Family Violence
The legal definition of family violence
The Texas Family Code defines family violence in section 71.004 as:
An act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.
Have you been accused of family violence?
Sometimes an accusation is made falsely. Maybe you got into an argument with a family member and the argument got heated. Maybe someone called the police and falsely accused you of assault. It is a sad fact that some people make false accusations, such as those wanting an unfair advantage in a divorce or child custody dispute. Even if you committed an act of violence, maybe there is a legal justification for it, such as self-defense.
Family violence is a serious criminal offense, with the potential of up to a $4,000 fine and up to a year in jail if convicted. A prior domestic violence case can result in your case being enhanced to a felony offense where you would be facing up to a $10,000 fine and ten years in prison.
Numerous other potential collateral consequences include—
- Not being allowed to possess a firearm
- Adverse employment consequences including suspensions and job loss
- Denial of professional or occupational licenses
- Deportation or exclusion of non-citizens and related immigration concerns
- Disciplinary proceedings including suspension and expulsion hearings
- Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote and serve on a jury
- Loss of educational opportunities
- Difficulty in renting an apartment
- Serious implications in divorce and child custody cases
Whether you have been falsely accused or not, it is in your best interest to have an experienced criminal attorney on your side to defend you in court and to minimize criminal penalties and collateral consequences.
Contact us
Let us help you fight a false accusation or negotiate a plea agreement with minimal penalties. For a free consultation, call Stephanie Duecker Hudson, PLLC at 469-342-3364 or click here to contact us online.
