Domestic abuse charges can come with heavy consequences and legal penalties if you are convicted, which is why it is a good idea to build a defense against these charges.
Working with a lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can give you the help you need in your domestic violence case, ensuring that you understand your legal rights and options while helping you work toward a fair outcome. You can learn more about your legal options during a free consultation today. We serve the Farmers Branch, Texas, area.
Your Legal Options When Facing Domestic Abuse Charges
You can opt to accept the charges brought against you and work without legal counsel. Yet, this can mean you may receive the highest penalties – such as changes to your records, fines, and jail or prison time – when you may not need to face such consequences.
Our team may be able to help you build a criminal defense case so that you can reach another outcome, particularly if this is your first offense.
Possible Charges and Penalties in Domestic Abuse Cases
The charges you could face largely depend on the gravity of the offense and the type of domestic abuse. The following charges are possible with a domestic violence conviction.
Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanors in Texas can result from a domestic assault, including sexual assault, ranging from Class A to Class C misdemeanors. These charges come with fines and/or jail time.
Penalties can range from up to $500 in fines and no jail time for a Class C misdemeanor and up to $4,000 in fines and/or up to one year in jail, according to TX Penal Code Title 3, Ch. 12, Subchapter B.
Felony Charges
Certain acts of domestic abuse can lead to felony charges in Texas. For example, aggravated assault (serious bodily injury to another) can lead to a second-degree felony charge, according to TX Penal Code Title 5, Ch. 22, Sec. 22.
The amount of prison time you may receive depends on the felony charge. A capital felony (such as a charge for homicide) can lead to life in prison, while a third-degree felony could lead to two to 10 years of prison time, per TX Penal Code Title 3, Ch. 12, Subchapter C.
Types of Domestic Abuse Cases in Texas
There are two main types of domestic abuse in Texas: domestic abuse and family abuse.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse pertains to domestic assault or aggravated assault charges. Assault occurs when you cause or pose a threat to cause bodily injury to another.
Domestic assault is injury or threat of injury caused to a family member or other household member, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Aggravated assault refers to serious injuries, such as those caused by the use of a weapon. Domestic abuse assaults involve those committed against a spouse or romantic partner, parent, child, or another in-home dependent.
Family Abuse
Family abuse, or family violence, occurs when serious bodily injury or imminent threat of fear or harm is committed against a close family member, according to Texas Family Code § 4.71.004.
In this case, “family member” can refer to a child, spouse, the parent of your child (even if you are not married to the person), or a foster child or parent. Our domestic abuse lawyer serving Farmers Branch can review your charges and explain the best and worst possible outcomes in plain terms.
What Could Happen if You are Charged with Domestic Abuse?
Though legal penalties can be dire with domestic abuse charges, these may not be the only consequences you face. Other ways a domestic abuse charge could affect your life if you are convicted include:
- Changes to custody arrangements for your child/ren
- Effects on employment, both now and in future
- Inability to hunt or fish legally in Texas
- Inability to own or possess firearms
Of course, the long-term consequences of a domestic abuse conviction may depend on the type of offense, whether it is your first offense, and other factors.
Benefits of Working with a Domestic Abuse Lawyer
Your domestic abuse lawyer can offer a number of services for your case – namely, gathering the necessary evidence to build a strong defense.
When you choose to work with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we can provide the following benefits while working on your domestic abuse case.
Gaining a Better Understanding of Your Charges
You may have panicked after being arrested or receiving your charges, but a lawyer from our team can help you understand both your best-case and worst-case scenario.
In this way, you will be well-prepared when appearing in court. We can also help you devise a plan of action if you are convicted and ensure you know what your consequences will be long-term.
Help with Building Your Case
Compiling the strongest evidence gives you a fair chance against the charges you face. Our team understands and has practiced domestic abuse law, so we can help uncover evidence and details that may be crucial to the outcome of your case.
Acting as Your Communicator
Criminal defense cases may involve multiple exchanges within the court system, the judge, the prosecutor, and more.
Our team will communicate on your behalf and handle these proceedings, helping to ease your concerns and make them go smoothly.
Support and Legal Advice
To help you understand how to proceed at any step during your case, a domestic abuse lawyer can provide legal advice, support, and guidance.
You will be well-equipped to make decisions throughout your case, know how to plead, and rest knowing you have someone fighting in your corner.
Connect with a Domestic Abuse Lawyer Today
The team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg manages domestic abuse cases in Farmers Branch and nearby communities. Attorney Isenberg has more than 30 years of experience and has served as a former prosecutor and state district judge. We may be able to get the charges in your case dismissed or reduced.
You can learn more about how our team serving Farmers Branch can help you during a free consultation today. Call (214) 696-9253 to get started.
