Corsicana Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Understanding the Punishments for Assault on a Family Member in Texas

A person who is convicted of domestic violence may lose their freedom, future and vital opportunities such as jobs, housing and financial aid due to a criminal record. A disagreement can turn into a screaming match. Doors may get slammed a little too hard. Unforgiving words may have been spoken in the heat of the moment. Jealously can bring out the ugly sides of people.

Depending on the nature of their domestic violence offense and criminal history, a person may be subject to the following legal punishments:

• Class A misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and/or up to $4,000 fines
• Third-degree felony: Two to 10 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 fines
• Second-degree felony: Two to 20 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 fines
• First-degree felony: Five to 99 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 fines

These are all examples of how a domestic violence accusation may arise, but that doesn’t mean it’s right. Oftentimes, people get confused between domestic violence and a messy argument, resulting in false or exaggerated domestic violence accusations. Our Corsicana domestic violence defense lawyers understand that life consists of unfavorable moments, and sometimes things can get out of hand. That does not, however, mean you deserve domestic violence charges.

As such, we urge you to contact us today and retain the powerhouse representation you deserve to help overcome your domestic violence accusations. Our Corsicana domestic violence defense attorneys are just a phone call away at (903) 417-0889.

What Is Domestic Violence in TX?

Texas refers to domestic violence as “family violence” and defines it as an act by family or household member against another family or household member that is intended to result in or threaten the following crimes:

• physical harm
• bodily injury
• bigamy
• assault
• sexual assault
• dating violence

For clarification, “family” means people related by blood or marriage, former spouses, people who parent the same child, a foster child and foster parent. Unlike many other states, domestic violence is categorized into three main crimes in Texas: Domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault and continuous violence against the family.

Domestic assault is a class A misdemeanor that may be enhanced to a third-degree felony. The offense occurs when a person commits the following acts against a family or household member, or current or past dating partner:

• intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, including the person's spouse
• intentionally or knowingly threatening another with imminent bodily injury, including the person's spouse
• intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative

Aggravated domestic assault is a second-degree felony that may be enhanced to a first-degree felony. A person commits this crime if they commit assault and:

• cause serious bodily injury to another, including the person's spouse
• use or exhibit a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault

Continuous violence against the family occurs when a person commits two domestic assaults in one year, regardless of whether they were against the same victim. This crime is a third-degree felony.

Dedicated Domestic Violence Defense Services in Corsicana

Our Corsicana domestic violence attorneys at Keathley & Keathley Law Firm understand that the stakes are high in your case and will explore every possible avenue of defense as a result. Our goal is to minimize or prevent the impacts of your domestic violence charges so that you can put your case behind you where it belongs.

Depending on the facts and circumstances of your allegations, our domestic violence lawyers in Corsicana will employ effective defense strategies such as:

• False Accusations
• Self-Defense
• Defense of Others
• Accident
• Lack of Evidence
• Improbable Cause
• Not a Family or Household Member

To learn more about how our Corsicana domestic violence attorneys can vigorously safeguard your rights and champion your best interests, contact Keathley & Keathley Law Firm at (903) 417-0889 now!