Texas Criminal Charges for Domestic Violence

A case that involves domestic violence in Texas is usually handled under local law. There are a few circumstances in which federal law may be involved. An experienced criminal defense attorney can assist you with dealing with the charges in your criminal case no matter what type of law is involved.

Texas Domestic Violence Laws

Texas has its own criminal code which will govern the charges and penalties involved in criminal cases in its jurisdiction. Texas criminal statutes that may be involved in a particular domestic violence dispute may include:

• Murder (Penal Code Section 19.02)
• Manslaughter (Penal Code Section 19.04)
• Criminally Negligent Homicide (Penal Code Section 19.05)
• Assault (Penal Code Section 22.01)
• Sexual Assault (Penal Code Section 22.011)
• Aggravated Sexual Assault (Penal Code Section 22.021)
• Injury to a child, elderly person or disabled individual (Penal Code Section 22.04)
• Aggravated Kidnapping (Penal Code Section 20.04)
• Kidnapping (Penal Code Section 20.03)
• Unlawful Restraint (Penal Code Section 20.02)
• Deadly Conduct (Penal Code Section 22.05)
• Obstruction or Retaliation (Penal Code Section 36.06)
• Harassment (Penal Code Section 42.07)
• Stalking (Penal Code Section 42.072)
• Disorderly Conduct (Penal Code Section 42.01)
• Criminal Mischief (Penal Code Section 28.03)
• Violation of a Protective Order (Penal Code Section 25.07)

If children are involved in the incident, other statutes relating to child abuse may also be involved in a case.

Dealing with Texas Criminal Charges

If you have been charged with a crime under Texas law, it is important to discuss your case with an attorney who can help you assess the possible outcomes in your case. Penalties can vary widely in domestic violence cases depending on the severity of any injuries involved, the history of the defendant including prior convictions and other factors relevant to the case.

It is important to speak candidly with your attorney in a private setting to make sure that you are providing your attorney with all of the facts that are involved. Failure to disclose facts to your attorney that may come up later in your case can hurt you.

Getting Legal Help

Contact a Texas criminal defense lawyer now to get help with preparing a defense to your case. Depending on the facts of your case and the charges, an attorney may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dropped. Negotiating with the prosecution is a daily event for a defense attorney. Let an experienced professional help you with your situation. When it comes to criminal legal matters, a criminal defense attorney is your best advocate.