What Is The Definition Of A Domestic Violence Crime In Texas?

Domestic Violence Law in Texas falls into three different categories: domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, and continuous violence against family. While we often think of domestic violence as violence between romantic partners, this is not always the case. A domestic violence charge can be brought against anyone who assaults the following:

A family member
Anyone who is in the accused’s household
Anyone with whom the accused shares a child or children
A former or current spouse
The accused’s foster child or foster parent
Any of the accused’s family members by blood, marriage, or adoption
Anyone that the accused’s lives with
The accused’s former spouse or romantic partner’s child
Any person that the accused has been dating or is in a romantic relationship with

According to Texas law, there are three main domestic violence misdemeanors:

Intentional causing bodily injury to another person, knowingly or recklessly
A person intentionally threatened bodily injury to another
Causing physical contact with another person that the accused knew or should know that the victim with find offensive under the Texas Penal Code Ann. §22.01

Some domestic violence cases are considered felonies under Texas law. If the accused has been convicted of domestic violence before, following domestic violence charges will be treated as felonies. If choking or strangulation is involved, it will also be a felony. Aggravated assault against a family member is a second-degree felony. When a person is convicted of two or more domestic violence charges within the span of a year, they can be charged with continuous violence against family.

If you have been accused of a domestic violence offense, reach out to an experienced Domestic Violence Lawyer. The expert lawyers at Ceder Law Firm will guide you through the court process, represent you, and mitigate any consequences. If you are located in or near Plano, TX, call (469) 900-0000 for a consultation.

What are the penalties for domestic assault in the state of Texas?

Domestic assault might fall into one of two categories: misdemeanor or felony.

A misdemeanor domestic assault charge is one that involves threats of harm or provocative or offensive contact. It carries a fine of up to $500. If the victim is injured the penalty increases to up to one year in jail and $4,000 fine.

If the accused has any prior domestic assault convictions or if the assault involved strangulation or suffocation, an assault involving injury is a third-degree felony. The penalty is two to ten years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

If you have been accused of or fallen victim to domestic violence, a Criminal Defense Attorney experienced in Family Violence Law can answer any and all of your questions. If you live in or near Plano, TX, call (469) 900-0000 to schedule a consultation.

Call For A Free Consultation(469) 900-0000

What Should I Do If I Am Accused Of A Domestic Violence Offense?

If you have been accused of any type of domestic violence offense, you should immediately contact one of the best Domestic Violence Law Firms in Texas. You should consult with a Family Violence Lawyer at Ceder Law Firm. Our attorneys include the Best Domestic Violence Lawyer and Domestic Violence Victim Lawyer in the Plano, TX area. Call (469) 900-0000 to schedule a consultation today.