Houston Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Domestic violence allegations can change a person’s life almost instantly. Arguments between spouses, dating partners, family members, or household members can quickly escalate emotionally. Police officers are often forced to make split-second decisions without knowing all the facts. The Houston domestic violence defense lawyers at Haddad & Timmons PLLC know that many domestic violence cases are far more complex than they might seem. We can help you in your case.

About Haddad & Timmons PLLC

At Haddad & Timmons PLLC, we understand that an arrest does not define you as a person. Many of our clients are ashamed, scared, and do not know what to expect from our legal system. While we provide honest and straightforward legal advice, our firm aggressively defends our clients once cases proceed to court.

Domestic violence charges can have lifelong consequences, and many defendants don’t deserve them. That is why we believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the legal process.

If Things Go Bad, Call Haddad & Timmons.

Former Prosecutors. Proven Defenders. Fighting for Your Future.

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Domestic Violence Laws in Texas

Generally speaking, Texas law uses the term family violence when referring to domestic violence. Accusations of family violence can involve assault, threats, bodily injury, or physical contact between people who have certain domestic or family relationships with each other.

In Texas, family violence is legally described as an action by an individual against another person that aims to cause physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, or one that threatens future physical harm or bodily injury to that person. For prosecution purposes, many cases are also charged under Texas Penal Code § 22.01, the assault statute.

Intimate relationships or stalking homicides claimed the lives of 205 Texans in 2023, including 26 men and 179 women. The prosecution sees these deaths as avoidable. For this reason, they come down hard on domestic violence defendants. You need a dedicated and aggressive Houston domestic violence defense attorney to aggressively represent you and protect your rights.

Domestic Violence Penalties

Depending on the allegations, domestic violence charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies. Some factors that can increase charge severity are listed below:

• Allegations of strangulation or choking
• Accusations involving a weapon
• Prior convictions for family violence
• Allegations of serious bodily injury
• Violating a protective order

Penalties for domestic violence in Texas can include jail or prison time, fines, probation, mandatory counseling classes, firearm restrictions, and protective orders. Additionally, police may remove you from your home after an arrest. Even misdemeanor convictions can have lasting impacts on job prospects, professional licenses, housing, and child custody hearings.

Many Houston domestic violence defense cases go through the Harris County Criminal Justice Center on Franklin Street in Houston. The judges here typically handle large caseloads, including assault and family violence cases. They are known to be fair but do take charges against defendants seriously. The Houston domestic violence defense lawyers at Haddad & Timmons PLLC are familiar with the court staff and prosecutors, which can benefit your case overall.

Individuals Covered Under the Law

Family violence laws apply to more than just people who are married to each other. Texas prosecutors can file domestic violence charges against many different types of relationships. Domestic violence typically covers abuse in the relationships listed below:

• Romantic partners
• Spouses
• Ex-spouses or romantic partners
• Parents/children
• Parents of the same child
• Other family members
• Roommates

Dating violence accusations are common. Texas does not require an extensive dating relationship or shared residence for an act of violence to be classified as domestic violence. Prosecutors can file family violence charges if they believe an intimate relationship existed between the individuals.

Examples of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges can happen in numerous situations. Additionally, not every accusation involves serious physical injuries. Some cases involve arguments that escalate between spouses or partners. Others involve accusations made during divorce filings or custody battles. Some examples of domestic violence are listed below:

• Accusations of hitting, pushing, slapping, or kicking someone
• Allegations of choking
• Threatening another person
• Throwing objects during an argument
• Preventing someone from leaving

Police officers rarely have enough time to investigate domestic disputes thoroughly. Arrests often occur quickly based on one person’s word against another. Visible injuries can play a major role in an officer’s decision to arrest someone. However, that does not mean allegations are truthful.

False accusations are more common than you might think. Some witnesses may exaggerate details out of anger, jealousy, revenge, or disagreements over child custody. Others may lie to gain an advantage in divorce proceedings or out of pure malice.

Occasionally, both parties may accuse the other of abuse during domestic confrontations. In certain cases, people answer police questions while scared, hurt, or angry. This can lead to both parties claiming they only hit the other person in self-defense.

What to Do if You Are Accused of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence accusations can be difficult to face, especially when you are emotional about the situation. Avoid the temptation to repeatedly contact the alleged victim after an arrest in an attempt to resolve the situation. This action could escalate your legal problems, particularly if protective orders or bond conditions have been imposed.

Take domestic violence accusations seriously from the start. What you say to police officers, investigators, family members, and even on social media could end up being used against you in court. Don’t violate any court orders or conditions of your bond while your case is pending. Ignoring no-contact orders or protective orders can lead to additional criminal charges.

Keep in mind that many domestic violence cases rely on more than just witness testimony. Prosecutors often use body camera recordings, calls to law enforcement, texts, medical records, photos, and online posts to help build their case against a defendant.

Hire a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Sadly, these domestic violence claims are commonly constructed from one-sided narratives, strong emotions, and fabrications. Prosecutors often face roadblocks with most criminal charges if the alleged victim stops cooperating. Domestic violence cases are unique in that they can proceed even if your spouse or partner isn’t cooperating.

If you have been arrested for family violence, life as you know it may be on hold. You might suddenly be unable to go home, see your children, or speak to someone you love due to bond conditions or a protective order. Your job, professional license, and pending divorce or custody case can also be placed on hold until there is no longer a pending accusation against you.

When you hire a domestic violence defense lawyer, it is the first step towards understanding what is happening. When it comes to domestic violence, things are seldom straightforward, and the nuances of the relationship won’t be apparent in a police report.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, it is important to seek legal help right away. The Houston domestic violence defense attorneys at Haddad & Timmons PLLC can help. Contact us for more information on your charges and to learn how we can assist in your case.