Tarrant County Aggravated Assault Lawyer | Varghese Summersett

If you’ve been arrested for aggravated assault in Tarrant County, you’re facing a second-degree felony that carries 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. This is not a charge you can afford to handle alone. A conviction will follow you for life, affecting your employment, housing, gun rights, and reputation.

At Varghese Summersett, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys have secured dismissals, charge reductions, and acquittals in aggravated assault cases throughout Tarrant County. We understand the fear and uncertainty you’re experiencing right now. Let our Tarrant County aggravated assault lawyer work to protect your future.

What Makes Assault “Aggravated” in Texas?

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.02, an assault becomes aggravated when the accused either causes serious bodily injury to another person or uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the assault. Serious bodily injury means any injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes permanent disfigurement, or results in the long-term loss or impairment of a bodily organ or function.

A deadly weapon includes firearms, knives, clubs, or any object used in a manner capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. Texas courts have found that hands, feet, and even vehicles can qualify as deadly weapons depending on how they were used during the alleged offense.

The distinction matters because aggravated assault is charged as a second-degree felony in most cases. If the alleged victim was a family member, household member, dating partner, public servant, security officer, or witness, the charge may be elevated to a first-degree felony with penalties of 5 to 99 years in prison.

Penalties for Aggravated Assault in Texas

The punishment range depends on the specific circumstances of your case and any enhancements that may apply.

• Second-Degree Felony (Standard): 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
• First-Degree Felony (Enhanced): 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines

Enhancements apply when the alleged victim is a family member, household member, person with whom the defendant has a dating relationship, public servant performing official duties, security officer, or a witness or informant in a criminal case. Aggravated assault against a peace officer or judge is always a first-degree felony under Texas Penal Code § 22.02(b)(2).

Beyond prison time and fines, a conviction results in a permanent felony record, loss of the right to possess firearms, difficulty finding employment, and potential deportation for non-citizens. Aggravated assault is also a “3G offense” under Texas law, meaning you must serve at least half your sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Protect your freedom and your future. Call (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation with an experienced Tarrant County aggravated assault lawyer.

Bond Amounts for Aggravated Assault in Tarrant County

Bond amounts in aggravated assault cases vary based on the specific allegations, your criminal history, and the magistrate who sets bail. Our analysis of 52,320 bonds set in Tarrant County in 2025 reveals exactly what defendants face when arrested for this offense.

For aggravated assault with a deadly weapon under Texas Penal Code § 22.02(a)(2), Tarrant County magistrates set bonds in 1,158 cases. The most common bond was $10,000, with an average bond of $35,189. When the charge involves serious bodily injury under § 22.02(a)(1), the most common bond increases to $15,000, with an average of $45,608 across 60 cases.

Enhanced aggravated assault charges carry significantly higher bonds:

• Aggravated assault against a family member, household member, or dating partner with a weapon causing serious bodily injury (§ 22.02(b)(1)(A)): 41 cases with an average bond of $46,585 and a most common bond of $25,000
• Aggravated assault with a weapon causing brain injury or paralysis (§ 22.02(b)(1)(B)): 3 cases with an average bond of $40,000 and a most common bond of $25,000
• Aggravated assault against a public servant (§ 22.02(b)(2)(B)): 12 cases with an average bond of $108,000 and a most common bond of $25,000
• Aggravated assault by a public servant (§ 22.02(b)(2)(A)): 11 cases with an average bond of $150,136 and a most common bond of $100,000
• Aggravated assault against a security officer (§ 22.02(b)(2)(E)): 5 cases with an average bond of $30,000 and a most common bond of $50,000
• Aggravated assault by recklessly discharging a firearm into a habitation, building, or vehicle causing serious bodily injury (§ 22.02(b)(3)): 8 cases with an average bond of $106,250 and a most common bond of $25,000

If bond is set too high for you or your family to afford, our attorneys can file a motion to reduce bond and argue for more reasonable conditions at a bond reduction hearing. We can also help arrange bail through licensed bondsmen we’ve worked with for years.

How We Fight Aggravated Assault Charges

Every aggravated assault case is different, but experienced defense attorneys know where to look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are often legitimate defenses available.

Self-defense is the most common defense in aggravated assault cases. Under Texas Penal Code § 9.31, you have the right to use force, including deadly force, to protect yourself or others from imminent harm. If you reasonably believed force was necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death, you may have a complete defense to the charge.

Defense of others applies when you used force to protect a third party from what you reasonably believed was an imminent threat. Parents defending children, spouses defending each other, and bystanders intervening to stop an attack may all qualify for this defense.

Lack of intent may apply if the injury or use of a weapon was accidental rather than intentional or knowing. The state must prove you acted with the required mental state. Accidents, even serious ones, are not always crimes.

Challenging the “deadly weapon” finding can reduce a charge from aggravated assault to simple assault if we can show the object used was not capable of causing death or serious bodily injury in the manner it was used.

