Fort Worth Domestic Violence Attorneys
Experienced and Strategic Representation in Your Corner
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, you may be up against a relentless prosecution. Texas does not treat these allegations lightly and may penalize you with a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the circumstances. Don’t underestimate the power of either of these charges, as both can substantially impact your future livelihood and dismantle your family.
As a former police lieutenant, Attorney David Sloane has rare but valuable insight into the operations and resources practiced by opposing counsel. Using this knowledge, paired with 20+ years of legal experience, he knows which defense tactics work and how to put them into action when challenging domestic violence charges in a Texas court.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Texas defines domestic violence as an act committed against a:
- Current or former spouse
- Child of a current or former spouse
- Person with whom the offender has a child or children
- Foster child or foster parent of the offender
- Family member of the offender by blood, marriage, or adoption
- Someone with whom the offender lives
- Person with whom the offender has or had an ongoing dating or romantic relationship
Texas law recognizes three acts of domestic violence:
-
Domestic assault: A threat or act of violence against a person with whom the defendant
has an intimate relationship. The act must be intentional, knowing, or
reckless and may cause physical contact that the victim will find provocative
or offensive.
- You could face a Class A misdemeanor if you don’t have a prior conviction, or 3rd degree felony if you do have a prior domestic assault conviction.
-
Aggravated domestic assault: Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing
serious bodily injury to another person, or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon
while committing the assault crime, including threatening another with
bodily injury or engaging in conduct that the victim will likely find
offensive.
- If the crime involved a deadly weapon and causes serious bodily injury to the victim, the crime is a 1st degree felony. Any other aggravated domestic assault is a 2nd degree felony.
-
Continuous violence against the family: Conviction of this crime involves two domestic assaults against the family
in twelve months.
- You could be charged with a 3rd degree felony.
What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Texas?
Penalties and fines for acts of domestic violence vary by degree of the offense:
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $4,000, or both
- 3rd degree felony: 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- 2nd degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- 1st degree felony: 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Restitution: Reimbursing the victim for any expenses resulting from the crime
- Deferred adjudication and/or community supervision: An alternative to prison or jail
Call Our Domestic Violence Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Our successful track record and exclusive knowledge in the other side of the law can help your domestic violence accusations withstand even the toughest of trials. Attorney Sloane doesn’t settle for short of pristine when crafting a relentless case. We treat each case with the respect, attention and commitment it deserves, because that is what historically fosters success for our firm.
Call us at (817) 349-7118 or contact us online to get a started on your road to success with a free consultation!