What to Expect From Your Lawyer After an Assault Charge

A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Attorney’s Role in Your Defense

If you’ve been charged with assault or aggravated assault in Texas, one of the first things you’ll hear is: “Get a good lawyer.” But what does that actually mean in practice? What does a lawyer do after they take your case? How can you tell if they’re doing what they should to protect your rights?

This post will walk you through exactly what to expect from your criminal defense attorney after an assault charge, from the first consultation to the final outcome. Whether your case is in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, or Brazoria County, this guide helps you understand the legal process and how your lawyer should support you every step of the way.

Your Lawyer’s Job: Defend, Advise, Protect

A good criminal defense attorney near you will do more than just show up in court. They will:

• Analyze the evidence
• Develop a strategic defense
• Guide you through each phase of the case
• Protect your constitutional rights
• Seek the best possible outcome for you — whether dismissal, reduction, or acquittal

Let’s break down what that process actually looks like in a typical Texas assault case.

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

After you hire your attorney, they will:

• Review your arrest documents and probable cause affidavit
• Ask you for your version of what happened
• Evaluate what type of assault charge you’re facing (Class A misdemeanor, aggravated assault, family violence, etc.)

See: How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Assault Charges
See: Questions to Ask During an Assault Case Consultation

You should leave this first meeting with a clear understanding of:

• The charges and penalties you’re facing
• Your legal options
• The next steps in your case

2. Investigating the Facts

A quality defense starts with a thorough investigation. Your lawyer should:

• Request discovery from the prosecution
• Review body camera footage, police reports, and witness statements
• Examine medical records, photographs, or surveillance video
• Identify inconsistencies or evidentiary weaknesses

See: What Evidence Is Used in Assault Investigations?
See: Role of Police Reports, Medical Records, and Witness Statements

In some cases, your attorney may hire a private investigator or expert witness to support your defense strategy.

3. Protecting Your Constitutional Rights

Your lawyer near you will ensure that your rights were not violated during the investigation or arrest. They may:

• File a Motion to Suppress Evidence if your rights were violated
• Challenge any statements obtained without proper Miranda warnings
• Dispute unlawful searches or seizures

See: Motion to Suppress Evidence in Assault Trials
See: Police Misconduct or Rights Violations in Assault Cases

4. Building a Strategic Defense

Your attorney should be thinking several steps ahead and developing one or more of the following defense strategies:

• Self-defense
• Lack of intent or accident
• False accusation or mistaken identity
• Mutual combat
• No credible evidence or insufficient proof

See: Self-Defense in Assault and Aggravated Assault Cases
See: Lack of Intent: Accidental vs. Intentional Harm
See: Mistaken Identity in Assault Arrests

5. Pretrial Hearings and Court Appearances

Your lawyer will represent you at:

• Arraignment
• Pretrial settings
• Discovery hearings
• Bond condition modifications
• Protective order hearings (if applicable)

You should expect your attorney to:

• Appear on time and prepared
• Speak on your behalf in court
• Keep you informed about what’s happening

See: What Happens After an Assault Arrest in Texas
See: Responding to a Protective Order in Harris County

6. Negotiating Plea Offers (If Appropriate)

If the case cannot be dismissed early, your attorney may explore plea negotiations to reduce the charges or penalties. This could involve:

• Deferred adjudication
• Class C reductions
• Anger management or counseling as part of the deal

Your lawyer should explain all offers clearly — and let you make the final decision.

See: Plea Negotiations in Assault Cases: When and How to Settle
See: Can Probation Be Part of Your Defense Strategy?

7. Trial Preparation and Jury Representation

If your case goes to trial, your attorney should:

• Prepare jury instructions and voir dire
• Cross-examine prosecution witnesses
• Present your defense clearly and persuasively
• Object to improper testimony or evidence
• Advocate forcefully in closing arguments

Trial is where your lawyer’s experience, confidence, and courtroom skill matter most. Make sure you’re working with a criminal defense attorney near you who has real trial experience in Texas assault cases.

8. Sentencing Advocacy (If Convicted)

If a conviction occurs — whether by plea or verdict — your lawyer should still:

• Argue for probation instead of jail
• Present mitigating evidence
• Push for community supervision or rehabilitation instead of incarceration

See: Probation vs. Jail Time for Assault Charges in Texas
See: Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Assault or Family Violence Offenders

9. Post-Conviction Options

Your lawyer may also guide you on:

• Appealing a conviction
• Modifying probation terms
• Pursuing record sealing (nondisclosure) or expunction, if eligible

See: How an Assault Conviction Affects Your Criminal Record

10. Client Support Throughout the Case

Finally, your attorney should provide consistent:

• Communication
• Case updates
• Support for navigating protective orders
• Advice on behavior and compliance while on bond

See: How Protective Orders Impact Child Custody and Visitation
See: Violating a Protective Order: Legal Consequences

A good lawyer will treat your case as more than paperwork — they’ll treat your future with the seriousness it deserves.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Lawyer Who Fights for You

The best lawyers don’t just show up in court — they show up for you. They prepare your case, protect your rights, guide you through every stage of the process, and advocate for your future like it’s their own.

If you’ve been charged with assault, don’t settle for guesswork or inexperience. Hire a criminal defense attorney near you who knows how to fight assault charges — and who knows how to win.

Call Walker Law Office today at (713) 228-2611 or visit https://www.walkerlawhouston.com/contact/ to speak with a lawyer near you who will stand by your side from day one.

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