
Domestic violence is an incredibly serious charge that will have lifelong consequences upon conviction. Unfortunately, many people are wrongly or falsely accused of domestic violence, seemingly now more than ever. If you are someone who is facing a domestic violence charge in the state of Texas, you will need a knowledgeable and aggressive Texas criminal defense attorney on your side who knows how to fight such charges. Please continue reading and reach out to our firm to learn more about how we can help you through the legal process going forward. Here are some of the questions you may have about domestic violence in the state of Texas:
How does Texas law define domestic violence?
Domestic violence is not restricted simply to a violent act against a spouse. Instead, domestic violence is defined as any act a person commits against a party with whom he or she has a household, romantic, or familial relationship. Domestic violence is as follows:
- Knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causing bodily harm to a person of whom you have a domestic relationship
- Knowingly, or intentionally, threatening bodily harm to a person who you have a domestic relationship with
- Knowingly, or intentionally, making physical contact with a third party that would reasonably offend the victim
What are the consequences of a domestic violence charge in Texas?
If you are convicted of a domestic violence charge, you will most likely spend at least 5 years in prison, though you can potentially spend up to 99 years if the offense is serious enough. Additionally, you may face a $10,000 fine, which can be financially crippling to certain individuals. That being said, Texas courts will analyze several different aspects of your case, such as the relationship you have with the alleged victim, whether you ever had a prior domestic violence conviction, and whether suffocation or strangulation is included in your offense.
Can I defend myself against a Texas domestic violence charge?
Though there are certain defenses against a domestic violence charge, it is often an uphill battle, which is why you need a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side. In certain cases, we can prove that you did not know you were doing something wrong. In other cases, we can prove that the act was unintentional, or even that it was committed in self-defense. Finally, we may even be able to prove that the accusation is entirely false and made-up.
Contact our experienced Texas firm
We are knowledgeable attorneys who are ready to help preserve your freedom and keep you out of jail. If you or a loved one are facing a criminal charge in the state of Texas, reach out to our firm today. We have been defending individuals in your position for years, and we are ready to do the same for you. If you need a firm who will aggressively fight for your rights, look no further–simply contact Carrol & Hinojosa today.