Tarrant County Assault Lawyer | Fort Worth Defense Attorneys

An assault charge in Tarrant County can derail your life, threatening your freedom, your job, and your relationships. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor assault by contact or a felony aggravated assault, the stakes are high and the consequences are real. You need a defense team that knows Tarrant County courts and has a proven track record of getting charges dismissed or reduced.

At Varghese Summersett, our Fort Worth assault lawyers have secured over 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions across Texas. Our Tarrant County assault lawyer knows how to fight assault cases in Tarrant County because we’ve done it hundreds of times. If you’ve been charged with any type of assault, call (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation.

What Assault Means Under Texas Law

Texas law defines assault broadly under Texas Penal Code § 22.01. You can be charged with assault in three different ways:

• Assault by threat: Intentionally or knowingly threatening another person with imminent bodily injury
• Assault by contact: Intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another person when you know or should reasonably believe they will find the contact offensive or provocative
• Assault causing bodily injury: Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person

What surprises many people is that you don’t have to actually hurt someone to face assault charges. A threat or unwanted physical contact can be enough. This is why so many assault cases in Tarrant County stem from arguments that escalate quickly, even when no one is seriously injured.

Types of Assault Charges in Tarrant County

Assault charges in Tarrant County range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. The specific charge depends on factors like who was involved, what injuries occurred, and whether you have prior convictions.

Misdemeanor Assault Charges

Assault by contact and assault by threat are Class C misdemeanors, the lowest level criminal offense in Texas. These charges carry a maximum fine of $500 and no jail time. However, if the alleged victim is an elderly or disabled person, assault by contact becomes a Class A misdemeanor.

Assault causing bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in the Tarrant County Jail and a fine up to $4,000. This is the most common assault charge prosecutors file in Tarrant County.

Felony Assault Charges

Assault charges can be enhanced to felonies in several situations. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b), assault becomes a third-degree felony if:

• The victim is a public servant, emergency services personnel, security officer, or hospital worker performing their duties
• You have a previous conviction for assault family violence
• The assault involves impeding the victim’s breath or circulation (choking or strangulation)
• The victim is pregnant and you knew or should have known about the pregnancy

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b-2), assault against a peace officer or judge becomes a second-degree felony if you cause bodily injury while they are lawfully performing their duties.

Aggravated assault is defined under Texas Penal Code § 22.02 and involves causing serious bodily injury or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the assault. Aggravated assault is a second-degree felony, but becomes a first-degree felony when committed against certain protected individuals or in domestic violence situations.

Penalties for Assault in Tarrant County

The punishment for assault depends on how the offense is classified:

• Class C Misdemeanor (assault by threat, assault by contact): Fine up to $500, no jail time
• Class B Misdemeanor (assault causing bodily injury to a sports participant): Up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000
• Class A Misdemeanor (assault causing bodily injury): Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $4,000
• Third-Degree Felony (enhanced assault): 2 to 10 years in prison, fine up to $10,000
• Second-Degree Felony (aggravated assault): 2 to 20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000
• First-Degree Felony (aggravated assault with enhancements): 5 to 99 years or life in prison, fine up to $10,000

Beyond these penalties, an assault conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, obtain professional licenses, possess firearms, and maintain custody of your children. If your case involves family violence, you may also face a protective order that restricts where you can go and who you can contact.

The consequences are too serious to face without experienced legal help. Talk to our defense team today by calling (817) 203-2220.

What to Expect for Bond in Tarrant County Assault Cases

If you’re arrested for assault in Tarrant County, one of your first concerns will be getting out of jail. Bond amounts vary significantly based on the type of assault charge and your criminal history.

Our analysis of over 6,400 assault-related bonds set in Tarrant County in 2025 shows the following typical bond amounts:

• Assault causing bodily injury (Texas Penal Code § 22.01(a)(1)): The most common bond set is $1,000, with an average around $1,850
• Assault family member causing bodily injury (Texas Penal Code § 22.01(a)(1)): The most common bond set is $1,000, with an average around $2,050
• Assault family member impeding breath/circulation (Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b)(2)(B)): The most common bond set is $10,000, with an average around $13,700
• Assault family member with previous conviction (Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b)(2)(A)): The most common bond set is $10,000, with an average around $16,500
• Assault on a public servant (Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b)(1)): The most common bond set is $5,000, with an average around $9,000
• Assault on a peace officer or judge (Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b-2)): The most common bond set is $5,000, with an average around $15,000
• Assault of a pregnant person (Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b)(8)): The most common bond set is $5,000, with an average around $10,200
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (Texas Penal Code § 22.02(a)(2)): The most common bond set is $10,000, with an average around $35,000
• Aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury (Texas Penal Code § 22.02(a)(1)): The most common bond set is $15,000, with an average around $45,600

Several factors can increase or decrease your bond amount, including whether you have prior arrests or convictions, the severity of the alleged injuries, your ties to the community, and whether the alleged victim sought a protective order. A Fort Worth bail bonds lawyer can help you navigate this process and work to secure the lowest possible bond.

How Our Lawyers Have Won Assault Cases in Tarrant County

Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of assault cases in Tarrant County. Here are some examples of the results we’ve achieved for our clients:

Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon (Case No. eg) – Dismissed: Our client was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Tarrant County, a second-degree felony that carries 2 to 20 years in prison. Our defense team thoroughly investigated the case and identified weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. The charges were completely dismissed.

Multiple Assault Charges (Case Nos. 1859648-1859652) – All Dismissed: In a Tarrant County case involving multiple assault causing bodily injury charges, our attorneys secured dismissals on every single count. This client faced the possibility of years behind bars, but walked away without a conviction.

