The state of Texas considers domestic violence as force in a domestic environment that causes injury, threatens to cause bodily injury or physical contact that could be considered offensive or provocative by the victim. These laws apply to more than just spouses.
In fact, you could be charged with domestic violence if violence was threatened or caused to anyone living with you in the household. If you or someone you know has been arrested for domestic violence, it is imperative you contact a skilled attorney to represent them immediately.
At Shane Phelps Law., our College Station domestic violence attorney has decades of experience handling domestic violence cases.
Give us a call today at (979) 775-4100 to speak with a College Station domestic violence attorney from our office!
What is Considered Domestic Violence in Texas?
Domestic violence is considered a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship to maintain or gain control of another person in the relationship. This could be a spouse, live in girlfriend or boyfriend, children or roommate. Most people assume domestic abuse is simply a violent act, but you could be charged with domestic abuse if any of the following actions occurred.
- Physical Abuse— if an abuse is pinching, hitting, slapping, pulling hair, denying medical treatment to a domestic partner.
- Sexual Abuse – if an abuser coerces someone into having sexual contact without his or her consent.
- Emotional Abuse—this occurs when the abuser invalidates or deflates their spouse, or other household member’s sense of self-worth or self-esteem.
- Economic Abuse – an abuser will make the victim financially reliant on them by withholding access to their money or preventing them from attending school or work.
- Threats – in verbal or written form the abuser threatens to harm their victim
- Stalking and Cyberstalking – If the abuser follows the victim to work, spies or otherwise harasses them, it could be considered stalking. More behaviors of stalking include, sending gifts, leaving text messages and voicemails. Cyberstalking refers to repeated online actions that cause emotional distress on a victim.
How Can a Domestic Violence Conviction Affect Your Life?
Facing domestic violence charges can have profound and far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the legal realm. It is crucial to understand that these charges can affect various aspects of your life, from your personal relationships to your professional opportunities and your overall well-being. In this section, we will explore the multifaceted impact of domestic violence charges and why seeking legal counsel and support is essential.
- Strained Relationships: One of the most immediate and evident impacts of domestic violence charges is the strain they place on your personal relationships. Accusations of domestic violence can shatter trust and damage the dynamics within families and intimate partnerships. Even if the charges are ultimately dropped or proven false, the emotional toll on relationships may persist, leading to long-lasting rifts.
- Legal Consequences: Domestic violence charges can result in a variety of legal consequences, including restraining orders, probation, fines, and even imprisonment. These legal penalties can have a lasting impact on your record, affecting your ability to find employment, secure housing, or obtain custody of your children in the future.
- Employment and Career: A domestic violence charge on your record can significantly hinder your career prospects. Many employers conduct background checks, and having a criminal record can make it challenging to secure certain jobs or advance within your current profession. In some cases, it may even lead to job loss or the revocation of professional licenses.
- Social Stigma: Being accused of domestic violence can lead to social stigma and ostracization. Friends, colleagues, and acquaintances may distance themselves from you due to the negative perceptions associated with such charges. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.
- Custody and Parental Rights: If you have children and are involved in a custody battle, domestic violence charges can have a significant impact on the outcome. Courts prioritize the safety and well-being of children, and a history of domestic violence can be used against you when determining custody arrangements.
- Psychological and Emotional Toll: The stress and anxiety associated with facing domestic violence charges can take a severe toll on your mental health. The fear of legal consequences, potential imprisonment, and the impact on your relationships can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
- Financial Strain: Legal fees, fines, and potential loss of employment can result in a significant financial strain when dealing with domestic violence charges. The financial burden can extend long after the legal proceedings have concluded, affecting your financial stability and future prospects.
Penalties for Domestic Violence
If you were accused of domestic violence, you could:
- Be ordered to leave your home
- Lose custody of your children
- Lose the right to own guns
In addition, if you are a licensed professional, you could be stripped of your license and face other administrative consequences. Depending on the domestic violence charges, you could face anywhere from a Class C misdemeanor penalty which carries a fine of up to $500 or a second-degree felony, which carries penalties of 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. With so much at stake, you cannot afford to be unrepresented.
Contact Shane Phelps Law by calling (979) 775-4100 to book your free consultation today.
