Accused of Domestic Violence? Allow Bill Kennedy Law to Help

If you have been accused of a crime in which the alleged victim is related to you by marriage, lives with you, or has been in a sexual relationship with you, the offense may fall within the statutory definition of “domestic violence” in Texas. Domestic violence can take many forms, from simple assault to murder.
A domestic violence criminal charge in Texas can also result from the violation of an order of protection, such as a restraining order. The case can be prosecuted even if the violation is seemingly minor; such violations include late-night phone calls to a child or an ex-spouse while an order is in effect. Verbal abuse coupled with threats may be enough to result in an arrest and conviction for domestic violence.

 

When abuse takes place within a family and is reported to authorities, it often becomes a state’s concern, or burden, even if the accuser changes his or her mind about whether or not to press charges. If you are facing possible jail time or charges pertaining to spousal abuse, child abuse or any other type of domestic violence, Bill Kennedy Law can help.

Domestic Violence Details and Statistics

The consequences of a domestic violence conviction can be very severe. A conviction could result in:

• Limitations in Child Visitation Rights
• Loss of Gun Privileges
• Mandatory Counseling
• Probation
• Jail Time
• A Lengthy Prison Sentence (for the Most Serious Cases)

 

Domestic violence cases involving weapons or injury are often prosecuted as felonies. The legal proceedings will depend on the particular facts surrounding your case, so you should hire an experienced attorney to defend you as quickly as possible.

If you are charged with or are under investigation for a domestic violence offense in Texas, never try to resolve the problem on your own. Any contact with the victim could result in additional charges, and you should always maintain your right to remain silent. You should speak to an experienced Texas domestic violence attorney immediately because the outcome of your case depends, in many cases, on a complex legal analysis regarding the admissibility of evidence.

In recent years, the Texas legislature has focused on strengthening domestic violence laws. For example, strangulation that impedes a victim’s breathing for any length of time is automatically considered a felony. As a result, Texas law enforcement has developed vigorous new policies, the court system has implemented many changes, and prosecuting attorneys have taken an active role in enforcing both new and existing laws. In many cases, prosecutors will file charges against the alleged abuser and aggressively pursue the case, even when the victim does not wish to press charges and refuses to actively participate in the prosecution. In times like these, the State brings the criminal charges, not the victim.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, it can be extremely damaging to your reputation and could potentially go on your record. If you are falsely accused of domestic abuse, it could still affect your rights as a parent and affect other privileges, such as spousal support. Therefore, it is vital to consult with an attorney immediately if you are facing allegations of domestic violence.

 

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