Disputing the severity of injury may result in a charge reduction if the injury does not meet the legal definition of “serious bodily injury.” Bruises, cuts, and even broken bones do not automatically qualify.

Our Fort Worth felony lawyers conduct thorough investigations, review all evidence, interview witnesses, consult with medical experts when needed, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts of your case.

Talk to a lawyer before you talk to police. Call (817) 203-2220 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Case Results: Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed and Reduced

Our attorneys have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes in aggravated assault cases. Here are examples from our recent case results:

In April 2025, our firm represented a client charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Tarrant County (Case No. 1825757). The charge carried the potential for 2 to 20 years in prison and would have resulted in a permanent felony record. Attorney Tiffany Burks secured a complete dismissal of the charge. The client avoided prison, avoided a felony conviction, and moved forward with their life.

In September 2025, a client facing aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (Case No. 1842278) was approved for mental health diversion. Rather than face trial and potential prison time, attorney Tiffany Burks worked with the court and the prosecution to secure placement in a treatment program, and the charge was ultimately dismissed.

In October 2025, our firm secured dismissals in two separate aggravated assault with a deadly weapon cases (Case Nos. DC-F202500498 and 1872588). In another October 2025 case in Denton County, attorney Ashley Feldt negotiated a second-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge down to a Class A deadly conduct charge with 24 months of probation, avoiding a felony conviction entirely.

In August 2025, a client charged with both aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharge of a firearm in certain municipalities (Case No. F24-3540-362) received 2 years deferred adjudication on the aggravated assault charge, with the discharge firearm charge resolved through a plea in bar. Attorney Lisa Herrick secured this outcome, allowing the client to avoid prison and potentially have the case dismissed upon successful completion of probation.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but these cases illustrate what skilled defense can accomplish even in serious felony matters.

What Happens After an Arrest in Tarrant County

If you’ve been arrested for aggravated assault in Tarrant County, you’ll be taken to the Tarrant County Jail and processed through booking. A magistrate will set your bond, typically within 24 to 48 hours. If you can post bond, you’ll be released with conditions pending your court dates.

Your case will be assigned to one of the felony district courts at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth. You’ll receive a court date for arraignment, where you’ll enter a plea. Most cases take several months to work through the court system, with multiple settings for negotiations, motions, and trial preparation.

The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes aggravated assault cases aggressively. Having experienced defense counsel from the start gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome, whether that means dismissal, charge reduction, or acquittal at trial.

Schedule a free consultation today. Call (817) 203-2220 to speak with an aggravated assault defense lawyer.

Why Choose Varghese Summersett?

Varghese Summersett is one of the largest criminal defense firms in Texas, with more than 70 team members across offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake. Our attorneys have secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions in criminal cases across the state.

We have former prosecutors on staff who understand how the other side builds cases. We have Board Certified criminal law specialists who have proven their expertise through rigorous testing and peer review. And we have trial lawyers who aren’t afraid to take your case to a jury when that’s what your case requires.

When you hire us, you get a team, not just one attorney. We have investigators, legal assistants, and support staff dedicated to building the strongest possible defense for every client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can aggravated assault charges be dropped in Texas?

Yes. The prosecutor has discretion to dismiss charges if there is insufficient evidence, if the alleged victim recants or refuses to cooperate, or if new evidence supports a defense such as self-defense. An experienced defense attorney can present evidence and arguments to the prosecutor that may result in dismissal before trial. In 2025 alone, our firm secured multiple dismissals in aggravated assault with deadly weapon cases in Tarrant County.

Is aggravated assault a felony in Texas?

Yes. Aggravated assault is always a felony in Texas. It is typically charged as a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. It becomes a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life, when the alleged victim is a family member, public servant, security officer, witness, or when certain other factors apply.

What is the difference between assault and aggravated assault?

Simple assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.01 involves causing bodily injury, threatening imminent bodily injury, or causing offensive physical contact. Aggravated assault requires either serious bodily injury or the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. The penalties for aggravated assault are significantly more severe.

Can I get probation for aggravated assault in Texas?

Probation is possible in some aggravated assault cases, but it depends on your criminal history, the facts of the case, and whether enhancements apply. Because aggravated assault is a 3G offense, if you are sentenced to prison, you must serve at least half your sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Deferred adjudication may be available and could result in no final conviction if you complete probation successfully.

How much is bond for aggravated assault in Tarrant County?

Based on our analysis of 52,320 bonds set in Tarrant County in 2025, the most common bond for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (§ 22.02(a)(2)) is $10,000, with an average of $35,189. Bonds increase significantly for enhanced charges. Aggravated assault against a public servant averages $108,000, and aggravated assault by a public servant averages over $150,000. If your bond is set too high, we can file a motion to reduce it.

An aggravated assault charge in Tarrant County is serious, but it is not the end. With the right defense team, you can fight these charges and protect your future. Call Varghese Summersett at (817) 203-2220 today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.