The Turnbull Edge: what gives our Harris County assault lawyers an advantage
Most attorneys have spent their entire career on one side of the courtroom. Ned Turnbull has worked the courtroom from every angle — and that changes what's possible for your defense.
- Insider perspective. As a former Chief Prosecutor, Ned understands exactly how prosecutors build assault cases, and he knows where those strategies are weakest. As a former State District Court Judge, he knows how judges evaluate evidence, what arguments land, and what procedural moves can change the trajectory of a case before it ever reaches trial. That dual vantage point is extraordinarily rare — and it's the foundation of every defense strategy we build.
- Deep local court knowledge. Ned has tried hundreds of cases in Texas courts, knows how the prosecutors and judges handle assault cases, and understands the unwritten rules and culture of these courtrooms. This institutional knowledge can often be the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
- 200+ felony jury trials. Ned is qualified as trial counsel in death penalty cases. Which means there is no assault charge in Harris County, simple or aggravated, that exceeds the scope of what our firm is prepared to handle.
The best criminal attorneys in Houston do more than just handle their client’s cases — they give them an advantage when their futures are on the line.
Should I get a lawyer for simple assault?
The short answer is yes, you should get a lawyer for a simple assault charge. People assume that because an assault charge is classified as "simple," it isn’t serious. That assumption is one of the most costly mistakes you can make. Even a Class A misdemeanor assault conviction carries consequences that follow you for life.
Beyond the direct penalties (jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record for a violent crime), a misdemeanor assault conviction can escalate dramatically if you face any future charges — courts take prior criminal history seriously, and what seems minor today can become a serious liability tomorrow. In domestic situations, a conviction can affect child custody proceedings and trigger federal firearms restrictions.
If you've been charged with assault in Houston — regardless of the severity of the charge — speaking with a Harris County assault lawyer is not optional. It's essential. The earlier you have a good attorney in your corner, the more options we have to challenge the charge, negotiate with prosecutors, or build a case for dismissal.
An overview of the Texas penal code on assault
Texas assault law is governed by Section 22.01 of the Texas Penal Code, which defines assault and establishes the conditions under which a person can be charged.
Under Texas law, a person commits assault if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
- Cause bodily injury to another person
- Threaten another person with imminent bodily injury
- Cause physical contact with another person that the offender knows or reasonably should know the victim will regard as offensive or provocative
These categories cover a wide range of conduct — from a punch thrown in a parking lot to a threat made during an argument to an unwanted physical contact that causes no injury at all. The broad scope of Texas assault law means that people sometimes face charges without fully understanding that their conduct crossed a legal line.
A note on “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly”
The mental state behind the action is one of the most important — and most contested — elements of any assault charge. Texas assault charges often hinge on what the defendant intended or knew at the time of the conduct, and "recklessly" sets a lower bar than many people realize.
Under the Texas Penal Code, a person acts recklessly when they “consciously disregard a substantial and unjustifiable risk that their conduct will cause a particular result.”
This means that even without intent to harm, a person can be charged with assault if their actions created a meaningful risk of injury that they chose to ignore. This element of the law is frequently at issue in assault cases, and it's one of the areas where an experienced defense attorney can make the greatest impact — by challenging whether the prosecution can actually prove the required mental state beyond a reasonable doubt.
What are the types of assault?
Because the Texas assault laws are so broad, the charge you face will depend on the circumstances of the offense, the nature of any injuries, and whether weapons or aggravating factors were involved.
Simple assault (generally misdemeanor assault)
Simple assault — what the Texas Penal Code refers to without aggravating enhancements — is typically charged as a misdemeanor, though the level of the misdemeanor depends on the specific conduct alleged. Threatening someone without physical contact is generally a Class C misdemeanor, while actually causing bodily injury to another person is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor.
However, "simple" assault can be elevated to a felony under certain circumstances, including when the victim is a public servant, a family or household member in situations involving prior domestic violence history, or when the assault is committed by strangulation. What seems like a misdemeanor situation can quickly become a felony based on the relationship between the parties or the manner of the assault.
Aggravated assault
Aggravated assault is a much more serious charge. If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault, you’re looking at a felony with the possibility of a long stint in prison. What makes an assault aggravated? Aggravating factors include:
- Serious bodily injury is defined as injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes permanent disfigurement or loss of a bodily organ or function.
- The use of a deadly weapon, which can be anything from a firearm to a beer bottle, as long as the object is used in the manner of a deadly weapon.
