Domestic violence is a horrible crime that affects families all over the state of Texas. When it occurs, it has an impact directly on the victim and indirectly on the children who may witness it. But domestic violence is also used as a weapon in civil divorce and child custody cases.
As a serious criminal offense, those convicted of domestic violence face jail sentences up to a year (for a Class A misdemeanor), between two and 10 years (for third-degree felony domestic assault), between two and 20 years (for second-degree felony domestic assault), and between five and 99 years (for first-degree felony aggravated domestic assault).
If convicted, they may have to pay heavy fines of up to $10,000.
If you were recently charged with domestic violence, make sure you hire an attorney to protect your rights, freedom, and future.
1. Find a Domestic Violence Lawyer
Many defendants will delay the process of hiring a lawyer and may leave the decision for the last minute—sometimes just hours before trial. This procrastination doesn’t allow them to research the lawyers who may be the best fit for them and their case. Plus, the condensed timeline doesn’t give even the best attorney time to adequately prepare an effective defense.
From the moment you’re arrested for domestic violence, exercise your right to remain silent and start the process of finding a lawyer. Giving them adequate time to look over the evidence and charges in your case allows a lawyer the time they need to mount an aggressive defense.
2. Understand What Penalties You’re Facing
Your lawyer should be your key resource for anything you need to understand your case. However, you should also possess some basic knowledge about the case itself. It’s okay to read up on the most recent domestic violence laws in Texas. Learn about the penalties you may be facing, but always go back to your attorney if you don’t understand something.
Understanding the laws and your situation helps you navigate the ebbs and flows of the case with peace of mind. As you go through the process, ask questions, because being in the dark can cause you to become panicked. The more you know, the better you feel and can make the right legal decisions that are best for you.
3. Hire a Lawyer to Build a Strong Defense
If you’re facing charges for domestic violence, make sure you find an experienced and conscientious criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. JL Carpenter has worked on hundreds of complex domestic violence cases over the years. She builds a strong defense for her clients and fights tenaciously for their freedom.
Take a closer look at her track record. Once you’re ready, click here to schedule a consultation.
JL represents clients across the Greater Houston area, including in Friendswood, Clear Lake, League City, and the surrounding areas. She defends those accused of DWI, boating while intoxicated, drug possession, family violence, and more. You can also explore her reviews to see what her clients say about her.