A domestic abuse charge can strip you of the future you hope for if it turns into a conviction. Not only does it remain on your permanent criminal record, but it may also result in prison time. In addition, it can impact your ability to operate in society long after your punishment is carried out.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges, a Kaufman domestic abuse lawyer at Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help. Our legal team may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed by building a strong defense on your behalf.
We Provide a Dignified and Comprehensive Defense to Our Clients
Our law firm’s dedicated attorneys and staff believe that everybody deserves a thorough and dignified defense, no matter what the allegations are. That is exactly what we work to provide our domestic abuse clients.
Our founder, Randall B. Isenberg, has over 30 years of experience in the criminal justice system. His legal prowess and leadership are the result of a well-rounded career in law as a Chief Felony Prosecutor, State District Trial Judge, and now criminal defense attorney in Texas.
Because of his experience on all sides of the Texas criminal justice system, our firm can provide a comprehensive defense in your domestic violence case. Given his background, it’s no surprise that Attorney Isenberg is board certified for criminal defense by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
When you work with a domestic abuse attorney at our firm, you receive a passionate defense that considers how these cases are prosecuted and how the law is interpreted and applied to them.
How We Work for Clients Like You
A domestic abuse attorney at our firm will handle your case in Kaufman with care. Here’s what we can do for you:
Investigate the Circumstances of Your Arrest and Domestic Violence Charges
We set to work searching for evidence of your innocence, another individual’s guilt, false allegations, or police error/misconduct.
Assess Your Legal Options and Present a Plan of Action
Once we’ve investigated, our team can lay out all viable legal options. We will present you with a plan that aims to get the criminal charges against you reduced or dismissed altogether, if possible.
We are staunch defenders of your rights and will make every effort to protect your freedom. This includes positioning your case for a compromise with the prosecution if charges cannot be defeated.
Build a Strong Case and Prepare for Trial
If we are unable to come to a satisfactory resolution outside of court in your Kaufman domestic violence case, our lawyers will prepare for litigation. We are no strangers to the courtroom. Our legal team will prepare a compelling legal argument, submit exhibits, and locate and prep witnesses for trial.
Additionally, the domestic abuse lawyers serving Kaufman County, Texas, also handle a host of other tasks that move your case forward, including:
- Prepare and submit all legal forms and filings
- Help prepare your testimony
- Examine the evidence against you
- Communicate with the prosecution
- Keep you updated on the progress of your case
What Is Domestic Abuse Under Texas Law?
Domestic abuse is legally known as family violence in Texas. Per Texas Family Code § 71.004, the state defines family violence as:
- An act against a family or household member that results in “physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault”
- An act that inflicts harm or threat or harm against an individual the perpetrator is dating or has dated
Charges You Could Face for Domestic Abuse in Texas
Family violence can include a variety of charges. We’ve outlined some of the most common charges below.
Domestic Assault
Domestic assault encompasses physical violence, like kicking, hitting, choking, and slapping. It also includes the threat of physical violence or provocative or offensive contact, per Texas Penal Code Chapter 22.
Domestic assault charges that involve physical harm, the threat of harm, or provocative or offensive contacts are considered a misdemeanor. They can result in penalties of up to 1 year in jail and fines ranging from $500 to $4,000.
Furthermore, if you have previous domestic assault convictions or the offense involved choking or suffocating, it becomes a third-degree felony charge. A felony charge could carry up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Aggravated Domestic Assault
Aggravated domestic assault involves serious physical harm to another person and/or the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon. Serious body harm includes:
- Broken bones
- Loss of limb
- Injury resulting in surgery or hospitalization
Charges of aggravated assault can lead to a penalty of first-degree felony and carry a prison term of 99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 fines.
Continuous Violence Against the Family
If a person has committed two or more acts of domestic assault against members of the family or same household in 12 months, they may face third-degree felony charges. The act of violence does not have to be against the same person, per Texas Penal Code § 25.11.
Violation of Protective Orders
Violating a protective order, also called a restraining order, qualifies as a class A misdemeanor charge with up to 1 year in jail and a maximum of $4,000 in fines. Two or more convictions for protective order violations or if a protective order is violated by stalking or committing an act of assault results in a third-degree felony.
Other Consequences of a Domestic Abuse Conviction in Kaufman
Domestic abuse in Texas can result in a variety of other repercussions beyond criminal penalties. It may also strip you of your civil liberties or your freedom in society. Potential consequences could include:
- Losing your right to carry a firearm
- Having your occupational license revoked or suspended
- Losing the ability to obtain an occupational license for certain careers
- Facing difficulty obtaining employment, housing, or higher education
- Losing your right to vote
Reach Out for a Complimentary Case Review
Family violence in Texas could affect your life in more than one way. If you’re facing charges of domestic violence in Kaufman, TX, call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg. A domestic abuse lawyer can represent you in your fight to maintain your freedom. Your future hinges on the outcome of your case, and we will do everything in our power to make sure you get to have one.
