Hempstead Domestic Violence Lawyer

Hempstead Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence includes any type of abuse, be it sexual, physical, emotional, financial, or psychological, against a person you are close with. Often involving both family court filings and criminal charges, domestic violence assault involves complicated procedures within the court system. Because of the complexities associated with domestic violence cases, you need an experienced Hempstead, TX, domestic violence lawyer to help you navigate court proceedings and negotiate the terms of your criminal defense case.

What Counts as Domestic Violence in Hempstead, TX?

Domestic violence involves family members or those living in the same house, such as a spouse, child, parent, or roommate. It can also include close relations no longer living under one roof.

Examples of what Texas law perceives to be domestic violence include:

• Sexual battery/assault. This crime is generally considered a felony, particularly if it involves a minor. Sexual battery comprises the act of non-consensual sexual conduct. A domestic violence conviction of this type often results in jail time and being placed on the sex offender registry.
• Physical assault: Physical assault involves attacking another person with the intention to cause harm. This level of assault can cause both physical and emotional damage. If you are charged with physical assault, you might be responsible for paying the victim’s medical bills as part of your sentencing.
• Psychological abuse. This type of abuse includes any instance of bullying and gaslighting in a way that causes emotional or mental harm. It can take a victim a long time to recover from this abuse.
• Terrorization/emotional abuse: This level of abuse often involves a form of control or a non-physical behavior intended to frighten and isolate an individual. While this type of domestic violence does not leave a physical mark, it does traumatize the victim.

If you are facing a domestic violence charge, you could be responsible for paying medical costs, serving jail time, or being served with a restraining order. You might be forced to find a new living situation and limit or entirely eliminate contact with the victim.

Why You Need a Hempstead, TX, Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic violence allegations affect every area of your life. Because of the significant impact these charges can have on you, you need a domestic violence lawyer in Hempstead, TX on your side to build a solid defense and help you plead your case. The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can guide you through the process, ensuring you understand your rights and sentencing.

Your domestic violence lawyer can help you gather evidence for your case and determine if you acted in self-defense when faced with a threat from the plaintiff. Other effective defense strategies include a lack of evidence to convict you or a false accusation, which the plaintiff could have used against you for their own personal gain, such as child custody. In some cases, the domestic violence charge may have been accidental and misinterpreted by the victim.

Your defense team conducts a thorough investigation of all claims and puts together a strategy to approach the case in court. In the event of a guilty charge, we can negotiate a plea deal, which could result in a lighter sentence or lesser charges.

Domestic violence charges in Texas count as a Class A misdemeanor, which comes with jail time of up to a year and a fine of up to $4,000. However, in more severe cases, or those involving significant injury, weapons, or a child victim, you could receive a third-degree felony charge, which includes years of incarceration and fines of up to $10,000.

FAQs About Hempstead, TX Domestic Violence Laws

How Do You Beat a Domestic Violence Case in Texas?

If you are facing a domestic violence charge in Texas, the first step involves consulting a domestic violence criminal defense attorney who can review your case and establish a plan for how to proceed. To beat the charge, you need sufficient evidence and proof that you acted in self-defense or were falsely accused. You might also be able to prove that you did not commit the crime at all or that the act itself was misinterpreted or accidental.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Domestic Violence Case?

The cost of hiring a Hempstead, TX, domestic violence lawyer varies based on the lawyer’s experience, location, and the complexity of the case. When determining their rate, the lawyer might consider how complex and time-consuming the case is and the criminal charges involved.

Some domestic violence defense lawyers charge an hourly rate, but some may request a flat fee. The attorney might also offer a free consultation to assess your case. Consider that you may have additional court fees or investigation charges to cover.

What Is the Punishment for Domestic Violence in Texas?

In Texas, domestic violence is classified as either a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanors are less severe charges, whereas a felony might be assigned if you have had multiple offenses, the victim was a child or pregnant person, a deadly weapon was involved, or if there was a pattern of abuse in the relationship.

Punishment for a misdemeanor domestic violence charge might come with up to a year of incarceration at the county jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Felony sentencing could include years of jail time and fines of up to $10,000.

Can You Seal a Domestic Violence Charge in Texas?

Sealing your domestic violence sentence gives others limited access to your charges. For example, future employers would not be able to see your conviction history. However, Texas does not allow you to petition to have your domestic violence charge sealed. This means that your conviction will always show on your future background checks.

Contact a Hempstead Domestic Violence Attorney Today

A Hempstead, TX, domestic violence lawyer can help protect your rights during your court proceedings and answer any questions you have about the process. We can help you understand penalties and how these could impact your future.

Contact our skilled team at the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, today to schedule your free consultation so we can discuss the details of your case.