Houston Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
Call Our Team for a Free Consultation Today
Perhaps you had a disagreement with your spouse, are in the midst of a
child custody dispute, or are dealing with completely false claims of
abuse by your romantic partner. Suddenly, you find yourself under arrest
and faced with the possibility of domestic violence charges. These are
extremely serious matters that require professional legal help.
At the Law Offices of Jed Silverman, we represent individuals accused of
misdemeanor and felony domestic violence in Houston and across Harris
County. We have helped our clients secure case dismissals, reduced penalties,
reduced or no jail time, and deferred judgments where charges are dismissed
if no further charges are made for one year.
To find out how we can help with your case, call for a
confidential case review.
What is Domestic Violence?
An individual may be charged with domestic violence for alleged actions
against a:
- Spouse
- Domestic partner
- Boyfriend
- Girlfriend
- Roommate
Penalties for Misdemeanor and Felony Domestic Violence Charges
Depending on the severity of the alleged assault and whether the accused
has prior charges, domestic violence may be charged as a
misdemeanor or a felony. Below are the possible penalties for each:
Misdemeanor Domestic Violence: Misdemeanor domestic violence charges typically apply in cases involving
first-time offenders. Even in these cases, a defendant may face the following
penalties:
- Up to 1 year in a prison
- A fine of up to $4,000
- The loss of the right to possess firearms
- Problems with employment, housing, and personal problems caused by having
a criminal record
Felony Domestic Violence: In Texas, felony domestic violence charges may apply to second or third
offenders or to incidents involving choking. A defendant facing a felony
domestic violence charge may face the following:
- 2-10 years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Loss of voting privilege
- Loss of the right to own a firearm
- Loss of the ability to serve in the military or hold a job requiring the
use of a gun
- Loss of adoption rights
What Are the Consequences for Second-Offense Domestic Violence?
A second conviction for domestic violence is considered a third-degree felony. If convicted, penalties can include two to 10 years in prison and hefty
fines. The manner and means can involve anything from hitting to slapping
to choking — virtually any action that involves physical violence.
Involve Our Houston Family Violence Lawyer Today
Any case involving family and romantic relationships has the potential
to be highly sensitive and complex. Make sure you have experience on your
side. Our founding attorney has more than 15 years of experience in criminal
defense and our associate attorney has an extensive background in the
criminal justice system to offer insight on the other side of domestic
violence proceedings.
To learn more about our Houston domestic violence attorneys and how we
can help, pleasecontact us at (713) 597-2221.