Odessa Assault Lawyer

Put Experience & Trial Skills On Your Side in West Texas

You can be charged with assault in many ways in Texas. Merely threatening someone without actually making physical contact can result in a charge of simple assault. If you cause serious injuries or use a weapon, you likely will face aggravated assault charges. If an assault is committed against an intimate partner, family member, or someone in your household, it becomes a specialized form of assault with severe consequences under domestic violence laws. 

No matter what type of assault charge you face in or around Odessa, Chriesman Law, PLLC can help. Attorney Shane Chriesman defends all types of assault and other violent crime charges. According to the law, you are innocent until proven guilty. However, you can be sure that prosecutors will use every effort and tool at their disposal to gain a conviction. Shane understands how to fight back with his own detailed investigations into the charges you face. He uses his extensive background and criminal law understanding as a prosecutor along with trial skills that can match those being used against you. 

Charged with assault? Book a complimentary consultation online or at (432) 302-5590 at Chriesman Law, PLLC with Odessa assault attorney Shane Chriesman. You will be dealing directly with him throughout your case. 

Assault Charges in Texas

Simple assault is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Texas. It is a common offense that can be charged in various scenarios because it does not require you to actually hurt the alleged victim. You can be charged by merely threatening to cause physical harm to another, such as by raising your first but never striking. It can also be charged by making offensive contact with the other person, such as shoving, poking, or spitting at them. 

Under Texas law, assault includes the threat of or commission of an intentional, knowing, or reckless act that could cause or does cause bodily injury. Bodily injury refers to pain or the impairment of a physical part of the body, such as a bruise. Where the injury becomes more serious, as in knife wounds, broken bones, or anything that takes the alleged victim to the emergency room, it can become aggravated assault due to “serious” bodily injury. Serious bodily injury involves a risk of death, a seriously impaired organ or bodily function, or permanent disfigurement. Recklessness refers to acting without conscious regard for the safety of others. Furthermore, aggravated assault is typically charged when a dangerous or deadly weapon is used in the commission of the alleged crime. 

Domestic assault occurs when you threaten to harm or cause bodily harm to a current or former spouse, dating partner, household, or family member. When charged as non-aggravated domestic assault, it becomes a misdemeanor. When charged with aggravated domestic assault, you face a felony that can lead to prison time, fines, and probation.