Being charged with domestic abuse can be frightening. The penalties are harsh, and the social stigma of such charges can be just as taxing. You need to defend yourself against these accusations with everything you have. That is why you should hire a Flower Mound domestic abuse lawyer from our firm.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg have taken on many cases just like yours and won. We will do everything we can to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Domestic Abuse Charges
Multiple types of domestic abuse charges could be filed against you. They include charges of:
- Domestic assault: If someone knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally causes bodily harm to another person, that is considered assault under Texas Penal Code §22.01. Assaulting your spouse, partner, child, or another member of your household makes it a domestic assault.
- Aggravated domestic assault: This is a more severe version of a domestic assault charge. The use of a weapon could bump up the charge, as could severe injuries to the complainant. A history of committing domestic abuse could also result in the more serious charge.
- Continuous violence against the family: This charge is leveled at people who commit at least two domestic assaults within twelve months. This charge can be filed even if the victims are different, and it generally carries even harsher penalties than the charges above.
Potential Punishments and Consequences
A charge of domestic abuse can be a misdemeanor, but it can also be a felony. A situation that results in a misdemeanor for one person can result in a felony for someone with a different criminal history. Depending on the severity of your domestic abuse charge, Texas Penal Code §12.21 generally calls for:
- Fines: If found guilty, you will likely pay a fine, and the amount of said fine can rise based on the severity of the charge. A domestic abuse charge classified as a Class A misdemeanor can result in a fine of up to $4,000. If you are charged with a felony, that fine can rise even higher, up to $10,000.
- Jail time: Domestic abuse charges can also result in jail time. Sentences can vary based on the severity of the charge and your criminal history. A sentence for a misdemeanor can last for less than a year, while a felony conviction can result in sentences of ten or twenty years.
There are also other potential ramifications of a domestic abuse charge. You may also have to deal with:
- Probation: You are not in jail, but your behavior is still subject to restrictions. Violating the rules of your probation can result in jail time and other penalties. Your punishment could include jail time and probation.
- Counseling: Counseling courses could also be a part of your punishment. These sessions are designed to help you make life improvements and lower the odds of you committing domestic abuse or violence again.
Domestic abuse charges can also carry heavy professional and personal consequences.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
A domestic abuse lawyer from our law firm can do many things to assist Flower Mound residents and help them formulate a defense. The legal system can be difficult to navigate, and trying to build a case on your own can be daunting. An attorney can do much of the heavy lifting for you, taking the stress off you and your family.
If you hire an attorney from our law firm to take on your domestic abuse case, they will assist you by:
- Collecting evidence: Our lawyers can work with investigators and other experts to gather evidence that shows your side of the story. Whether we need to speak with eyewitnesses or go over security footage, you can be sure we will do our best to find any evidence that can help build your defense.
- Fighting for your rights: We make sure our clients’ rights are protected at every step of the way. We do everything possible to ensure you get the defense you are entitled to and your constitutional rights are not trampled on.
- Holding the prosecution to a high standard: The burden of proof for a domestic abuse conviction is high. If the prosecution’s case does not meet the state’s highest standards, we will show how the evidence against you simply does not measure up.
- Requesting a reduced sentence: If you are found guilty and sentenced, a lawyer may be able to help you fight for a lesser punishment. For example, if you are willing to participate in counseling or anger management classes, your attorney may leverage that and show how you plan to improve your life. This willingness to make positive changes has led to lesser punishments for some of our clients.
- Negotiating plea deals: If the case is not going your way, your lawyer may negotiate a plea deal. We will take all of the case’s facts into account and work with the prosecution to reach a fair agreement.
Defending Against Domestic Abuse Charges
There are a few options when a lawyer begins forming your defense against domestic abuse charges. For example, we may claim:
- Accidental violence
- Self-defense
- Defense of a third party
- Mistaken identity
- A false accusation
We will go where the evidence takes us and formulate the best possible defense for your particular case and situation.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic abuse in Flower Mound, take the time to learn more about what a lawyer can do to assist you. Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg and schedule a consultation. It’s time to fight back against these charges.
