Jury convicts Michael Keith Brasher Jr. of aggravated assault; judge sentences him to 12 years
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Summary
A Jefferson County jury found Michael Keith Brasher Jr. guilty of aggravated assault and assessed 12 years in prison with an affirmative deadly-weapon finding; the court also substituted photographic evidence for a physical exhibit and remanded him to county custody pending transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
A jury in the 252nd District Court found Michael Keith Brasher Junior guilty of aggravated assault and assessed punishment of 12 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, with no fine, the court record shows.
The verdict was announced in open court when the jury foreperson read: "We, the jury, having found the defendant, Michael Keith Brasher Junior, guilty of the offense of aggravated assault, assesses punishment at imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a term of 12 years and no fine." The judge then asked whether either party wished to have the jury pulled; neither did, and the court proceeded to sentencing.
In pronouncing sentence, the judge stated: "Then at this time, mister Brasher, in conformity with the jury sentence, I now sentence you to a term of 12 years in the institutional division of the Texas Department of Corrections," and entered an affirmative finding that a deadly weapon was involved. The judge ordered the defendant remanded to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department pending transportation to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The court provided the defendant with a trial court certification form that outlines appeal rights and read an admonition informing him that, "Because of the judgment entered against you, you're ineligible under Texas law to possess a firearm or ammunition." The judge advised the defendant to consult defense counsel Mr. Matuska about filing an appeal; the court said an attorney would be appointed promptly if the defendant sought to appeal.
Separately, the state moved to substitute photographs for the physical exhibit identified at trial as a fire extinguisher. Mr. Coleman, who made the motion, asked to admit "state's exhibit number 14" in place of the item; defense counsel Mr. Matuska registered no objection and the court granted the substitution.
The defendant was then escorted back into custody by the bailiff for transport. The transcript does not specify any additional post‑sentencing hearings or a scheduled date for further proceedings.
