San Antonio Domestic Violence Lawyer
What is Considered Family Violence in Texas?
Domestic violence is a term used to refer to a category of crimes in which the perpetrator and victim share a family relationship or are members of the same household. They may be spouses, romantic partners, parents and children or even roommates. An arrest for domestic violence - referred to as "family violence" under Texas law - can throw your entire life into disarray and requires the compassionate and dedicated legal advocacy of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Crimes of domestic violence can include such charges as:
Law enforcement in San Antonio takes a tough stance against domestic violence, and if you fail to take effective action now you could end up facing consequences including fines, imprisonment, probation and a permanent restraining order.
Facing charges for domestic violence? Our San Antonio domestic violence attorney is well-equipped to defend you. Contact us today!
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Texas
If you are facing charges for domestic violence in Texas, you may face the following penalties:
- First degree felony – A $10,000 fine and 5 to 99 years in prison
- Second degree felony – A $10,000 fine and 2 to 20 years in prison
- Third degree felony – A $10,000 fine and 2 to 10 years in prison
- Class A misdemeanor – A $4,000 fine and / or up to one year in jail
If you are charged with simple assault in Texas, you may also be required to pay restitution. Restitution serves to reimburse victims for the expenses they experienced because of the crime. This can include counseling, medical treatment or damaged property.
A domestic violence conviction could even cost you temporary rights of child custody and visitation and deprive you of the right to possess or own a firearm.
Retain Aggressive Criminal Defense Representation
You could find yourself in handcuffs and spending the night in jail, and as a condition of your release from custody you will probably be served with a temporary restraining order. This order has the power to force you out of your home, regardless of whose name is on the lease or deed. It can also prevent you from going anywhere your spouse or partner is likely to be found.
In the event that your case goes to trial, you can benefit from the fact that I have personally handled hundreds of misdemeanor and felony charges for my clients. Trust your case to a tenacious San Antonio domestic violence lawyer from my firm!
As soon as possible after your arrest, contact a San Antonio domestic violence attorney from the Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski for a free case evaluation. This may be an intensely stressful and upsetting experience, and you need a proven advocate on your side. With my experience as a former prosecutor, I know how law enforcement in Bexar County approaches cases such as these, and I can seek to intervene on your behalf with the goal of having the charges dropped or to negotiate a favorable plea bargain.
Don't face your domestic violence charges alone - contact me for your free consultation in San Antonio!
