How Does Texas Law Treat Family Violence Crimes?

 Posted on September 10, 2021 in Family Violence

Crimes involving family or domestic violence in Texas can carry penalties substantially greater than similar violent crimes that are committed against people who are not family. Texas law not only punishes past family violence crimes but contains provisions intended to prevent future crimes against family or household members.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, it is imperative that you speak with a qualified Texas criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These crimes can carry serious penalties that could permanently impact your future.

What Is Considered Family Violence in Texas?

Before we can understand what constitutes family violence in Texas, we need to know exactly who is considered a family or household member. Texas includes the following relationships in this category:

• Spouses, current or former
• A child’s parents, whether they live together or not
• A child and his or her foster parents
• People related by marriage, blood, or adoption
• Co-residents, such as roommates
• Dating and romantic partners, current or former

As defined by Texas law, family violence is any behavior that includes:

• Action from one household or family member against another that results in bodily harm, injury, assault, or sexual assault
• Action from one household or family member against another that threatens bodily harm, injury, assault, or sexual assault
• Child abuse against a household or family member
• Relationship or dating violence

What Are the Most Common Types of Family Violence in Texas?

Texas keeps statistics on the types of family violence that are reported to the police. Most family violence crimes are committed by young men, but women also commit roughly 25% of these crimes. Assault accounts for the vast majority of family violence and includes assault, aggravated assault, and intimidation. Other crimes, such as kidnapping, sex offenses, and homicide, make up a much smaller percentage of the offenses, but still carry serious penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Family Violence Crimes?

Texas allows both misdemeanor and felony charges for family violence, and the charge will depend on the type and severity of the crime. Assault that includes threatening, provocative, or offensive behavior could be considered class C misdemeanors that carry a fine of up to $500. If the victim is physically injured, that fine can be increased up to $4,000 and a year in jail.

If the person who committed the assault has prior family violence convictions, or if the crime involved suffocation or strangulation, a conviction may send the perpetrator to prison for two to 10 years and carry a fine of up to $10,000.

Speak with a Collin County Criminal Defense Attorney

Accusations of family violence can produce serious criminal charges with long-standing consequences. If you have been accused of acts of family violence, do not wait - speak with an experienced Frisco criminal defense attorney with Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. as soon as possible. We have experience helping people like you and will aggressively defend your rights under Texas law. Call us today at 469-333-3333 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.83.htm