Angleton Domestic Violence Lawyer

Angleton Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence has impacted thousands of individuals and families nationwide. Family violence charges in Angleton can result in criminal cases and civil claims, and they are often intertwined with family court proceedings. These charges can be incredibly complicated, requiring the aid of an Angleton domestic violence lawyer.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, it is essential to take these charges seriously, even if you are facing false accusations. Though uncommon, domestic violence charges can be filed out of spite or retaliation, particularly during divorce or custody cases. Domestic violence charges can also be filed despite one party acting in self-defense.

Domestic violence accusations, no matter if they are false or not, can have a very real and severe impact on the rest of your life. It’s essential to find a qualified attorney in Angleton, TX to defend you.

The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, Can Defend You

Facing any criminal charge can be overwhelming, and facing domestic violence charges can carry significant criminal penalties in addition to social repercussions. Everyone has the right to exceptional and effective legal representation. At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we can provide you with the advice and support you need during this difficult time.

We have 10 years of experience in the criminal justice system, and we know how isolating it can feel. When you work with our team, you can have our seasoned legal experience on your side. We apply our years of experience and success in cases similar to yours, tailoring our knowledge to your unique situation and needs.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Texas law defines domestic violence crimes under family violence statutes, and domestic violence cases may be charged under these laws or as assault. Family violence covers several threatening and violent behaviors to family members and members of the same household. The penalties for these crimes depend on the severity of the violence, among other factors.

Domestic violence is charged when violence or threatening behavior is committed between the following relationships:

• Spouses or ex-spouses
• Romantic partners or ex-romantic partners
• Parents, stepparents, and children
• Grandparents and grandchildren
• Siblings
• Any other relatives by blood or marriage
• Roommates

While domestic violence typically occurs when parties live together, this is not always the case. Domestic violence can also be charged when individuals are family members or ex-partners who are no longer in the same house together.

Domestic violence does not only cover acts of physical violence. Physical abuse can cause devastating injuries and result in assault or aggravated assault charges. However, there are other actions that are considered domestic violence, including:

• Emotional abuse, including verbal abuse, threats, and intimation that results in a victim fearing for their safety
• Psychological abuse, such as isolation, manipulation, and other long-term mental abuse
• Sexual abuse, including sexual battery, exploitation, harassment, or molestation of a minor
• Economic abuse, which includes withholding money that belongs to the victim

Different types of domestic abuse charges require different evidence and different defenses. If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is essential that you work with a qualified attorney who has experience with the type of violence you are being accused of.

Domestic Violence Penalties in Texas

Depending on the specific crime and the severity of the harm done, a conviction for domestic violence could result in the following penalties:

• For domestic violence crimes involving threats but no bodily harm, the charge may be a Class C misdemeanor. This results in a fine of up to $500.
• When bodily harm is committed, the violence may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. This results in fines of up to $4,000 and up to 1 year in jail.
• Bodily harm with strangling results in a third-degree felony. Penalties include up to $10,000 in fines and 2 to 10 years in prison.

Aggravated assault can result in second- or first-degree felonies.

Domestic Abuse FAQs

Q: How Are Domestic Violence Cases Handled in Texas?

A: Texas doesn’t specifically have laws that address the crime of domestic violence like other states. Rather, it addresses them under family violence or assault charges. A domestic violence or family violence case occurs when there are threats or acts of violence against a family member, romantic partner, or member of the household.

Depending on the severity of the actions, domestic violence may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. In addition to criminal charges, someone charged with domestic violence may also face a civil claim from the victim, seeking compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Q: What Is the Punishment for Assault on a Family Member in Texas?

A: In Texas, the penalties associated with assault on a family member differ based on the severity of the harm done to another.

• It is a Class A misdemeanor when there is bodily harm to the victim. Penalties include up to $4,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
• If the victim suffered bodily harm and was being choked or strangled, it is charged as a third-degree felony. This results in 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Aggravated assault on a family member, which includes severe bodily injury or the possession or use of a deadly weapon, may be charged as a first- or second-degree felony.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Domestic Violence in Texas?

A: The statute of limitations for misdemeanor domestic violence charges in Texas is 2 years from the date of the incident. If the incident was a felony domestic violence charge, the statute extends to 3 years. The statute of limitations for criminal offenses determines the amount of time that the prosecution has to bring charges against a defendant. This means that victims of these crimes must also be aware of these limitations when reporting a crime.

Q: How Long Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Last?

A: The length of time that a domestic violence case lasts depends on many factors. These include:

• Whether a protective order is in effect
• The complexity of the defendant’s case and unique circumstances
• The evidence the prosecution has
• How the defendant pleads
• The defenses that are applicable to the defendant’s situation
• The skill of the defense attorney

Each unique domestic violence case will have its own timeline. It’s important to speak with a skilled attorney about your domestic violence charges. They can help you get a better idea of how long your case may last while providing effective legal representation.

Contact Our Defense Team

At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we want to protect your rights against domestic violence charges. Contact us today.