A Skilled Defense Attorney for Domestic Abuse Cases

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence against Women defines domestic violence as longstanding abusive behavior by an intimate partner to increase their control in the relationship. It encompasses many forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and economic. The victims of domestic violence can be spouses, dating/intimate partners, family members, children or cohabitants or roommates.

In Texas, domestic violence crimes are technically known as Assault Family Violence (AFV). The majority of AFV cases involve Class A misdemeanor offenses that can result in a sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $4,000. More serious incidents involving choking or the commission of repeated AFV offenses can lead to felony charges, which carry longer jail terms and larger fines.

If you are charged with AFV the local district magistrate will likely issue a temporary restraining order that prevents you from having any contact with the alleged victim until the resolution of the case. If you are a first-time offender, you may qualify for a pre-trial intervention program, which can result in the dismissal of the charges and the expungement of your criminal record. You must abide by the terms of the program and not commit any criminal offenses for six months.