If you’ve been charged with Domestic Violence, you need a Houston Domestic Violence Attorney. Domestic violence is commonly considered to be any physical, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse against a romantic partner or a family member. These cases are among the most emotional and complex types of criminal offenses in Texas. There are many different types of relationships that can lead cases to be considered domestic violence, including current and former spouses, parents of a mutual child, dating partners, parent and child, any persons living together (even roommates), and domestic partners (both heterosexual and same-sex).
When you or a loved one experiences domestic violence, it is vital that you speak to a Houston domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. Lawyers at The Martinez Law Firm will fight to ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the entirety of the legal process.
Texas domestic violence laws state that any threat to use force in a domestic situation or any cause of bodily harm in such situations is considered domestic violence. To prove domestic violence charges in Houston Texas, prosecutors work to establish beyond any reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly and intentionally committed abuse.
In the case of bodily harm and injury, they must provide evidence to prove the circumstances. In Texas, the same laws applied to spouses apply to anyone residing in the same home, related by blood, and people in relationships. Charges for domestic violence in Houston range from a Class C misdemeanor and up to one year in jail to a first-degree felony, which can result in five to 99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Charged with Domestic Violence? You May Face Severe Legal Penalties
If you and your spouse, partner, or other family member have a volatile relationship, you could find yourself in legal trouble after an altercation. In these cases, you are often dealing with two different accounts of the incident that occurred and it can often result in an arrest. Potential penalties for domestic violence include fines, protective orders, a restraining order, mandatory counseling, child custody orders, anger management classes, probation, and even incarceration. A wide variety of crimes fall under the umbrella of domestic violence, including:
- Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- False Imprisonment
- Murder
If you have been arrested or charged with any domestic violence-related offense, it is very important that you avail yourself of the resources and assistance offered by our Houston criminal defense lawyers at The Martinez Law Firm. We can provide you with a tailor-made defense and personalized legal advice that will benefit your case.
What are the most important factors to consider in domestic violence charges?
A 911 Call: A call to 911 is a major factor in family assault charges. More specifically, without a 911 call placed by the accuser and his/her refusal to testify, proving assault becomes vastly more difficult. An experienced domestic violence lawyer will know how whether to amplify or suppress a 911 call, which will have a huge impact on your case.
Police Documentation and Bodycam Footage: Any pictures or footage submitted by the police of injuries are typically considered to be admissible in court, meaning they can be used as evidence. Police don’t take pictures in every instance, but when they do, be sure that they document any injuries to you as well. These images, which police officers may not notice or leave out, can help to tell the full story. Houston police officers often wear body cameras these days as well, which can reveal telling information about how situations are handled. As experienced domestic violence attorneys in Houston, we can map out any inconsistencies in the documentation and help everyone understand the full story.
Receive Your Free Evaluation – Protect Your Rights!
Our attorneys have been successfully defending clients against domestic violence charges since 1999. Our experience, extensive legal knowledge and dedication to your rights can greatly enhance your case. You and your family are extremely important. If your right to see your family is in jeopardy because of a family violence-related charge, you need to protect that right vigorously. We will give you the solid defense that you need to get the best outcome for your case.
Start today by calling a Houston domestic violence attorney at The Martinez Law Firm!