What Are the Domestic Violence Laws and Penalties in Texas?

Texas has enacted strict laws that deal with domestic violence-related offenses and criminal penalties for those who have been convicted of these offenses.

Texas law defines domestic violence as an assault in which the offender intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to a household or family member or current or past dating partner. An individual can also be charged with a domestic violence-related offense for intentionally or knowingly threatening another person with imminent bodily injury,

Texas has some of the strictest laws on the books that deal with domestic violence offenses. Therefore, anyone who has been charged with any type of criminal offense related to domestic violence must obtain qualified legal representation immediately.

Even if the victim does not wish to pursue criminal charges or refuses to cooperate, an individual can still be charged with a crime.

If you have been falsely accused of a domestic violence-related crime, you must obtain legal representation so that you can be advised of your legal rights and what can be done to protect your rights.

For more information about domestic violence and the potential penalties in Texas, contact our law office and ask to schedule an initial consultation so that we may answer your questions.

What Individual Do Texas Domestic Violence Laws Protect?

Texas domestic violence laws are broken down into two parts: family violence and dating violence. The Texas legal system works to protect individuals from family or dating violence by punishing offenders who violate laws.

Texas domestic violence laws were designed to protect the following individuals from harm and include:

• Current or former spouse.
• Current or former dating partner.
• Relatives who are related by blood or marriage.
• The other parent of the offender’s child
• Biological, foster, or stepchildren
• Biological or foster parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings
• Household members, such as roommates

Anyone who commits an assault against members of their family or household is subject to being arrested and charged with a crime.

Additionally, any person who has been charged with a domestic violence-related offense, such as domestic assault, stalking, child abuse, or sexual abuse, must hire a skilled criminal defense attorney who can work quickly to protect their legal rights and freedom.

If you still need help understanding who Texas domestic violence laws are designed to protect, contact our law firm, and ask to speak with a qualified legal team member who will gladly sit down with you and answer your questions.

What Are the Potential Criminal Penalties For Domestic Violence?

The criminal penalties associated with domestic violence charges may vary and are typically based on the circumstances involved and the severity of the crime. Other factors that the court considers include whether or not it is the defendant’s first offense and whether the victim(s) sustained serious bodily injury.

It should be noted that domestic violence offenses may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Many individuals mistakenly believe that a misdemeanor conviction is not a cause for concern like a felony conviction. However, although a misdemeanor conviction is less severe in the eyes of the law, it can remain on your permanent record.

Individuals convicted of a felony in Texas often find it challenging to find gainful employment, obtain housing, may be barred from receiving government assistance, are not permitted to own or possess a firearm legally,

Texas criminal penalties for domestic assault may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Defendants convicted of a Class A misdemeanor may face the following:

• A sentence of up to one year in jail.
• A fine of up to $4,000

Aggravated assault in connection with domestic violence is considered a first-degree felony in Texas. If a defendant is convicted of aggravated assault, they face harsh penalties under Texas law, which include:

• A prison term of 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
• A fine of up to $10,000.

The penalties for individuals convicted of sexual assault related to domestic violence are charged with a second-degree felony with penalties that include:

• Two to 20 years in state prison.
• A fine of up to $10,000.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me if I Have Been Charged With Domestic Violence?

Being accused and arrested for domestic violence is a serious allegation that could change your whole world. If you have been accused of domestic violence, the court could issue the alleged victim an Emergency Order of Protection that will prohibit you from returning to your home or being able to visit with your children.

Additionally, once an allegation has been leveled at you, it may damage your standing and reputation in the community and affect your employment.

Furthermore, you most likely are worried about the criminal penalties and fines that accompany domestic violence convictions.

For these reasons, you must obtain qualified legal representation to handle your domestic violence case. A well-trained defense lawyer understands the complexities of navigating the Texas criminal justice system and what it takes to get favorable client results.

When you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer, they will first thoroughly review all of the evidence the prosecution has against you. Your attorney will look for inconsistencies in the victim’s statement and scrutinize any statements from witnesses.

Unfortunately, many individuals who are arrested and charged with domestic violence are the victim of false allegations on the part of the alleged victim. False allegations are often the result of one parent trying to gain leverage over the other in child custody disputes.

If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic violence, contact our Drehner Law of Houston, TX, at 832-626-0063 and ask to schedule a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your case so that we may begin planning a defense strategy that will help you obtain favorable results.