, or if the accused made a threat while displaying a deadly weapon.

 AssaultAggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
DefinitionIntentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person or threatening another person with imminent bodily injury.Committing an assault and using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault.
Bodily InjuryCan involve causing bodily injury or threatening bodily injury.Can involve causing bodily injury or threatening bodily injury.
Deadly WeaponNot required.Must involve the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon.
Degree of OffenseGenerally, a Class A misdemeanor, but can be enhanced to a third-degree felony if the victim is a family member, public servant, or other protected individual.A second-degree felony, but can be enhanced to a first-degree felony if the victim is a family member, public servant, or other protected individual or if the assault results in serious bodily injury.
Potential PenaltiesUp to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.Two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000, or five to 99 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 if the assault results in serious bodily injury.

What is Serious Bodily Injury?

The definition for Aggravated Assault in Texas uses the term “serious bodily injury.” In Texas, serious bodily injury means 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.

 Bodily InjurySerious Bodily Injury
DefinitionPhysical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.A bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
ExamplesBruises, cuts, abrasions, or minor fractures.Broken bones, burns, internal organ damage, or significant scarring.
Degree of OffenseCan be the basis for various degrees of assault charges, ranging from Class A misdemeanor to first-degree felony.

Can enhance an assault charge from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony.

 

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Texas Without Injuries Explained

Use of a deadly weapon during an assault constitutes aggravated assault, whether or not the weapon causes physical injury to anyone. Whether a weapon is a deadly weapon will depend on its manner of use in the assault. It can range from things that are obviously weapons, like a firearm, to things that are not generally thought of as deadly weapons, including air (by deprivation) or a person’s hands. In Texas, a deadly weapon includes anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

A person can also be charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon even if there are no injuries if it is alleged that the actor intentionally or knowingly threatened imminent bodily injury and the actor used or exhibited a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault. This is also a second-degree felony. Common examples include allegations of making a threat while holding a gun or a knife.

Reckless Aggravated Assault Charges

Recklessness is one way a person can cause serious bodily injury to another and be guilty of aggravated assault. A reckless act is one that is committed, not necessarily with intent to harm another, but without regard for the outcome.

For example, pushing someone out of the way in a crowd so you can get through, without intending to injure the person, is reckless because it is likely that the person could fall and suffer an injury. Also, road rage can often constitute recklessness because the driver is engaging in dangerous actions despite the high risk or injury to the other driver or the driver’s passengers.

What are some defenses to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon?

There are several potential defenses that may be used in a case of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Texas, including:

  1. Self-defense: If the defendant can prove that they acted in self-defense, they may be able to argue that the assault was not unlawful.
  2. Defense of a third party: This refers to the situation where the defendant is accused of assaulting someone in order to protect a third party from harm. In order for this defense to be successful, the defendant must be able to prove that:
    • The third party was under immediate threat of harm or injury
    • The defendant had a reasonable belief that their actions were necessary to protect the third party
    • The defendant’s actions were proportional to the threat that the third party was facing.
  3. Lack of intent: If the defendant can prove that they did not intend to cause harm, they may be able to argue that the assault was not committed with intent.
  4. Mistaken identity: If the defendant can prove that they were not the person who committed the assault, they may be able to argue that they are not guilty.
  5. Insanity: If the defendant can prove that they were not capable of understanding the nature of their actions or that their actions were a result of a mental disease or defect, they may be able to argue that they are not guilty by reason of insanity.
  6. Coercion or duress: If the defendant can prove that they were under threat of harm or death, they may be able to argue that the assault was committed under coercion or duress.

It’s important to note that these are just general examples, and the specific circumstances of each case will determine which defenses may be applicable. It’s important to consult with a legal professional who can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.

What is the Punishment for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon?

Aggravated assault is generally a second degree felony punishable by two to 20 year in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

A person convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Fort Worth can be required to pay restitution, which involves reimbursing the victim for any expenses resulting from the crime, such as the cost of medical treatment or counseling or repair or replacement of damaged property.

second degree felony punishment range in texas
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Texas

If a person uses or exhibits a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony offense or during immediate flight after committing a felony offense, the offense is treated as a “3g” offense in Texas, so the defendant will not be eligible to receive probation from a judge. The defendant may receive probation for most 3g offenses from a jury, but only if the sentence comes back at 10 years or below AND the jury recommends the sentence be probation. The judge may allow a defendant charged with a 3g offense to receive deferred adjudication, but this would be an extraordinary outcome for anyone charged with a 3g offense.

Consequences of a Conviction for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Texas

Texas law also provides certain alternatives to jail or prison sentences for a person charged with or convicted of aggravated assault or deadly misconduct such as deferred adjudication and/or community supervision.

What is more likely to happen is community supervision. If a defendant is convicted or pleads guilty, the court can also grant community supervision (probation) as an alternative to a jail or prison sentence for up to 10 years for a felony. The court can require the defendant to serve some time in jail or prison before beginning community supervision-180 days for a felony. The defendant must successfully complete probation and any other conditions the court imposes or the court can require him to complete the sentence in jail or prison. Usually, a person on community supervision must meet with a probation officer, pay probation costs and comply with conditions such as treatment, maintaining employment, curfews, drug tests and avoiding any further criminal activity or arrests.

what's a deadly weapon in Texas?

What is considered a deadly weapon in Texas?

Under Texas law, a deadly weapon is

  • a firearm or “anything 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 (SBI)”

Basically, this definition encompasses just about everything. It certainly covers obvious dangerous items such as guns, knives, swords, and bats, but it also covers less obvious items that were not designed to cause injury. For example, a pillow or plastic bag could be a deadly weapon if used to try and suffocate an individual. Likewise, a car or boat could be considered a deadly weapon if it is used to try and run someone over. Fists, hands and boots can also be considered deadly weapons.

