Family and domestic violence can wrongly send innocent people to jail. You could face an extended sentence behind bars. You could also owe substantial monetary fines and lose custody rights for your children. You could even lose the legal right to live in your own home. A family and domestic violence lawyer in Allen from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help. We will protect your legal rights and fight for your freedom as well as your future.
Call us now at 214-696-9253 for a free consultation and case review.
Potential Penalties for Family & Domestic Violence
In Allen TX, virtually any violent crime can become a domestic violence charge if you ever dated or lived with the victim, or if they are a biological or lawful relation.
Who could be a potential victim of domestic violence?
- A current or former family member
- A current or former household member
- Someone you share a child with (biological, adopted, or foster)
- A current or former romantic or dating partner
- A current or former spouse
- A current or former housemate
For these alleged offenses, you could face charges ranging from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony.
Understanding the severity of the penalties you face is critical, especially if you are considering entering a plea, answering questions, or giving a statement to investigators.
Depending on the charges you face, you could face penalties as follows.
Class C Misdemeanor Charges
- Up to $500 in fines
Class B Misdemeanor Charges
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines
Class A Misdemeanor Charges
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $4,000 in fines
Third-Degree Felony Charges
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Second-Degree Felony Charges
- 2 to 20 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
First-Degree Felony Charges
- 5 years to life in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
In addition to the monetary fines and jail or prison time, you must pay court costs and fees. You may also face probation, community service, and court-mandated treatment or education. A conviction will also leave you with a permanent criminal record.
A domestic violence charge on your record can interfere with your ability to gain employment, rent a house or apartment, or hold a professional license. Worse, it could affect your child custody rights. In some cases, the court can ban you from living in your own home.
For any of the following offenses, the prosecutor can pursue an “Affirmative Finding of Family Violence:”
- Assault
- Sexual assault
- Stalking
- Cyberstalking
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
Even threatening to inflict harm can be enough for you to face charges. The prosecutor can tack on additional charges or increase the penalties you face if they allege any aggravating circumstances. Aggravating circumstances include:
- If the victim was a child
- If the victim feared for their life
- If the victim alleges you threatened their life
- If the victim alleges you restricted their airway (choked, strangled, smothered)
- If you had a weapon in your possession
- If you committed a domestic or family violence offense twice in one year
Once the prosecutor obtains a conviction, you will not be able to have your record sealed or expunged. For defense help, call 214-696-9253.
Potential Legal Defense Strategies for Allen, TX Domestic Violence
To develop the most persuasive legal defense on your behalf, our legal team will begin by investigating your case.
Evidence we will seek to aid in your defense may include some or all of the following:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photographs or videos
- Eyewitness statements
- Character witness statement
We focus on discovering potential motives for false accusations or other factors which could potentially lead to a wrongful conviction. Some of the most legal defense common strategies we may use include:
- Accidental contact
- Self-defense
- Defense of others
- Defense of property
- Illegal search and seizure
We will also evaluate the evidence carefully to identify any rights violations or mistakes committed by the police. We will use any evidence we discover as leverage for negotiating with the prosecutor. Our primary goal is always to have your charges dropped or reduced.
However, if necessary, we will prepare your case and defend you in court.
An Allen, TX Family & Domestic Violence Lawyer Protects Your Rights
A family and domestic violence lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg will protect your legal rights and fight to prevent you from receiving a conviction.
Our services to you include:
Investigating and Documenting Your Case
We use our network of resources to investigate your case and document our findings. A well-supported case provides us the best opportunity to introduce reasonable doubt and help you overcome the allegations you face.
Negotiating With the Prosecutor
We will use any potential problems we identify to negotiate with the prosecutor or file court motions. We always attempt to have your charges dismissed or reduced and we will fight to help you avoid the expense and embarrassment of a court case.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
Public perception of domestic and family violence charges can lead to violations which could wrongfully put you behind bars. Our legal team will fight to ensure the protection of your legal rights throughout the process.
Fighting for Your Future
We understand how a conviction could profoundly affect your life and we will fight to ensure the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Throughout the legal process, we will be there to answer your questions and ensure you understand your options. Our legal team will work tirelessly to mount a persuasive defense and ensure the best possible outcome for you.
See How a Family and Domestic Violence Lawyer in Allen Can Help You Today
Before you make any decisions regarding your case, contact an Allen family and domestic violence lawyer at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg.
Criminal defense attorney Randall Isenberg brings more than 35 years of experience to bear for your case. As a former felony prosecutor and state court judge, he brings insight which helps us build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
For a no-cost, no-obligation consultation and case review, contact us today at 214-696-9253.
