Hire an Experienced Houston Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
People who are charged with domestic or family violence come from all walks of life, from professionals to police officers and construction workers. Some people have anger management problems. Other people are falsely accused, often by a spouse who uses the charge to gain the upper hand in a divorce case.
I'm R. Todd Bennett, a Houston criminal defense lawyer. If you have been charged with domestic or family violence, you should contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. I represent people throughout the Houston area who face this very serious accusation.
In Texas, police officers are very quick to arrest a person for domestic assault or family violence. They often make the arrest with little, if any, substantive investigation. It takes little more than a mere accusation of spousal abuse to cause a criminal case to be filed.
Long ago, spouses could drop charges if they changed their mind. However, that is no longer the case. Today, the state will prosecute family violence or domestic assault cases with or without the cooperation of the alleged victim. Many jurisdictions, including Harris County, have a special section of aggressive prosecutors who prosecute people charged with domestic assault or family violence. These prosecutors often try to force a reluctant spouse to testify for the prosecution.
Consequences of a family violence arrest in Texas
You may be subject to a no-contact or restraining order that bars you from going home or even speaking to your spouse.
For a first offense, class A misdemeanor, the punishment range goes up to one year in county jail.
For a second offense, you will be charged with a felony, punishable by up to a term of years in Texas state prison.
If you are convicted, you will have a lifelong criminal record that will make it more difficult for you to get a job. Additionally, it will be more difficult to own a firearm.
Free Attorney Consultation
Given the consequences of a domestic assault or family violence arrest, you should think long and hard before you give up without a fight. Contact me, Houston criminal defense lawyer R. Todd Bennett, for a free initial consultation about your case.
