Any allegation of criminal wrongdoing can have disastrous effects on one’s life. Just the reputational damage alone can have lifelong effects. However, a domestic violence allegation can be especially frightening as they bring with them no only potential criminal penalties, but also permanent personal reputational damage, regardless of the criminal case’s outcome. This is why it is critical to begin crafting and mounting an assertive criminal defense immediately after any charges of domestic abuse.
What do I need to know about a domestic violence charge?
As all Houston, Texas, residents know, the Texas criminal justice system is one of the toughest in the country, and domestic abuse cases are no different. These cases are brought about when there is an alleged act of abuse against a family member, whether that family member is by blood, marriage or domestic partner.
Three types of domestic violence charges
There are three main categories of domestic violence charges in our state. First, and most commonly, is domestic assault. This is any threat of violence or bodily injury. This can be a misdemeanor or felony. Second, is aggravated domestic assault. This is above a domestic assault as this charge is used when a domestic assault involves aggravating factors. Aggravating factors are things like utilizing a weapon, which make this a felony. Finally, there is continuous violence against the family. As the name implies, this felony offense is charged when one commits two or more domestic assaults within a given year.
How is our firm different?
Of course, like all firms, at the Law Offices of Charles T. Ganz in Texas, we focus on securing positive results for all of our clients. The difference though, is that we sit down and actually listen. We want to understand our client’s side of the story because we want to understand their perspective. Then, and only then, can we work collaboratively to craft a legal defense and secure the best outcome available. Indeed, we bring extensive experience handling domestic violence cases, and the firm has achieved many positive outcomes, including dismissed charges, acquittals and reduced sentences. No matter how serious the allegations, we stand up to protect our Houston, Texas, clients’ rights.
