In Texas, there are comprehensive laws that govern how domestic abuse cases are handled and how specific forms of violence are defined. As serious as the issue of domestic abuse is, you have the right to defend yourself against domestic abuse charges you may be facing, and we are here to help.
A McKinney, Texas domestic abuse defense lawyer from Underwood Law Office may be able to help you understand the charges that you are facing and plan your defense accordingly.
Call Underwood Law Office today at (972) 535-6377 for a free consultation on your domestic abuse case with a member of our team.
Types of Domestic Abuse
There are several types of domestic abuse charges in Texas, including crimes that are committed against children, intimate partners, and members of your household.
- Per Texas Family Code § 261.001, “child abuse” is defined as causing harm to a minor under the age of 18. Child abuse may be sexual, physical, emotional, psychological, or in the form of neglect. Child abuse may occur at the hands of a parent, a caregiver, or members of the community.
- Per Texas Family Code § 71.0021, “dating violence” is a form of intimate partner abuse that may involve some form of sexual and/or physical violence, or the imminent threat of such actions. Dating violence can happen between spouses, ex-spouses, and other intimate partners.
- Per Texas Family Code § 71.004, “family violence” may include bodily harm, sexual assault, or the imminent threat of such actions against another family member. Family violence may also include physical abuse against a child.
There are multiple tiers of charges that can be levied against someone accused of domestic violence based on the nature of the violence in question, the extent of injuries or damages involved in the case, and the frequency of abuse.
For a free legal consultation with a domestic abuse defense lawyer serving McKinney, call (972) 535-6377
Examples of Domestic Abuse
Examples of how some people suffer from domestic abuse may include:
- Being neglected or ignored with dire physical or mental consequences
- Being assaulted or beaten
- Being sexually assaulted
- Being intimidated, threatened, or stalked
- Being pushed or shoved
- Being grabbed by the wrist and pulled or restrained
- Being spat on
Domestic abuse and family violence are common problems in the United States. They are estimated to affect roughly 10 million people, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The economic cost of family and domestic violence in the U.S. is estimated to be more than $12 billion every year.
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Charges, Penalties, and Other Consequences of Domestic Abuse
Based on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a first, second, or third-degree felony, you may face fines of up to $10,000 and jail time that typically ranges between one and 99 years. You may also have to take courses on domestic violence or be placed under a protective order and prohibited from having any contact with the victim you are accused of abusing for a period of time.
Depending on the severity of the charges you are facing, you may suffer a wide range of issues beyond jail time and monetary penalties. You may face custody issues if you share a child with an abuse victim, you may lose your rights to own or purchase firearms, and you may face social or professional consequences as well.
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Defending Domestic Abuse Charges
Facing domestic abuse charges can be a life-changing reality, but the legal team at Underwood Law Office is here to help you. A McKinney, Texas domestic abuse defense lawyer from our firm may be able to defend your case in one of the following ways:
- Demonstrating that the actions in question were accidental.
- Providing the court with a sound alibi. If you are accused of domestic violence, but you can show that you were elsewhere when the alleged violence was purported to have occurred, then you may disprove the charges that you are faced with.
- If you can show that the alleged abuse victim gave you their consent to perform actions that inadvertently led to an injury, such as participating in sports together, some of the injuries or their severity may be attributed to those consensual acts.
- If there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty, you may be acquitted, or the case against you may be dismissed.
- If you can show that you used force in self-defense, you may be able to dismiss or lower the charges you are facing.
Please contact Underwood Law Office today at (972) 535-6377 to learn more about our services in a free case review with a representative of our firm.
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How Underwood Law Office May Be Able to Help You
There are many ways a McKinney, Texas domestic abuse defense lawyer from Underwood Law Office can help you. When we partner on your case, we may be able to:
- Give you legal advice, explain the possible outcomes of your case, and design a legal strategy for your defense
- File a legal motion to dismiss your case if the evidence against you was obtained illegally, if you have legal grounds to file such a motion, or if there is insufficient evidence to convict you.
- Prepare a character certificate that highlights your good character, the fact that you do not have a criminal record, or bring to the attention of the court other case-relevant circumstances that favor you.
- Investigate the case to challenge the evidence brought forth against you.
- Advocate for having your charges dismissed, or if that is not possible, advocate for having your charges or penalties reduced
Please contact Underwood Law Office today at (972) 535-6377 to discuss your case for free with a member of our team. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can get started working in your defense.
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