Austin Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers
What Are Texas Family Violence Charges?
In Texas, family violence carries hefty consequences. A first offense is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties including up to one year in prison or two years probation. A second offense is automatically charged as a third-degree felony, which carries two to ten years in state prison.
In addition to the immediate legal consequences, a family violence conviction can follow you for the rest of your life:
- You can be fired from your current job for an assault conviction and refused for hire by other employers.
- Landlords can refuse to rent to someone with an assault on their record/
- Texas doesn’t permit someone with an assault conviction to own a firearm for five years after their sentence is completed.
- Beyond employment and rental consequences, these type of charges may also affect your ability to see your family or return to your home.
Don’t let a domestic violence charge ruin your future. Contact Carroll Troberman today for a dependable legal representation throughout your case, from the point of arrest to your court appearances. We have the knowledge and experience to provide legal advice and strategies that will help optimize the results of your case.
Domestic Violence Penalties in Texas
Any kind of physical assault or battering of your partner is considered domestic violence, including sexual abuse. Even just an unwanted touch can mean count as assault, and it can cost you.
The state of Texas recognizes three types of crimes within domestic violence: domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, and continuous violence against the family. Each type of crime carries different penalties and criteria.
Domestic Assault
Have you committed assault against a current/past dating partner or a family member? An act of assault includes:
- Intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury to another
- Threatening harm on another
- Intentionally causing physical contact with another that the offender should reasonably know that the victim would find offensive
If the offender does not have any other domestic assault convictions on his or her criminal record, domestic assault counts as a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in a fine of up to $4,000 and/or jail time of up to one year. However, the charge will upgrade to a third-degree felony if the conviction isn’t the first on the record. A third-degree felony can leave you behind bars for 2-10 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
What Our Clients Say
Our Level of Service Speaks for Itself
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I've always heard horror stories about attorneys, but Carroll Troberman, PLLC was the complete opposite. They answered calls and emails almost immediately and were extremely helpful. A case I thought would take 1-2 years was closed in 6 months.- Amy N.
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I highly recommend Carroll Troberman, PLLC. They made the whole legal process bearable and kept me informed. They were always available to answer calls and reduced my judgment to a much lesser charge. You won’t find a better attorney in Texas.- Danielle K.
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Trusting someone with your life is an incredibly difficult choice and one we never want to have to make but Shelly and her team have helped me through some of these stressful situations. I used several different lawyers before finding her and was less than impressed with all of them. When I contracted her to help me with my second DWI, I found out quickly how a highly competent lawyer handles the courtroom. I have since worked with her on several cases and I have recommended her to many of my friends and family. All of us have been fortunate that she was on our side and I highly recommend her for any legal services.- Jason W.
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She took care of everything and no record.- Brenda H.
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The team at Carroll Troberman, PLLC, are angels sent from God! It's an honor to have them as my lawyers. Many referrals are coming their way!- Bobby C. & Andrea C.
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My opinions and beliefs were highly respected and Mr. Carroll was always determined to bring out the truth and fight for my rights.- Chris C.
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She’s amazing!!- Leslie R.
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You're truly An Amazing Attorney!!!- Tanya T.