One minute you may be having a disagreement with your partner and the next you may find yourself facing domestic violence charges. Whether a neighbor hears voices raised next door and calls the police, your partner feels threatened, or any other situation can lead to a domestic violence charge. These allegations are incredibly frightening. The criminal penalties can be severe, and a person’s reputation can be forever harmed. In Texas, there are serious penalties that accompany a domestic violence conviction.
Texas has three types of domestic violence. They include the following:
Domestic assault
Domestic assault is a threat or an act of violence against a person with whom a person has an intimate relationship. These relationships include:
- Current of former spouse
- Current or former dating partner
- Parent of defendant’s children
- Child of current or former spouse
- Foster child or parent
- Blood or adopted relatives
- Roomate
A first time domestic assault conviction is generally a class A misdemeanor.
Aggravated domestic assault and continuous violence
Aggravated domestic assault is there is serious bodily injury to the victim and the defendant uses or exhibits a deadly weapon while carrying out the assault. A conviction is a second-degree felony. A defendant may receive a continuous violence charge if they commit two or more domestic assault in a span of two months. A conviction is a third-degree felony.
A legal professional who is skilled in criminal defense can help their client understand their legal options when they are facing domestic violence charges. They understand that their client is scared and worried about their future and will mount an assertive defense against any charges of abuse. They will make sure their client’s side of the story is told and their legal rights are protected.
