Texas Assault on an Officer Lawyers

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EXPOSING THE TRUTH

Secrets of the Texas Criminal Justice System and Your Rights

Although assault on an officer falls under the assault category, the consequences are usually more severe compared to assaulting an ordinary person. If you assault a member of a protected class, like law enforcement officers, doctors, ambulance drivers, or fire department personnel, increased charges may apply.
Suppose you’re accused of assaulting a person in the categories mentioned. In that case, it’s crucial to contact us promptly to start building your defense. The following provides more details on how charges for assaulting an officer are handled differently.

Assault on an Officer in Texas

As per Texas law, specifically Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b), assault includes three different actions:

  • Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person.
  • Threatening someone with immediate physical harm on purpose.
  • Making physical contact with a person, that is deliberately offensive or provocative.


To understand what assault means, let’s make sure we know the meaning of important words.

Intentional, Knowing, or Reckless

Refers to different mental states that a person may have when engaging in a particular act. These mental states play a crucial role in determining an individual’s level of criminal intent.

Texas Penal Code Ann. § 6.03 provides definitions for these three psychological states. Here’s a breakdown of each term:

  1. Intentional: This means a person acted on purpose, with a clear goal in mind. They know exactly what they’re doing, and they want a specific result.
  2. Knowing: When someone acts knowingly, they are aware of or have a good idea that their actions will lead to a certain result. They may not necessarily want that result, but they understand the likely outcome.
  3. Reckless: Being reckless means knowingly ignoring a significant and unjustifiable risk linked to one’s actions. A reckless person is aware of the potential harm or consequences but goes ahead with their actions anyway.

Penalties for Assaulting an Officer in Texas

In Texas, assault on a police officer is a serious matter with stricter penalties. It can elevate your charge from a misdemeanor to one of the following:

  • A third-degree felony assault can lead to up to a 10-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.
  • Second-degree felonies can result in 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
  • First-degree aggravated assaults have a minimum prison term of five years. The maximum prison term is life imprisonment. The seriousness of the injuries and the circumstances of the attack on a government worker determine how long the punishment will be.

Consult with Texas Criminal Defense Group Today

We are a team of highly skilled and experienced lawyers at your disposal. Our goal is always to get your assault on an officer case dismissed, and we use our large docket and experience to your advantage in that regard.

At Texas Criminal Defense Group, cost-of-trial is always included in our fees should that be an advantageous route for your case, and our dedication to the pursuit of Justice shows in over 500 5-star reviews from our hundreds of satisfied clients.

With offices conveniently located throughout Texas, our law firm ensures accessibility for individuals facing charges across the state.

Contact us today to begin your free consultation.

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