A domestic violence conviction in Houston can have severe consequences.
Texas law defines domestic violence as “an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.”
Penalties for Domestic Violence Crimes in Texas
Most domestic violence defendants are charged with misdemeanor offenses. Depending on the severity of the violence, the penalties upon conviction can be harsh:
- Class C misdemeanor: Fine of up to $500
- Class B misdemeanor: Jail time of up to 180 days and fine of up to $2,000
- Class A misdemeanor: Jail time of up to one year and/or fine of up to $4,000
Subsequent charges of assault on family member may result in felony charges. A felony conviction can mean years of jail time and thousands of dollars in fines.
Negative Impact of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Houston
In addition to jail time and fines, there are many other ways in which a domestic violence conviction can have a negative impact on your life:
- No contact/restraining orders
- Prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm
- Prohibited from getting a hunting or fishing license in Texas
- Court ordered counseling – at your expense
- Limited employment opportunities
- Can be grounds for deportation
- Divorce, child custody and visitation rights
- Eviction
If you are convicted of simple assault, you may be ordered to pay the victim restitution, which means paying for expenses that occurred as a result of the crime you were convicted for. Restitution may be ordered for medical bills, damaged property, trauma counseling, and other expenses.
Under Texas law, even if you receive probation or deferred adjudication, you may still be responsible for:
- Fines
- Court Costs
- Victim Impact Panels
- Counseling for Victim
- Contributions to Women’s Domestic Violence Shelters
- Weekly Batterers Intervention Prevention Program Counseling
- Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment
- Anger Management Counseling
- Monthly Probation Fees of $50 per Month
- No Contact With Victim
- Random Urinalysis Testing
- Monthly Reporting To Probation Officer
- Community Service
- Electronic Location Monitoring Bracelet
- And any other conditions the Judge finds to be reasonable
A Houston Domestic Violence Lawyer On Your Side
We understand that everyone makes mistakes. We’re here to make sure these mistakes don’t lead to further problems for you and your family. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Houston, contact experienced domestic violence lawyer Lisa Shapiro Strauss.
In a situation like this, your choice in legal representation could keep you out of jail and save you thousands in fines and legal fees. Lisa Shapiro Strauss is a former prosecutor turned defense lawyer – she’s familiar with the ways prosecutors think and act, an insight that allows her to formulate a winning defense strategy that will get you the best outcome possible.
Call Houston domestic violence attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss at (713) 449-9922 or contact her online to arrange a free consultation.