If you have a question about the weapon that is being alleged in your aggravated assault case, please contact our firm and speak with an experienced attorney. We have seen prosecutors allege all kinds of “deadly weapons” in Texas. In fact, they teach prosecutors that anything is a deadly weapon.

Hear from a Client Charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Watch this video to hear from a past client who was charged with aggravated assault.

Reducing an Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Texas to a Misdemeanor

If the evidence in a criminal case does not prove the elements of an Aggravated Assault, a case could be reduced to a less serious offense like Disorderly Conduct. In order to understand the elements of aggravated assault, one must understand what deadly conduct in Texas means. According to Texas Penal Code Ann. §22.05. It consists of the following:

  • Recklessly engaging in any conduct that places another at imminent risk of suffering a serious bodily injury or
  • Knowingly discharging a firearm at a person(s), house, building or vehicle with reckless disregard for whether the house, building or vehicle is occupied.

One example of deadly conduct is road rage. Some but not all forms of road rage could constitute deadly misconduct. For example, if a driver tries to cut off another driver or maneuvers his vehicle to potentially run another vehicle off the road, especially on a highway or other roadway with a high speed limit, he places the other driver in danger of serious bodily injury because his action could cause a motor vehicle accident or collision.

Mental States for Assault in Texas

Intentionally, Knowingly and Recklessly: The offense of Aggravated Assault is one that can be proven by the State if the prosecution can prove the defendant acted intentionally, knowingly, or even recklessly. The first definition for Aggravated Assault is a result-oriented definition, while Aggravated Assault by Threat is a conduct-oriented definition. Being able to distinguish between result-oriented offenses and conduct-oriented offenses is important to properly determine the elements the prosecution is required to prove an alleged offense. The prosecution often will not make this distinction in the charging document so it is important that your defense attorney pay attention to this distinction, especially if your case is headed to a jury trial.

Intentionally

Result-Oriented Definition of Intentionally: A person acts intentionally, or with intent, with respect to a result of his conduct when it is his conscious objective or desire to cause the result.

Conduct-Oriented Definition of Intentionally: A person acts intentionally, or with intent, with respect to the nature of his conduct when it is his conscious objective or desire to cause the result.

Knowingly

Result-Oriented Definition of Knowingly: A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to a result of his conduct when he is aware that his conduct is reasonably certain to cause the result.

Conduct-Oriented Definition of Knowingly: A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to the nature of his conduct or to circumstances surrounding his conduct when he is aware of the nature of his conduct or that the circumstances exist.

Recklessly

Conduct-Oriented Definition of Recklessly: A person acts recklessly, or is reckless, with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct when he is aware of but consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that its disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as viewed from the actor’s standpoint.

Result-Oriented Definition of Recklessly: A person acts recklessly, or is reckless, with respect to the result of his conduct when he is aware of but consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the result will occur. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that its disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as viewed from the actor’s standpoint.

Charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Texas?

The most common defense in assault cases is the defense of “Self Defense.” Per §9.31 of the Texas Penal Code, a person has the right to defend him/herself from another person’s use or attempted use of unlawful force against us. The right of self-defense is confined to the use of “reasonable force” that is immediately necessary to protect him/herself from another person’s use or attempted use of unlawful force. Another defense to an assaultive offense is defense of a third person.

If you or a loved one is facing a charge of aggravated assault, contact our experienced attorneys today. We have defended hundreds of assault charges in Fort Worth. Call us today at (817) 203-2220

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is typically considered a second-degree felony in Texas carrying a sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, if the assault is committed against a public servant, or in retaliation against a witness, or as a family violence offense, it may be considered a first-degree felony, which can carry a sentence of 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

The least sentence for aggravated assault can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. Generally, it is considered a second-degree felony and can carry a minimum sentence of 2 years in prison. However, mitigating factors could potentially lead to a misdemeanor reduction, deferred adjudication, or probation.

Yes, aggravated assault is a serious crime in Texas and can result in prison time. The specific length of the sentence can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but it is generally a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.

It is possible for a first-time offender to receive probation for a felony in Texas, depending on the nature of the crime and the circumstances of the case. However, some things can make you ineligible to get probation from the judge including the use of a deadly weapon – which is typically every aggravated assault.

Generally, a person without a prior felony conviction is eligible to receive probation on a sentence under 10 years for a second degree felony in Texas.

The outcome for a first-time offender charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Texas can vary widely. It will depend on the specifics of the case, including the circumstances of the assault, the defendant’s background, and the quality of their legal representation. Potential outcomes could range from a dismissal to prison time.

aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

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About the Author Board Certified Lawyer Benson Varghese

About the Author

Benson Varghese is the managing partner of Varghese Summersett. He is a seasoned attorney, highly esteemed for his comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the field. He has successfully handled thousands of state and federal cases, ranging from misdemeanor driving while intoxicated cases to capital offenses, showcasing his commitment to preserving justice and upholding the rights of his clients. His firm covers criminal defense, personal injury, and family law matters. Benson is also a legal tech entrepreneur. Benson is a go-to authority in the legal community, known for his ability to explain complex legal concepts with clarity and precision. His writings offer a wealth of in-depth legal insights, reflecting his extensive experience and his passion for the law. Not only is Benson an accomplished litigator, but he is also a dedicated advocate for his clients, consistently striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for them. His authorship provides readers with valuable legal advice and an understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system. CriminalPersonal InjuryFamily Law Contact
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