Georgetown Domestic Violence Lawyers

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 members. 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 an 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.