austin juvenile ASSAULT
A variety of activity and conduct can result in assault charges, including actions such as threatening another individual, placing someone in imminent harm or danger, causing the injury of another individual, or attempting to cause harm to another individual.1 Depending on the severity of the incident, in an assault case, prosecutors must be able to prove that the person charged:
- deliberately, knowingly, or recklessly injured another person
- deliberately or knowingly threatened someone with imminent injury
- deliberately or knowingly caused physical contact with someone that the offender knows or should have reasonably known would be provocative or offensive to the victim.2
According to the statute, no injury is required to the other person for an assault to occur. Hitting someone could lead to a juvenile assault charge, as well as threatening to hit someone. Assault is charged as a Class A misdemeanor; however, the severity of the charge may increase depending on who was assaulted (ex. a public servant) and how the assault occurred (ex. by strangulation or a deadly weapon).3
Aggravated Assault
A juvenile who commits an assault under § 22.01, and causes serious bodily injury, or uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault will be charged with aggravated assault in Texas.4 A deadly weapon is not only a gun or a knife in Texas. A deadly weapon is defined as “a firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury, or anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.”5 Under this definition, a fist, baseball bat, and a rock can all qualify as a deadly weapon depending on the intended use. A juvenile who commits an aggravated assault will be charged with a second-degree felony.6 However, it may be enhanced to a felony of the first degree depending on the victim of the assault.7
Assault Family Violence
A juvenile commits assault family violence against a member of their family or household when the juvenile acts in a way that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or makes threats that reasonably place a member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.8
In Texas, a family includes relatives determined by Sections 573.022 and 573.024 of the Texas Government Code, former spouses, parents of the same child regardless of marital status, and a foster child and foster parent, whether or not they reside together.9 A household is considered a unit of people living together in the same dwelling, and they do not need to be related.10 A member of a household includes those currently living in the same household and those who previously lived in the household.11
Juvenile Offenders in Texas
The State of Texas treats the juvenile offenders differently than adult defendants. Unlike the adult criminal system, juvenile cases are largely governed by the Texas Family Code. Also, juvenile delinquency is treated with the goal of rehabilitation instead of punishment. Instead of being convicted and prosecuted as a criminal offender, a juvenile is generally prosecuted for “delinquency” in Texas. Similar to the adult criminal justice system though, juveniles maintain the right to a trial by jury. However, unlike with adults, the judge, rather than a jury, determines the punishment of a child adjudicated delinquent for committing a criminal act.
The State of Texas can prosecute any assaults causing injury, even if the injuries are not serious. If the injuries are serious, however, the case may be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony. Whatever the charge may be, potential punishments include probation, community service, anger management classes, substance abuse treatment programs, placement in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, restitution, repayment, and fines.
Need Help?
Are you or is your child facing a juvenile charge for an assaultive crime in Texas? You need an experienced juvenile defense attorney on your side. Rick Cofer has years of experience defending juveniles charged with assault, aggravated assault and assault family violence. Call The Law Office of Rick Cofer today at (512) 200-3801 or contact us through the online form for help.