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Texas is among the most serious non-capital felonies a person can face in the state. The potential consequences are severe, and the prosecution typically pursues these cases aggressively. If you're facing an aggravated assault charge in Harris County, you need experienced felony representation immediately.
Possible penalties for an assault charge in Texas
The penalties for assault in Texas vary significantly based on how the charge is classified. The chart below outlines the typical penalty ranges across the most common assault charge levels.
It's important to understand that these ranges represent what the law allows — not necessarily what happens in every case. An experienced Harris County assault attorney can make a significant difference in where your outcome falls within these ranges, and in many cases, secure outright dismissals depending on the strength of the evidence and the circumstances of your case.
Beyond the immediate criminal penalties, a conviction — even at the misdemeanor level — can create long-term consequences that the chart above doesn't fully capture. Employment background checks, professional licensing boards, firearm eligibility, and immigration status can all be affected by an assault conviction on your record.
Possible defenses for an assault charge in Houston
Assault charges in Texas are not automatic convictions. There are well-established legal defenses available to defendants, and an experienced attorney will evaluate every available avenue based on the specific facts of your case. Some of the most common and effective defenses in Houston assault cases include the following.
No defense strategy is universal. The approach that's right for your case depends entirely on the facts, the evidence, and the specific charge you're facing. At Turnbull Legal Group, we begin every case with a thorough review of everything the State has — and everything they may be missing.
Houston assault lawyer FAQ
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Houston?
Criminal defense attorney fees in Texas vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the charges, and whether the case proceeds to trial. For a misdemeanor assault, costs will typically be lower than in felony cases, which can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
At Turnbull Legal Group, we discuss fees transparently during your free consultation, with no pressure and no ambiguity. We believe that anyone facing criminal charges deserves to understand exactly what they're getting and what it will cost. For context, the right investment in an experienced attorney regularly results in charge reductions, dismissals, or significantly lighter sentences — outcomes that more than justify the cost when you weigh them against the long-term consequences of a conviction.
Can an assault charge be reduced or dismissed in Texas?
Yes, and it happens more often than people realize — particularly when a defendant has an attorney involved from the beginning of the process. Charge reductions, deferred adjudication, and outright dismissals are all possible outcomes in Texas assault cases, depending on the strength of the evidence, the criminal history of the defendant, the nature of the alleged offense, and the quality of the defense presented.
What should I do immediately after being charged with assault in Houston?
The single most important thing you can do after an assault arrest is to exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense attorney as quickly as possible.
- Do not make statements to police without an attorney present.
- Do not attempt to contact the alleged victim or any witnesses — this can result in additional charges.
- Preserve any evidence that may support your defense, including text messages, photographs, video footage, or witness contact information, and make sure your attorney has access to it.
Does Turnbull Legal Group handle domestic violence assault charges?
Yes. Assault charges arising out of domestic situations carry their own complexities and require specific defense experience. Our domestic violence defense attorneys in Houston handle these cases with the seriousness and discretion they require.
Domestic assault charges frequently involve contested accounts of events, complicated family dynamics, and the potential for significant collateral consequences beyond the criminal case itself. Our team is experienced in navigating all of it.
Charged with assault in Houston? Defend your life with our Harris County assault lawyers.
An assault charge in Houston is serious — but with the right representation, it doesn’t have to become a conviction. The key is acting quickly and choosing a defense attorney with the experience, local knowledge, and courtroom credibility to actually fight for you.
Turnbull Legal Group's Houston assault attorneys bring something to your defense that most firms simply cannot offer: the combined perspective of a former State District Court Judge, a former Chief Prosecutor, and a seasoned trial attorney with over 200 felony jury trials and 25 years of courtroom experience. We have tried cases in Harris County. We know the system. We know how to use that knowledge to protect you.
If you or someone you love is facing charges, don’t wait. The earlier you involve defense counsel, the more strategic options you have. From simple assault to aggravated allegations or cases involving domestic violence, our team is prepared to step in and protect your future.
Whether you need an assault attorney or a Houston DWI lawyer, Turnbull Legal Group is here to fight for your life. Contact us today or call us at (832) 314-3232 for a free consultation. Put a former judge in your corner — and turn insider knowledge into your tactical advantage.
Don't Wait, Get Legal Help: Protect Your Rights
Facing assault charges can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face them alone. We can mount a robust defense and protect your future with every resource we have. Contact Turnbull Legal Group for a free consultation to discuss your case.