Assault Impeding Breath – Charges Rejected: Our client was facing potential felony charges for assault impeding breath. Before formal charges were filed, our attorneys presented evidence and legal arguments to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office. The DA rejected the case and no charges were ever filed.

Aggravated Assault Reduced to Misdemeanor (Case No. 1854290): A client charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon was facing serious prison time. Through skilled negotiation, our team was able to reduce the charge to assault causing bodily injury with one year of deferred adjudication probation, avoiding a felony conviction.

Assault of a Pregnant Person (Case No. 1869088) – Dismissed: Our client was charged with assault of a pregnant person under Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b)(8), a third-degree felony. Our investigation revealed problems with the prosecution’s case, and we were able to secure a complete dismissal.

Assault Family Member with Previous Conviction (Case No. 1839896) – Dismissed: Our client faced enhanced felony assault charges due to a prior family violence conviction. Despite the serious nature of the charges, our attorneys secured a full dismissal.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.

Ready to discuss your case? Contact us for a free consultation at (817) 203-2220.

Common Defenses to Assault Charges

Texas law recognizes several defenses that can result in an acquittal or dismissal of assault charges. The best defense strategy depends on the specific facts of your case.

Self-Defense

Under Texas Penal Code § 9.31, you are justified in using force against another person when and to the degree you reasonably believe force is immediately necessary to protect yourself against the other person’s use or attempted use of unlawful force. Self-defense is one of the most common defenses in assault cases, particularly when the alleged victim was the initial aggressor.

Defense of Others

Texas law also permits you to use force to protect a third person if you reasonably believe that person would be justified in using force to defend themselves and your intervention is immediately necessary.

Lack of Intent

Assault charges require proof that you acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly. If the contact was purely accidental and you had no awareness that your actions could cause harm, this may be a valid defense.

False Accusation

Unfortunately, false accusations of assault happen frequently, especially in cases involving family disputes, custody battles, or divorce proceedings. Witnesses, text messages, social media posts, and other evidence can help expose false claims.

Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must prove every element of assault beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, contradictory, or incomplete, we may be able to get charges dismissed or win an acquittal at trial.

What Happens After an Assault Arrest in Tarrant County

Understanding the criminal court process can help reduce some of the uncertainty you’re feeling. Here’s what typically happens after an assault arrest in Tarrant County:

Arrest and booking: You’ll be taken to the Tarrant County Jail, fingerprinted, photographed, and booked into the system. Depending on your charge, you may see a magistrate who will set bail.

Initial appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest, you’ll appear before a magistrate who will inform you of the charges, advise you of your rights, and may adjust your bail.

Filing of charges: The prosecutor reviews the evidence and decides whether to file formal charges. For felonies, the case must be presented to a grand jury for indictment.

Arraignment: You’ll appear in court to formally hear the charges and enter a plea. Most defendants plead not guilty at this stage to preserve all options.

Pretrial proceedings: Your attorney will receive discovery (evidence from the prosecution), file motions, investigate the case, interview witnesses, and negotiate with prosecutors.

Resolution: Many assault cases are resolved through negotiation, resulting in dismissed charges, reduced charges, or favorable plea agreements. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial.

Assault cases in Tarrant County are heard at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth for felonies and the Tarrant County criminal courts for misdemeanors.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire our firm to defend your assault case, you get a team of over 70 legal professionals working on your behalf. Our Tarrant County criminal defense attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the other side builds their cases.

We will thoroughly investigate your case, identifying every weakness in the prosecution’s evidence. We will keep you informed at every step, explaining your options and our strategy in plain language. We will fight aggressively to protect your rights, whether that means negotiating for a dismissal or taking your case to trial.

We have offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake, making it convenient to meet with us wherever you’re located. And we offer free consultations on all criminal defense cases, so you have nothing to lose by calling us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Charges in Tarrant County

Can assault charges be dropped if the victim doesn’t want to press charges?

The victim does not have the power to drop charges. Only the prosecutor can dismiss a case. However, if the alleged victim refuses to cooperate or recants their statement, it becomes much harder for the prosecution to prove the case. An affidavit of non-prosecution from the victim can be helpful, but it doesn’t guarantee the charges will be dropped. Prosecutors often proceed with cases even when the victim is uncooperative, particularly in family violence situations.

What is the difference between assault and aggravated assault?

Aggravated assault involves either causing serious bodily injury (an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes permanent disfigurement or impairment) or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the assault. Simple assault involves lesser injuries or the threat of injury without a weapon. Aggravated assault is always a felony, while simple assault can be a misdemeanor.

Will I go to jail for a first-time assault charge?

Not necessarily. Many first-time assault defendants are eligible for deferred adjudication probation, pretrial diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration. The outcome depends on the specific charge, the evidence, the alleged victim’s injuries, and the skill of your defense attorney. Our goal is always to help you avoid jail and keep your record clean.

How long does an assault case take in Tarrant County?

Assault cases can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s docket, and the strength of the evidence. Misdemeanor cases typically move faster than felonies. Some cases can be resolved quickly through negotiation, while others require more time for investigation and motions.

Can I get an assault charge expunged from my record?

If your case is dismissed or you are acquitted, you may be eligible for expunction, which completely erases the arrest from your record. If you receive deferred adjudication probation and successfully complete it, you may be eligible for an order of nondisclosure, which seals your record from most public searches. However, certain assault offenses involving family violence may not be eligible for nondisclosure.

Talk to a Tarrant County Assault Lawyer Today

An assault charge doesn’t have to define your future. With the right defense, charges can be dismissed, reduced, or beaten at trial. Our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyers have the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Call Varghese Summersett today at (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.