What does it Mean when a Crime is “Aggravated”?

January 18, 2020

By Criminal Defense Lawyer Jeremy Rosenthal

texasdefensefirm.com

(972) 369-0577

It typically means “worse” or “heightened.”

The term ‘aggravated’ is applied to many different criminal charges and there is no uniform definition as to what allegation renders a charge ‘aggravated’ in any specific case.  One constant is an ‘aggravated’ allegation normally kicks the punishment range up a notch or more.  It can also affect parole eligibility if someone is sent to prison.

 

Here are the most common “Aggravated” offenses in Texas:

Aggravated Assault – Assault where someone either uses or exhibits a deadly weapon.  It can also mean assault which results in serious bodily injury.  See Texas Penal Code 22.02.

Aggravated Sexual Assault – Sexual assault is generally where a person conducts one of a number of prohibited sexual acts to another (Tex.Pen.C. 22.011).  Aggravated sexual assault can be committed where defendant inflicts serious bodily injury on the victim, assaults a person younger than 14, or a disabled or handicapped person.  Tex.Pen.C. 22.021).

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child – sexual assault committed against a child younger than 14 years old.  Sexual assault of a child is committed where a child is between the ages of 14 and younger than 17.

Aggravated Perjury – perjury is making a false statement under oath.  It could be in an affidavit or an official document of some sort.  Aggravated perjury is a false statement during a court case which is considered material in nature to the proceedings.  Perjury is typically a Class a misdemeanor.  Aggravated perjury is elevated to a third degree felony.

Aggravated Robbery – Robbery is typically defined as theft plus assault regardless of how minor either is.  Aggravated Robbery is where a person uses or exhibits a deadly weapon in the commission of the robbery, causes serious bodily injury, or places in fear of imminent bodily injury of a person over 65 years of age or a disabled person.  Robbery is a 2nd Degree felony and aggravated robbery is a 1st degree felony.

Aggravated Kidnapping – Kidnapping is abducting a person.  Aggravated kidnapping is where someone is abducted with the intent to be held for ransom, intent to be used as a human shield, intent to sexually violate, or with intent to terrorize.

Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution – This offense is for those who invest in, finance or promote prostitution of two or more persons.  See Tex.Pen.C. 43.04.

Aggravated Promotion of Online Prostitution – Promotion of prostitution done in a fashion which is online.  Tex.Pen.C. 43.041.

*Jeremy Rosenthal is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is licensed to practice in the State of Texas. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice.

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What is Aggravated Assault in Texas?

June 26, 2010

By Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jeremy Rosenthal

texasdefensefirm.com

(972) 369-0577

Aggravated assault can happen one of two ways.  For either way, an assault must be committed pursuant to Tex.Pen.C 22.01 AND one of the following two circumstances must have occurred:

1.  the person causes serious bodily injury to another, including the person’s spouse; or

2.  uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault.

“Serious bodily injury” is defined by Texas Penal Code Section 1.07(46) as, “bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.”

Aggravated assault is a 2nd degree felony and carries with it a prison term of between 2 and 20 years in the Texas Department of Corrections and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Aggravated assault can be a 1st degree felony where the accused utilizes a deadly weapon during the assault and causes bodily injury to a member of their family or someone they are in a dating relationship with.

Though there are obviously many factual variations of how an aggravated assault can take place, they usually occur when a normal assault under Penal Code 22.01(1) causes injury above and beyond ordinary bodily injury (hence rising to the level of serious bodily injury), or (2) is an instance where someone is threatened with immanent bodily injury (22.01(2)) — and a deadly weapon is used or exhibited when that person was threatened.

Another big issue in aggravated assault cases is often what constitutes a “deadly weapon.”  Under Texas Penal Code Section 1.07(17) as (A) a firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury; or (B) anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

The first definition is somewhat clear as to what constitutes a deadly weapon, but the entire issue of an aggravated assault case often turns on the definition of subsection (B) above.  For example, a rock, candlestick, or any other object you can think of could be argued to qualify as a deadly weapon based on how it was being used at the time of the alleged assault.

In either event, an aggravated assault is an extremely serious charge and should never be taken lightly.  You should seek skilled legal representation.

*Jeremy Rosenthal is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice.  For legal advice about any specific case you should consult with an attorney directly.

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Posted by Jeremy Rosenthal, Esq.

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