locationLawyers in College Station and Waco representing cases across Texas
Call For A Case Evaluation (College Station)
phone (979) 406-5756
Call For A Case Evaluation (Waco)
phone (254) 781-3416

College Station Domestic Violence Lawyer

In Texas, domestic violence is grouped according to domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, and continuous violence against the family. Any act of violence committed against a family member, a household member, or someone the offender is dating can result in a domestic violence charge.

There is a great deal at stake here, especially if you have children. As a defendant facing domestic violence charges, you may lose custody of your children or even your parental rights. In addition, having a prior domestic violence conviction can lead to enhanced penalties and subsequent arrests.

If you have been arrested or accused of domestic violence, then it is important that you seek the help of an experienced College Station domestic violence lawyer. Our firm, The Greening Law Group, has handled numerous cases involving domestic violence and we are prepared to help you fight your charges.

The Greening Law Group of College Station takes special care to ensure that each attorney-client relationship is built on solid communication and honesty. Our dedicated criminal defense attorneys strive to keep our clients informed as to every development that may occur in the case, as well as answer any questions that you may have moving forward.

What Types of Acts Can Be charged as Domestic Violence?

Texas law is very clear and concise regarding what acts are considered domestic violence. If you are convicted of domestic violence, it will appear on your criminal record. Such convictions can severely limit and impact future opportunities in the areas of employment, housing, and even the ability to attend the college or university of your choice.

Acts that can be charged under domestic violence include:

  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Sexual assault
  • Child abuse
  • Stalking
  • Threats of violence

In addition, other physical acts such as slapping, kicking, choking, hitting, and even hair-pulling are also examples of domestic violence. Texas law takes domestic violence allegations one step further when it contends even if you did not intend to harm another individual, but your reckless actions caused them to be injured, then you can be charged with domestic violence as well.

It should also be stated that in domestic violence cases, the victim does not necessarily have to sustain any injuries. Acts such as threatening a family member and causing them to be in fear can also be considered domestic violence. We understand that in some cases, domestic violence allegations can be gross exaggerations or a result of false accusations.

Our goal is to find the underlying cause of the situation and find the best possible outcome, so your future is not negatively affected. You need a highly qualified domestic violence lawyer in College Station. Contact our law offices to schedule a free consultation.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence?

In the state of Texas, domestic violence charges are taken very seriously, and if convicted, you could potentially face harsh penalties. Although each individual case has its own set of unique circumstances, one of the main goals of domestic violence laws is to prevent any further harm from happening to the victim or their family. Penalties include the following:

  • Jail time
  • Community service
  • Restraining or protective orders
  • Loss of child custody/termination of parental rights
  • Anger management programs
  • Fines

Penalties for Assault

The criminal penalties increase considerably if the physical harm inflicted on the victim qualifies as an assault or sexual assault as outlined under state law. Texas defines assault as an individual intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another individual, including their spouse.

Texas classifies assault charges as a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties for assault charges include a maximum jail time of not more than one year and a fine ranging up to $4,000.

Penalties for Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is defined as any unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact against another individual involving penetration. When considering lack of consent, the law stipulates that this can include threats of violence, physical force, coercion, and manipulation. Domestic violence laws also are applicable if you sexually assault a household member in Texas.

Sexual assault is considered to be a second-degree felony. If convicted, you could face up a minimum of two years in prison to a maximum of 20 years. In addition, you may also be required to pay a fine of up to $10,000.

With the potential stakes so high, you need a domestic violence lawyer in College Station, TX, who can fight aggressively to protect your freedom and standing in the community. Even simply facing domestic violence charges can impact your daily life, including being able to visit with your children, and may require you to leave your home. Do not trust your future to just any criminal defense attorney.

Contact The Greening Law Group and ask to schedule a free consultation with a College Station domestic violence attorney. We can provide you with the legal services that you need as we work to fight criminal charges against you.

Violating a Restraining Order

If you are facing domestic assault charges and you have been served with a restraining order, you are legally obligated to be in compliance with the order. A restraining order, also known as a protective order, is served against an individual because the court has reason to believe that the individual poses an ongoing threat to the victim and/or their family.

If it is determined that you have violated an order of protection, you may be charged with an additional misdemeanor offense for the first violation. If you continually violate the protective order, there are additional penalties that may be legally enforced that would not normally be imposed in other types of misdemeanor offenses.

Law enforcement officers have the legal authority to arrest you without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that you violated the terms of the protective order. This can include making threats, assaulting, or attempting to approach the victim who took out the order of protection. Probable cause can be based on physical evidence, such as injuries to the victim, witness statements, or your own admission to violating the order.

If you are arrested and charged with violating an order of protection, the judge has the legal ability to hold you in jail without bail. You will remain in jail until the judge determines that you no longer pose a threat to the victim. A College Station lawyer could help a client throughout their domestic violence case.

Speak With a College Station Domestic Violence Attorney Today

When you have been charged with the crime of domestic assault, you need a lawyer who has the proven experience and skill necessary to fight to defend your life as well as your character. A conviction for domestic violence will remain on your criminal record and will haunt you for the rest of your life.

It is important that you retain experienced, knowledgeable, and aggressive representation. Our board-certified criminal law defense attorney is ready to fight for you. If you are facing domestic violence charges, one of the best steps that you can take to protect yourself is to hire a College Station domestic violence lawyer.

When you work with our firm, you not only get our criminal law expert on your side, but you also get over 26 years of proven experience and knowledge behind you. Wherever you are in Houston, Dallas, or Austin, The Greening Law Group of College Station, Texas, is here to defend you. If you want a high degree of legal representation and a law firm that takes the time to ensure a quality attorney-client relationship, contact us to discuss your case.

You can reach out to our office to get started. We offer free consultations and will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.