What an Assault Charge Means in Texas
Texas Assault Guide
An assault charge in Texas can mean more than most people expect. Texas Penal Code Section 22.01 covers bodily injury allegations, threats of imminent bodily injury, and some physical contact allegations that are considered offensive or provocative. This guide explains the basic structure of the law, the charge levels people often see first, and the official Bexar County resources that can help you confirm the next step.
What the charge means
Texas Penal Code Section 22.01 defines assault in three common ways. The statute covers intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person. It also covers intentionally or knowingly threatening another with imminent bodily injury. A third subsection covers intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact when the person knows or should reasonably believe the other person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.
That is why an assault case does not always look the same. Some cases focus on an alleged injury. Others focus on a threat. Others focus on contact that the complainant says was offensive or provocative.
Not every assault charge is a felony
Texas law uses different charge levels depending on the exact allegation. Under Section 22.01, some assault allegations are filed as Class C misdemeanors, some are filed as Class A misdemeanors, and some can be enhanced to felony level. Texas Penal Code Section 22.02 separately defines aggravated assault, which generally involves serious bodily injury or the alleged use or exhibition of a deadly weapon.
In plain English, the label matters. Two cases may both be called assault in conversation but carry very different exposure in court.
Common charge levels
- Threat based and offensive contact allegations are often filed as Class C misdemeanors
- Bodily injury assault is often filed as a Class A misdemeanor
- Section 22.01 includes enhancements that can raise some assault allegations to felony level
- Aggravated assault under Section 22.02 is generally a felony charge
Texas Penal Code Sections 12.21, 12.22, and 12.23 define the general punishment ranges for Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanors.
What the State generally has to prove
- The specific assaultive conduct charged in the complaint, information, or indictment
- The mental state required for that subsection of the statute
- Your identity as the person alleged to have committed the offense
The exact proof can include statements, witness accounts, medical records, photographs, 911 audio, body camera footage, or other evidence collected after the incident.
What can raise the stakes quickly
- An allegation of serious bodily injury
- An allegation involving a deadly weapon
- Prior assaultive history or prior family violence findings
- Impeding breathing or circulation allegations
- Protected victim categories listed in the statute
If any of those issues appear in the paperwork, it is worth slowing down and reading the charging language carefully. The case may be operating on a different level than the initial conversation suggests.
How a Bexar County assault case often starts
Immediately after arrest
The Bexar County Central Magistrate processes arrests made within Bexar County for Class B offenses and above. Bond timing, magistration, and early release questions often begin there.
Misdemeanor assault settings
Bexar County Criminal County Courts handle misdemeanor criminal cases where the punishment can be a fine not exceeding 4,000 dollars or a jail sentence not exceeding one year. Many misdemeanor assault cases begin in that system.
Felony assault settings
Bexar County Criminal District Courts have original jurisdiction over felony criminal matters. When an assault allegation is filed at the felony level, District Clerk criminal operations and criminal district court administration become more important.
Release and reporting issues
Depending on the bond conditions, Pretrial Services or the Sheriff’s Office may also be relevant for release processing, reporting instructions, or custody related information.
What to do now
- Keep the citation, bond papers, and any protective order paperwork together
- Write down the arrest date, case number, court date, and agency involved
- Save photos, messages, call logs, or names of witnesses if they may matter later
- Confirm the court location before leaving home
- Review the court day preparation guide so the logistics do not become another problem
What to gather for a lawyer
- The complaint, citation, bond conditions, and any protective order documents
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Photos, videos, screenshots, or medical records you already have
- Information about any prior assaultive cases, if any
- Questions about work restrictions, travel, firearms issues, or no-contact conditions
Official Texas and Bexar County resources
These offices can help you confirm court assignments, arrest processing, release information, or felony court records. If the public page lists a number, this guide uses it. If the public page does not, this guide says so plainly.
| Office or resource | Why it may help | Phone | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bexar County Central Magistrate | Magistration, early arrest processing, and bond timing questions | (210) 335 6111 | Central Magistrate |
| Bexar County Criminal County Courts | Misdemeanor criminal court system information and court contacts | (210) 335 2011 | Criminal County Courts |
| Bexar County District Clerk Criminal Division | Felony records, first settings, subpoenas, appeals, and related district court filing questions | (210) 335 2591 | District Clerk Criminal Division |
| Bexar County Criminal District Court Administration | Administrative support for felony courts and related criminal district court resources | (210) 335 0584 | Criminal District Court Administration |
| Bexar County Pretrial Services | Reporting locations, supervision information, and release support | (210) 335 8964 | Pretrial Services |
| Bexar County Sheriff’s Office | Custody related information and recent arrest resources | (210) 335 6010 | Sheriff’s Office |
Related reading
How Forrest Good helps
Forrest Good represents people facing assault and related criminal charges in San Antonio and across Bexar County. He can review the charging subsection, explain whether the case is moving through a misdemeanor or felony court track, and help you understand which conditions or deadlines deserve immediate attention.
If you want direct guidance about the next step, contact Forrest Good. If the charge is one of several allegations in the case, his broader criminal defense page is a useful place to start.
Frequently asked questions
Does an assault charge require a visible injury
No. Texas Penal Code Section 22.01 covers more than bodily injury allegations. It also covers some threats of imminent bodily injury and some physical contact allegations considered offensive or provocative.
Is every assault charge a felony
No. Some assault allegations are misdemeanors. Others can be enhanced to felony level. Aggravated assault is generally a felony charge under Section 22.02.
What is aggravated assault in Texas
Texas Penal Code Section 22.02 generally covers assault allegations involving serious bodily injury or the alleged use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. It usually carries felony exposure and can increase further in listed circumstances.
Where will an assault case be heard in Bexar County
That depends on the charge level. Many misdemeanor assault cases begin in the criminal county court system. Felony assault allegations move through the criminal district court system.
Official sources
- Texas Penal Code Section 22.01, Assault
- Texas Penal Code Section 22.02, Aggravated Assault
- Texas Penal Code Section 12.21, Class A Misdemeanor
- Texas Penal Code Section 12.22, Class B Misdemeanor
- Texas Penal Code Section 12.23, Class C Misdemeanor
- Bexar County Central Magistrate
- Bexar County Criminal County Courts
- Bexar County District Clerk Criminal Division
- Bexar County Criminal District Court Administration
- Bexar County Pretrial Services Office Locations and Hours
- Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
Last verified: March 16, 2026
Disclaimer
This page provides general public information and does not provide legal advice. The exact charging subsection, relationship allegations, prior history, and case facts can change the legal exposure quickly.