If you were recently arrested on charges of domestic abuse, you might have a long, hard fight ahead of you. With the support and guidance of the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, you do not have to fight for your future alone. In addition to the criminal penalties, the stigma of a domestic abuse conviction might:
- Cause a blight on your reputation
- Damage your career or profession
- Show up on a background check
- Limit your opportunities for housing
- Limit your options for further education
- Damage your lifestyle and ability to socialize
You do not have to accept this harmful aftermath without fighting to restore your good name and avoid a criminal record. When you are ready to let a McKinney domestic abuse lawyer fight for your future, contact the client intake team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg by calling (214) 696-9253 right away.
Penalties You Might Face if Convicted of Domestic Abuse
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) defines domestic violence as a continual pattern of assaultive and “coercive control” that can result in physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. In addition to physical assault, domestic violence might also include the destruction of another person’s property, forced isolation, and threats made against the victim.
Domestic abuse charges in McKinney are taken seriously by law enforcement officers and prosecutors. After an arrest for domestic abuse, you might be facing various misdemeanor or felony charges that carry significant punishments and penalties upon conviction.
Felony convictions in Texas start at 6 months of jail time and can increase to 99 years in prison, depending on the degree of the felony. In addition, felony conviction fines can be as high as $10,000.
For a misdemeanor conviction, fines can range from $500 to $4,000, and jail time can be as long as 1 year.
These penalties might separate you from your family, friends, and job. They might also damage your reputation and community standing and lead to a marked decline in your social, personal, and professional life. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg might be able to help mitigate this damage.
How We Can Build an Effective Defense for You
After you are arrested in McKinney, you have the right not to speak to the police or answer questions until you have the opportunity to consult your own legal team. In fact, we recommend that you do not answer any questions or make any admissions until our team member is by your side.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg will work diligently to ensure there was probable cause for your arrest in the first place. We will also make sure you were not questioned after requesting a lawyer and that your rights were not otherwise violated. Additional steps we might take in your defense include:
- Ensuring your arrest was valid
- Negotiating a plea bargain
- Locating character witnesses
- Advocating for release by bail
- Protecting your post-arrest rights
- Representing you in court as needed
Our team is committed to supporting you until your case is resolved. We may help you understand the seriousness of domestic violence charges and the possible penalties you might be facing. We might also be able to help you understand the importance of making alternative living arrangements.
Contact the criminal defense team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg by calling (214) 696-9253. During your free consultation, we can discuss your legal options and how hard a McKinney domestic abuse lawyer from our firm will work to maintain your freedom and preserve your future.
Your Rights During and After an Arrest
Certain rights were put into place in Texas to ensure criminal defendants are treated fairly and given the opportunity to avoid incriminating themselves. Commonly known as Miranda rights, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §38.22 details your right to:
- Remain silent and not make any statements
- Be informed that any statement you do make might be used against you
- Have a lawyer beside you while the police are questioning you
Avoid saying anything that might seem innocent to you but could provide law enforcement and prosecutors with evidence or ammunition to use against you. You may want to wait until you have consulted with our criminal defense team and we are by your side before answering any questions or submitting to an interview.
The Police Must Have Probable Cause to Arrest You
If you are arrested in McKinney, police officers must have a valid reason for doing so. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §14.03 requires police to have probable cause before arresting someone.
If your rights were violated, if the police had no valid probable cause to arrest you, or if you were questioned after requesting your lawyer, we may have leverage that could benefit your pending criminal case.
Similarly, according to Texas Constitution Article 1 §9-10, you are entitled to freedom from unreasonable seizures or searches—having your property searched without a warrant and unlawful seizure of your person or property without probable cause.
Put the Power of a McKinney Domestic Abuse Lawyer to Work for You
If you were recently arrested for domestic abuse, our client care team might be able to help you build an effective defense, minimize the penalties and incarceration you face, and protect you from permanent harm.
Do not allow an arrest to permanently deter your personal, professional, and social life. Look ahead to the future with support from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg. Our owner and managing partner, Randall B. Isenberg, has over three decades of legal experience, including past careers as both a state district judge and prosecutor.
Call (214) 696-9253 today to discuss your case with our criminal defense team. We can tell you more about your defense options and our services during a free case review.
