Being arrested for criminal allegations in Houston can cause major challenges in a person’s life regardless of their age and life situation. For those who are just starting out, it can cause lifelong problems. This is especially true for a college athlete as it can place their status in school and on their team in jeopardy. Allegations of domestic violence can not only result in serious consequences if there is a conviction, but it can severely tarnish a person’s reputation and hinder their future endeavors. Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to understand the value of a strong criminal defense.
Domestic incident results in football player’s felony arrest
A college football player for the University of Houston had a dispute with his girlfriend and was subsequently arrested for assaulting her. The player, 18, is a defensive lineman and weighs nearly 300 pounds. According to the investigation, his girlfriend of three years was visiting him at his residence and had been there for several weeks. The dispute apparently began when she requested that he assist her with her hair. They argued and he wanted her to leave.
She was packing when he is said to have slammed her into the wall after grabbing her neck. He was then accused of choking her so she could not breathe. He threw her belongings to the floor when she fled to the bathroom. He would not let her leave the bathroom and hit her. He then pushed her face into the bed. After he was arrested, he was charged with felony injury to a family member. She was granted a protective order. He was suspended from the football team.
Understanding how to defend against domestic violence charges
A domestic incident involving a girlfriend is categorized as family violence and will be treated as such. Since the football player was accused of impeding her ability to breathe, the charges rise to felony level. As disturbing as the details of this case are, it does not automatically mean he is guilty.
It is possible that the situation got out of control and is not as serious as first implicated. There might be alternatives for a plea bargain to reduce the charges. Or there could be an avenue to be acquitted. Given the possibility that his status as a college athlete and student could be endangered, it is wise for him or anyone else facing similar problems to be legally protected with help from an experienced professional who understands violent crimes.