An arrest for domestic violence can hurt your ability to gain custody of your children. Contact a lawyer at our firm to learn more about your options today.
Resolving Criminal Domestic Violence Charges in Texas
If you need advice about misdemeanor or felony family violence charges in Greater Houston, discuss your situation with an attorney who knows how to evaluate the evidence and advise you about your options. Contact the law firm of Laird Valdez in Houston for a free consultation.
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At Laird Valdez, our lawyers represent people who face domestic violence charges of all kinds—assault, repeat family violence offenses, stalking, harassment and protective order violations. Contact our office in Houston to discuss your defense strategy with a skilled trial attorney.
As attorneys experienced in both family law and criminal defense, we know how to put charges of domestic violence into a context that presents the facts in their true light. Contact Laird Valdez in Houston to put our insights and trial skills to work for you.
Domestic Violence Charges and Sentencing
Most domestic violence charges can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. A defendant charged with a felony can serve significant time in prison, whereas a defendant charged with a misdemeanor may serve only a short jail term or be required to pay a fine, attend counseling or be put on probation. Contact Laird Valdez, LLP in Houston, Texas to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your options today.
Misdemeanor or Felony?
Whether a crime is a felony or a misdemeanor is determined by the seriousness of the crime and the relevant state laws. In many jurisdictions, acts that result in serious injuries are charged as felonies. Cases with no injury or slight injury are charged as misdemeanors. A prosecutor also may consider prior violent acts by the defendant to determine the level of crime to charge.
Misdemeanor Penalties
Sentencing for misdemeanor domestic violence convictions differs state to state. The penalties also depend on the specific facts of each case. The court will consider prior convictions, whether the abuser was on probation or parole, the local community's attitude toward the crime and any other mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Some of the penalties that may attach to misdemeanor domestic violence include:
- Probation
- Mandatory treatment programs
- Short to moderate jail sentences
- Fines
- Pay restitution to the victim
In many states, misdemeanor defendants may face up to a year in the county jail plus a significant fine for each charged offense, but judges may be more lenient for first time offenders.
Felony Sentencing
Penalties for felony convictions are more serious than for misdemeanors, and vary greatly by state, by the severity of the crime and by the particular circumstances of each case. Generally, penalties range from shorter prison terms and moderate fines for less severe felonies to life sentences and large fines for more serious offenses. States with the death penalty may seek it in cases of domestic violence that result in death.
Conclusion
Contact Laird Valdez, LLP in Houston, Texas for more information on domestic violence crimes and sentencing. An experienced criminal defense attorney can explain your state's laws and how they apply to your situation.
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