An intoxication assault charge is serious and it can change your life fast. When your freedom is on the line, you need steady, reliable help. The right assault defense attorney in San Antonio can help protect your rights.
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Choosing the right lawyer matters when your future is at risk. You need someone who listens, explains your options clearly, and is ready to fight for you when it counts. Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming, but the right legal support can ease the pressure and help you move forward with confidence.
At the Law Office of John G. Perez Jr., we treat you as more than a case file. John focuses on the details that can shape the outcome of your case and takes a steady, hands-on approach to every defense. With clear communication and strong advocacy, he works to protect your rights and your future. We fight for a dismissal for every client, and we won’t rest until we reach a favorable outcome in your case. You can count on our San Antonio DWI lawyer for help with your intoxication assault case.
Intoxication assault is a serious offense under Texas criminal law. It occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while impaired and causes a crash that results in serious bodily injury to another person. The law does not require intent, which means someone can face criminal charges even if the incident was an accident.
In most cases, intoxication assault is charged as a third-degree felony, though it can be elevated if the injured person is a first responder or suffers life-altering harm. A criminal conviction can affect nearly every part of your life, from your freedom to your ability to work and drive legally. The penalty includes two to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. An intoxication assault charge may increase to a second-degree felony if the victim ends up in a vegetative state, if the injured person is a first responder, or for intoxication manslaughter charges.
A prison sentence isn’t the only type of punishment that a person may face for intoxication assault charges. That’s why it’s so important to seek help from a reliable defense law firm. Other penalties for intoxication assault charges may include:
Because the stakes are high, strong legal representation is important. An experienced intoxication assault lawyer can explain how these penalties apply to your case and help protect your future.
Facing an intoxication assault charge does not automatically mean you will be convicted for that offense. Under Texas law, the state must prove every part of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The case must prove intoxication, that you caused the accident, and that the accident resulted in serious bodily injury.
If any of these elements are weak, incomplete, or unclear, your charges may be reduced or challenged. An experienced intoxication assault attorney in San Antonio can review the facts and determine which defenses apply to your situation.
In many cases, prosecutors rely on a breath test to show intoxication. However, breath tests are not always reliable. These machines must be properly calibrated and correctly used by trained officers. A person’s blood alcohol level can rise after driving has stopped, meaning the test result may not reflect the level at the time of the accident. If there are errors in how the breath test was given or maintained, your lawyer can question the result.
Breath tests are often essential for intoxication assault and DWI cases, but a San Antonio DWI attorney can help you prove there was improper test administration.
Blood tests or blood draw evidence must follow strict legal and medical rules. Officers must have proper legal authority, and the blood sample must be correctly collected, stored, and tested. Mistakes in handling, labeling, or timing can affect the accuracy of the blood test or draw. If procedures were not followed, your criminal defense lawyer can challenge the results and weaken the prosecution’s case. The right to challenge evidence against you is a key part of the criminal justice system.
To secure a conviction, the state must prove the accident caused serious bodily injury, not just harm. Texas law defines serious bodily injury as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, results in long-term loss, or impairment of a body part or organ. If the medical records or testimonies do not clearly meet this standard, the charge may be reduced or dismissed. If you want to learn whether or not you can challenge this factor in your case, you should talk to a lawyer. John offers FREE case evaluations to help those accused of crimes fight for their future and freedom. Call to talk to John.
