Assault Charge Bail Bonds in Houston: Bond Amounts, Protective Conditions and the Release Process
An assault arrest in Houston can feel overwhelming for the person charged and their family. Bond amounts vary widely depending on the circumstances, and some assault charges come with protective orders that add complexity to the release process. Here is what you need to know to move quickly and get your loved one home.
How Texas Defines Assault
Under Texas law, assault covers more than physical contact. A person can be charged with assault for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person, threatening someone with imminent bodily injury, or making offensive physical contact without consent.
Because of this broad definition, assault charges in Harris County range from misdemeanor-level offenses to serious felonies depending on the facts of the case.
Assault Charge Levels in Texas
- Class C Misdemeanor: Offensive or threatening contact without bodily injury. Fine only, no jail time.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Assault causing bodily injury to certain persons such as sports participants during a game.
- Class A Misdemeanor: Assault causing bodily injury. Up to one year in county jail.
- Third-Degree Felony (Aggravated Assault): Assault with a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury. 2 to 10 years in prison.
- Second-Degree Felony (Aggravated Assault): Assault causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon. 2 to 20 years in prison.
- First-Degree Felony: Aggravated assault committed against certain protected individuals or in specific contexts. 5 to 99 years in prison.
Bail Amounts for Assault in Harris County
Bail for assault charges in Harris County depends on the charge level, prior criminal history, the relationship between the parties, and whether a weapon was involved. Misdemeanor assault bail is generally lower, while felony assault and aggravated assault charges can result in very high bond amounts.
Family violence allegations often lead judges to set higher bail or impose strict conditions on release. A licensed bondsman familiar with Harris County courts can help you understand what to expect and get the process moving as soon as bail is set.
Learn more about our services on our Houston bail bonds page.
Protective Orders and Conditions of Release
When an assault involves a family or household member, Harris County courts routinely issue a magistrate’s order for emergency protection (MOEP). This order prohibits contact with the alleged victim and may require the defendant to stay away from a shared home. Understanding these conditions before release is critical to avoid a bond violation.
How the Assault Bail Bond Process Works in Houston
Once an arrest is made and booking is complete, a magistrate will set bail. For assault charges, this typically happens within 24 to 48 hours. Here is how the bail bond process works:
- Contact a licensed bail bondsman as soon as bail is set.
- Provide the defendant’s name, jail location, charge, and bail amount.
- Pay the bondsman’s premium, typically 10 percent of the bail amount in Texas.
- The bondsman posts the bond with the jail.
- The defendant is released, typically within a few hours after the bond is posted.
Godfather’s Bail Bonds works assault cases in Harris County jails and can guide you through every step of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Bail for Class A misdemeanor assault can be several thousand dollars, while aggravated assault felony charges may result in bail set at tens of thousands or more. The judge sets the amount based on the specifics of the case.
Yes, a person can still bond out of jail even if a protective order is issued. However, they must comply with all conditions of the order immediately upon release, including no-contact and stay-away requirements.
After the bond is posted by the bondsman, processing at the jail typically takes anywhere from two to eight hours depending on the facility and how busy it is.
Violating bond conditions, including a protective order, can result in the bond being revoked and the person being returned to custody. It can also lead to additional criminal charges.