Domestic violence related assault charges are among the most complicated and frustrating charges that you can face. Whether the offense was a mistake, or the result of anger, the civil and criminal consequences can be devastating.
Even in loving relationships, one person may display a repeated behavior of aggression. Domestic violence refers to a pattern of behavior that an abuser engages in to control or demonstrate power over and/or intimidate his or her intimate partner.
Defining “Domestic”
Domestic violence is abuse that can occur in a heterosexual or homosexual relationship or between family members, whether they live under the same roof or not.
If you’re faced with the challenge of a charge for domestic violence, contact our lead attorney, Joseph Gagliardi, at 713-224-6277.
Understand Your Charge and Potential Penalties
In the United States, 1 out of every 4 women and 1 out of every 14 men are recorded to suffer some form of domestic violence in their lifetime.
With the high number of injuries and deaths associated with abuse from a spouse or intimate partner, Texas penalties for people convicted of domestic violence are substantial.
Chapter 71 of the Texas Family Code relates the penalties for this type of offense.
Perpetrators convicted of a first domestic violence offense can receive a jail sentence of up to 1 year and a $4,000 fine. Penalties for subsequent offenses are more severe.
Texas Domestic Violence Policies
Texas policies on domestic violence are very serious, including the No-Drop Policy and the Zero-Tolerance Policy.
The No-Drop Policy
The No-Drop Policy means that prosecution can decide if they wish to pursue a criminal case, even if the victim does not want to press – in other words, wants to “drop” – charges.
The Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Zero-Tolerance Policy means that the law enforcement officer can perform an arrest if they have any probable cause to believe that any form of bodily injury occurred to the victim.
Don’t Duck & Cover! Fight The Charge!
Contact Attorney Joseph Gagliardi Today
If you were charged for domestic violence in Texas, you must take action to protect your rights and freedom. Your case can be jeopardized with the absence of strong legal representation.
Contact The Gagliardi Law Firm, PLLC today!
Our staff can assist clients in English or Spanish.