Domestic Violence Cases in Williamson County, TX
Domestic violence is an inclusive term that can encompass several different offenses. Generally, domestic violence refers to violence between family or household members. This can include spouses, ex-spouses, children, parents, siblings, or current or former roommates.
It can also include lovers or people who are dating. Domestic violence is known as “family violence” under Texas law.
Crimes committed in the context of domestic violence are generally punished more severely than identical crimes committed against individuals who are not family, household members, or other present or former intimate partners.
Crimes Encompassed by Domestic Violence Law in Texas
Common crimes under the term “domestic violence” can include:
- Stalking: This involves continuous threatening conduct and unwanted attention by an individual or group towards another person, causing fear or concern.
- Assault (including by strangulation): Assault is any intentional act that causes physical harm, fear of injury, or offensive contact. Strangulation is a form of assault that involves choking or suffocating the victim.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves causing serious harm or using a deadly weapon.
- Harassment: Persistent behavior against the victim that causes distress.
- Sexual Assault: This crime involves forced sexual activity without the consent of the victim.
- Homicide: This is the act of unlawfully killing another person.
- Continuous Violence Against the Family: This offense involves repeated violent acts against a current or ex-intimate partner, family, or household member. It is considered a third-degree felony.
- Violation of a Protective Order: this consists of non-compliance with the court’s restrictions on the alleged abuser to protect a victim or their family.
Penalties for Domestic Violence Crimes
The penalties for domestic violence can be severe, including fines and jail time. The penalties are increased if the alleged victim was a family member, and the penalties are increased if the defendant has prior convictions for domestic violence.
These crimes can range from a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500 to a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. An example of a Class C misdemeanor is offensive touching, while an example of a Class A misdemeanor occurs when causing the victim bodily injury.
Domestic violence crimes can also be charged as felonies. If it is a repeat offense, it can be prosecuted as a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon in a domestic violence crime can be prosecuted as a first-degree felony punishable by five years up to life in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Impact of Protective Orders
A protective order is a legal injunction that requires the alleged abuser to stay away from the victim, their home, workplace, and/or school. Violating a protective order can result in criminal charges, including jail time and fines.
Beyond the legal implications, protective orders can also impact your personal life, affecting your reputation, employment opportunities, and even child custody arrangements.
For experienced defense counsel against these serious charges, contact a Georgetown domestic violence lawyer at Winters & Chidester. Call (512) 961-4555!
A Proven History Of Success
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No Charges Filed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
We represented a woman under investigation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault family violence. By demonstrating she was actually the victim and providing key evidence to authorities, we prevented any charges from being filed against her.
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Case Dismissed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Our client was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon family violence. We were able to get the case reduced to a misdemeanor and ultimately dismissed.
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Case Rejected Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
We represented a client charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. By acting early, reviewing the evidence thoroughly, and providing key information to the prosecutor, we built a strong defense that led to the case being no-billed and rejected.
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Case dismissed Assault Causes Bodily Injury of a Family Member
We represented a young man charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member. After conducting our own investigation into the alleged victim, we met with the prosecutor, and the county attorney declined to prosecute the case.
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Case dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a young man charged with assault family violence. By acting swiftly and conducting our own investigation, we achieved a dismissal of his case in under six months.
How Winters & Chidester Can Help
The attorneys at Winters & Chidester are uniquely positioned to assist those facing domestic violence charges as former Travis County prosecutors who worked in the Family Violence Divisions of the County Attorney and District Attorney's Office. This includes several years as the chief prosecutor in the specialized family violence court.
This experience provides our team with a deep understanding of how prosecutors approach these cases and the strategies they employ. It allows us to anticipate the prosecution's tactics and build an effective defense strategy.
Facing domestic violence charges is stressful and overwhelming. But with experienced attorneys like our firm, you can be confident that your case is in capable hands.
Contact our team for legal help at (512) 961-4555 today.
