Plano Domestic Violence
Plano Domestic Violence
Are you worried about the consequences of a domestic violence charge in Plano, Texas? These charges can disrupt every aspect of your life, from your reputation and career to your relationships and basic civil rights. If you have been accused of, charged with, or arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, you need a robust defense to protect your future and freedom.
At the Law Office of Al Rowland, PLLC, we understand the seriousness of your situation and are here to provide comprehensive defense strategies tailored to your case. Let us defend your rights and work toward a resolution that minimizes the impact of these charges on your life. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can support you during this challenging time.
Family Violence Crimes in Texas
- Current or former spouses
- Current or former dating partners
- Parents of the same child
- Foster children and parents
- People who live together or used to live together
- Relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption
Types of Domestic Violence Charges
- Domestic Assault: Domestic assault involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to a family member or intimate partner. Domestic assault can also occur if someone threatens a family member or dating partner with imminent bodily harm or engages in provocative or offensive physical contact.
- Aggravated Domestic Assault: Aggravated domestic assault occurs when an assault against a family member results in serious bodily injury or involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon during the assault. In this context, serious injuries include those that require hospitalization or could lead to death, such as broken bones.
- Continuous Violence Against the Family: If someone commits two or more domestic assaults within 12 months, it can result in charges of continuous violence against the family. This law applies regardless of whether the assaults result in arrest or conviction or whether they involve the same family member or intimate partner.
- Violation of Protective Orders: Violating the terms of a court-issued protective order in a family violence case is a criminal offense. This can include actions like visiting a protected person’s home or workplace or possessing a firearm if an order forbids it. Depending on the specifics, this offense can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
Penalties and Consequences for Domestic Violence Offenses
The penalties for domestic violence offenses depend heavily on the nature of the crime and any previous history of similar offenses. For initial domestic assault offenses that involve threatening behavior or minimal physical contact, the charge is typically a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. If the assault results in physical injury, the charge increases to a class A misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
For more severe offenses, such as domestic assault causing serious bodily injury or involving a weapon, the charges can escalate to felonies with much harsher consequences. For example, a third-degree felony like domestic assault involving strangulation or suffocation can lead to two to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine. First-degree felonies like aggravated domestic assault resulting in serious bodily harm are punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and a $10,000 fine.
A conviction for any family violence offense can also affect your firearm rights. According to both Texas and federal law, people convicted of family violence offenses are barred from possessing firearms indefinitely. This is particularly relevant for those who engage in hunting or sport shooting or who feel the need to possess firearms for personal security. This loss of rights can also impact your professional opportunities if you have or want a career in security, law enforcement, or another role that requires handling firearms. The restriction also carries social stigma that can affect your social life, as it publicly marks you as having been involved in family violence.
Why You Need a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
Legal Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges
- Ulterior Motive: Your attorney might present evidence suggesting the accuser has a reason to lie, such as jealousy, revenge, or a desire to gain an upper hand in child custody proceedings.
- Self-Defense: If you were actually protecting yourself from the accuser during the incident, your lawyer could gather and present evidence showing you acted in self-defense.
- Weak Evidence: If the evidence against you is weak, exaggerated, or entirely circumstantial, your defense attorney could argue that the prosecution has failed to meet the burden of proof.
- False Accusations: Defense lawyers can use text messages, emails, or other evidence to show that the alleged incident did not occur as reported or didn’t happen at all.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney for Domestic Violence Charges in Plano
If domestic violence charges are threatening your future, now is the time to act. Contact defense attorney Al Rowland for a free consultation to discuss your case and how he can fight for your rights.
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