Laredo Defense Attorney Handling Aggravated Assault Charges
Aggravated Assault Defense | Laredo, Texas
Accused of Aggravated Assault? Call Joey First.
An aggravated-assault charge can affect your freedom, employment, family, firearm rights, and future. Former Chief Prosecutor Joey Tellez provides direct defense for people facing serious felony assault allegations in Laredo and Webb County.
The first version of what happened is not always the full story. Early investigation can matter when the case involves conflicting accounts, self-defense, disputed injuries, or an allegation that an object was used as a deadly weapon.
The Full Story Matters
The First Version of the Story Is Not Always the Full Story.
Aggravated-assault cases may begin with an emotional 911 call, incomplete witness accounts, assumptions made at the scene, or injuries whose cause and severity are disputed.
A defense should examine what happened before, during, and after the incident—not simply accept the accusation as the complete account.
Understanding the Charge
What Can Make an Assault Charge “Aggravated” in Texas?
Aggravated assault generally involves an alleged assault together with one of two additional circumstances. The exact charge, punishment range, and available defenses depend on the specific allegations and facts.
Serious Bodily Injury
The State may allege that the incident caused an injury involving a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or a prolonged loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ.
Use or Exhibition of a Deadly Weapon
The State may allege that a firearm, knife, vehicle, or another object was used or displayed in a manner capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.
Aggravated assault is commonly charged as a second-degree felony, but certain allegations can increase the level of the offense. The proper analysis depends on the exact statutory subsection and facts.
Defense Issues
Questions That May Shape an Aggravated-Assault Defense
Self-Defense
Did the accused reasonably believe force was immediately necessary to protect against another person's use or attempted use of unlawful force?
Defense of Another
Was the accused acting to protect another person from an immediate threat?
Accident or Lack of Intent
Did the injury result from an accident, confusion, or conduct that did not meet the required mental state?
Conflicting Accounts
Do the 911 call, witness statements, body-camera footage, or later accounts conflict with one another?
Serious Bodily Injury
Do the medical records and other evidence support the level of injury the State is alleging?
Deadly-Weapon Allegation
Was the object used or displayed in a way that legally supports a deadly-weapon finding?
Building the Record
Evidence That Can Matter in an Aggravated-Assault Case
Former Chief Prosecutor
Why Choose Joey Tellez?
Joey's background as a former Chief Prosecutor gives him insight into how felony cases are evaluated, charged, and presented.
He reviews the evidence, identifies disputed issues, and explains the available options in direct language.
Clients work directly with Joey throughout the case and receive clear answers about the process, risks, and next steps.
What Happens Next
The Felony Case Process in Webb County
01
Arrest and Bond
The court may address release conditions, protective orders, firearm restrictions, and other immediate issues.
02
Investigation
The defense identifies witnesses, obtains records and video, reviews injuries, and develops the factual timeline.
03
Grand Jury or Indictment
Depending on the case, the matter may be presented to a grand jury before a formal felony indictment.
04
Discovery and Motions
The defense reviews the State's evidence and considers any appropriate legal or evidentiary challenges.
05
Resolution or Trial
The next step depends on the evidence, available defenses, negotiations, and the client's informed decisions.
Common Questions
Aggravated Assault Defense FAQs
Is aggravated assault always a felony in Texas?
Aggravated assault is a felony offense. The degree of the felony and potential punishment depend on the exact allegations, the alleged victim, and the statutory subsection involved.
Can I claim self-defense?
Self-defense may apply when a person reasonably believed force was immediately necessary against another person's use or attempted use of unlawful force. Whether it applies depends on the full circumstances.
Does an object have to be a gun or knife to qualify as a deadly weapon?
Not necessarily. The analysis may depend on what the object was, how it was allegedly used, and whether its use was capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.
What happens if the complaining witness no longer wants to press charges?
The State—not the complaining witness—decides whether to continue a criminal case. A change in position may still affect the evidence and should be evaluated carefully.
Can an aggravated-assault charge be dismissed or reduced?
That may be possible in some cases, but no result can be promised. The answer depends on the evidence, injuries, witnesses, defenses, and whether the State can prove every required element.
Talk to Tellez Law
Facing an Aggravated-Assault Charge? Call Joey First.
Speak directly with Joey Tellez about the accusation, evidence, court process, and decisions ahead.
Call (956) 717-8200 Request a Confidential Consultation
This page provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances.