FAMILY VIOLENCE ATTORNEY IN DALLAS, TEXAS
WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT FOR ASSAULT ON A FAMILY MEMBER IN TEXAS?
There are severe penalties in cases of family violence. First time offenses are generally punished less harshly than subsequent offenses, however.
Texas recognizes these three crimes under the heading of family violence:
Domestic assault — A Class A misdemeanor for a first offense
Aggravated domestic assault — A second-degree felony, or first-degree felony if a deadly weapon was used
Continuous violence against the family — A third-degree felony
Even if you receive a deferred adjudication (often called probation) and there is no conviction, an Affirmative Finding of Family Violence is often regarded like a conviction by federal law and can be used to enhance future charges of family violence. Additionally, this finding can also deprive you of the right to own a gun under both state and federal laws, either on a temporary basis or permanently.
Firefighters, security guards, and other professionals who require licenses can also lose their jobs if a family violence offense goes on their record. As you can see, you need an expert Dallas family violence lawyer who can guide you through this minefield.
Feeling overwhelmed in the face of family violence charges? Get the help you need. Call Hernandez, Medina & Baggett, PLLC today.
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Being accused of family violence can have a life-shattering impact—on you, your relationships, your career, and your future. This is true whether a minor incident got out of hand or if you were falsely accused.
In some cases, the complaining party calls the police in order to get the other person into trouble, to get away, or even just to scare them—with the intention of “dropping the charges” later. However, he or she may not be able do so. The charges belong to the state of Texas and were never the complaining party’s to “drop.”
Furthermore, state prosecutors expect the complaining witness to ask to drop the charges and/or fail to co-operate in the prosecution. The State will often prosecute and go to trial even when there are no photographs, bruises, or medical records, and the witnesses fail to cooperate. That is why you need an expert Dallas family violence lawyer to defend you.
Our Dallas family violence attorneys at Hernandez, Medina & Baggett, PLLC know this all too well, having both been prosecutors in family violence cases. We take every step possible and leave no stone unturned in order to seek a satisfactory conclusion for every client. If you’ve been accused of family violence, don’t wait—give us a call today.