Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a crime that can severely injure or even kill a victim. In Texas, it’s one of the most severe assault charges, and carries harsh penalties to protect communities, punish aggressors, and discourage repeat offending. A person can be charged if, while committing an aggravated assault, they use:
- Firearms (guns);
- Knives;
- Vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.);
- Any object that can potentially cause serious harm or death.
For this charge, bail cost is high, bail denial is frequent, and jail sentences are long.
Aggravated assault usually carries a 2 to 20-year prison sentence, increased to 5 to 99+ years under some circumstances. Use of a deadly weapon increases sentencing severity.
If someone has been charged with this crime in San Antonio or Bexar County, they must understand the charges, their options, and the bail process.
What Is Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon in Texas? The Texas Penal Code defines aggravated assault as the commission of an assault during which someone:
- Causes serious bodily injury; or
- Uses or exhibits a deadly weapon.
A “deadly weapon” consists, in addition to firearms, of any object that can cause serious injury or death, like a tire iron or lead pipe. Even flashing a firearm during an aggravated assault can increase the charge.
How This Charge Is Classified This charge is generally a second-degree felony in Texas, but can become a first-degree felony in numerous instances, such as if:
- Seriously bodily injury is caused to a family member; or
- A victim is left paralyzed or in a vegetative state.
Jail Time for Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon In Texas, a second-degree felony carries between 2 and 20 years of incarceration.
A first-degree felony carries between 5 and 99 years or life in prison.
Both carry fines up to $10,000.
Prior convictions, injuries, and victim count can enhance sentences within the guidelines.
Why Many Defendants Remain in Jail Pre-Trial Because bail is high for this crime,
even bond is often prohibitively expensive. Bonds are also tightly conditioned to prevent further violence, and simple violations lead to re-arrest. Magistrates also sometimes deny bail based on community risk.
How Bail Works for This Charge in San Antonio Will Bail Be Allowed? Someone charged with aggravated assault is likely bail eligible, but bail will be expensive and strictly conditioned.
Factors That Influence Bail Amount Bail cost can increase if:
- The person charged used a firearm or knife;
- The alleged victim was injured in the alleged attack;
- The person charged has a prior criminal history;
- The assault occurred during a domestic dispute (family violence);
- The magistrate deems someone likely to endanger the community or flee prosecution.
Common Bond Conditions for Deadly Weapon Assault Cases No-contact orders Order legally prohibiting contact with the alleged victim(s), including casual, incidental, online, and through third-parties.
Firearm surrender The requirement to relinquish firearms.
Travel restrictions Restrictions from leaving a particular area.
Curfews or supervision Confinement to home after a certain hour, or personal oversight by another party.
GPS monitoring (in some cases) An ankle monitor that tracks location and alerts the court to violations.
How a Bail Bondsman Helps With Aggravated Assault Charges A bail bondsman covers the full bail cost, in exchange for a co-signer paying the bondsman a non-refundable percentage (often 10 percent). With experience working with the San Antonio jails and courts, a bondsman will coordinate as quick a release as possible, and will explain:
- Court imposed release conditions;
- Amount owed/payment options;
- Costs and punishments for violations;
- Responsibilities, financial and personal, for the case’s duration.
A good bondsman will help everyone understand payment timelines, check-ins, and court dates, for clarity at every step.
Trust signal: Experience handling serious felony bonds in San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aggravated assault with a deadly weapon bailable in Texas? Generally, yes, though case specifics may impact that.
How much is bail for aggravated assault in Bexar County? Bail for first-degree assault can reach or exceed $100,000.
How long can someone stay in jail before trial? Pre-trial detention can last weeks, months, or longer depending on the case. If prosecutors are not ready, someone may sometimes be able to argue for release after a certain timeframe.
What counts as a deadly weapon under Texas law? Any object capable of causing serious injury or death can be a deadly weapon.
Understanding the Process Can Reduce Stress
When trying to post bail for such a serious charge, taking informed steps is crucial. Experienced bail bondsmen can help navigate this difficult situation.
River City Bail Bonds knows the system and has a strong, longstanding presence in the San Antonio and Bexar County courts.
Call us. We’ll help you understand your options. We don’t judge; we help.
Disclaimer: River City Bail Bonds is a licensed bail bond agency, not a law firm. The content provided here is intended for general informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance about your specific charges or legal rights, contact a qualified Texas criminal defense attorney.
