Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Texas is a serious criminal offense defined under Texas Penal Code §22.02. It occurs when an individual intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another person or uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of an assault. A deadly weapon can be any object or instrument capable of causing death or serious bodily injury — this includes not only firearms and knives but also everyday objects used in a harmful way, such as baseball bats, vehicles, or even a person's hands in specific cases. This offense is classified as a second-degree felony in most cases, which carries penalties of 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. However, in more severe circumstances—such as assaults against protected classes like public servants or cases involving significant injury—the charge can escalate to a first- degree felony, punishable by 5 years to life in prison. Importantly, the prosecution does not need to prove that serious injury occurred; simply using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during an assault, including threatening someone with the weapon, is sufficient for this charge. In summary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Texas involves either causing serious injury or the use/display of a deadly weapon in an assault, with severe legal consequences due to the potential harm involved. If you need legal advice or are facing charges, it’s essential to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. This explanation is based on Texas law and legal interpretations as outlined by multiple Texas legal sources.