The 3 Types of Family Violence Offenses in Collin County

 Posted on December 23, 2021 in Family Violence

Family violence is taken very seriously in Texas. Assaults against a romantic partner, relative, or household member can lead to very serious penalties. You are likely to be served with a protection order barring you from returning to your own home if you live with the alleged victim before you are even released from jail. In addition, you could be facing prison time depending on the exact offense charged.

If you have been accused of any type of family violence offense, it is very important that you work closely with a skilled criminal defense lawyer to give you the best chances of avoiding serious, life-altering penalties.

What Are the 3 Types of Family Violence Crimes in Texas?

In Texas, there are three offenses that fall under the category of family violence. Both misdemeanor and felony charges are possible, depending on the severity of the alleged offense and whether you have prior offenses. The three types of family violence crimes are:

• Domestic assault - This is the most common form of family violence offense. Simple assaults against family or household members, or current or former romantic partners, are usually charged as misdemeanor domestic assaults. People are often arrested for domestic assault after disputes with a loved one escalate into minor physical violence, like pushing or slapping. A second domestic assault may be charged as a felony.
• Aggravated domestic assault - This offense is generally charged when the alleged victim suffered serious physical harm or a deadly weapon such as a knife or gun was used in the attack. Aggravated domestic assault is charged as a felony, and can lead to serious prison time depending on the extent of harm caused to the victim.
• Continuous violence against the family - This offense sounds like it would involve multiple instances of ongoing physical abuse, but this is not necessarily the case. Continuous violence simply means that there were two or more incidents. You could be charged with this offense if you have been arrested for domestic violence in the past, even if you were never convicted.

In Texas, it is also important to remember that assault offenses can be charged even if you did not make actual physical contact with the victim. Certain types of threatening behaviors can count if the victim believed they were about to be attacked. It is very easy to find yourself charged with one of these offenses after a heated argument. You will need a skilled defense attorney to help tell your side of the story.

Call a Collin County Family Violence Defense Attorney

If you are facing family violence charges in the Dallas area, Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. may be able to help p[rotect your freedom and reputation. Our Dallas family violence defense lawyers will do everything possible to achieve a positive result in your case. Call 469-333-3333 to arrange a free consultation.

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/pe/htm/pe.22.htm