Category: Domestic Violence

What You Should Know about Felony Domestic Violence in Texas

By: Brandon Fulgham

Domestic Violence

In the past, many domestic violence charges could be – and often were – dropped altogether. That changed with the latest round of Texas criminal justice reforms, which automatically charge repeat domestic violence offenders with a felony, making it more important than ever to fight back.

Today’s post provides the basics about domestic violence, what penalties convictions carry, and how the courts currently view these cases.

If you are facing domestic violence charges, and need help negotiating reduced charges and getting back on the right track, an experienced Texas family violence attorney can help.

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Texas recognizes three different crimes of domestic violence: domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, and continuous violence against the family. These charges may [...]

Will You Lose Your Kids If Convicted of Domestic Violence in Texas?

By: Brandon Fulgham

Domestic Violence | Family Violence

A Texas family court will consider several facts when deciding which parent gets primary child custody. Domestic violence, no surprise, is one of the factors that will have a significant negative effect on a person’s eligibility to care for their for their children.

In its less severe form, a history of domestic violence can lead to limited visitation rights. More extreme cases, however, can even result in an automatic loss of parental rights.

This post will cover how Texas defines domestic violence and what you can expect if you are charged and want to retain custody of your kids.

Defining Domestic Violence Under Texas Law

Per The Texas Penal Code Title 5 Chapter 22 section 22.01, domestic violence is [...]

Strategies That Can Help You Fight Family Violence Charges in Texas

By: Brandon Fulgham

Domestic Violence | Family Violence

Upon hearing the term “domestic violence,” most of probably imagine things we’ve seen in TV shows or movies. Usually couples where one is abusing the other. However, Texas domestic violence laws apply to more than just romantic couples.

According to the Texas Penal Code (Title 5, Chapter 22, Section 22.01), domestic violence is the use of force against a family member, household member, or a current or past dating partner that causes or threatens to cause bodily injury or other physical contact regarded as offensive or provocative.

The point? Every case is nuanced, for the best chance at a positive outcome, you need a competent criminal defense attorney experienced in domestic violence. They will be able to [...]

Can an Alleged Victim Drop Domestic Violence Charges in Texas?

By: Brandon Fulgham

Domestic Violence

In the heat of the moment, we can all say and do things that we regret. Domestic violence situations often involve these regrettable actions.

So do false domestic violence accusations.

There are a handful of reasons why an alleged victim would report domestic violence, but before they know it, they are faced with testifying in court and seeing their partner face jail time, custody loss, or other penalties.

The whole case would be dropped if the victim just took back their accusation, right?

Not so fast. Even if the alleged victim was the sole witness to the alleged domestic violence, they alone cannot drop charges. Alleged victims can, however, have a big impact on the outcome of a case.[...]

Texas Man Gets 75 Years for Family Violence – What Can You Expect?

By: Brandon Fulgham

Domestic Violence | Family Violence

In a recent court case, one Texas man was sentenced to 75 years based on family violence charges. If you are facing a family violence charge, should you be expecting something similar – or is his case an extreme one? What can you expect?

Below, we’re going to explain the laws and penalties for Texas family violence, along with how a skilled Fort Worth criminal attorney can help you fight your charges.

Why a Texas Man Was Sentenced to 75 Years for Family Violence

Seventy-five years in prison. That’s something you might expect for a particularly heinous murder or decades of sexual abuse against children like with Larry Nassar – not for family violence.

However, that’s exactly how long[...]

Family Violence vs. Domestic Violence in Texas         

By: Brandon Fulgham

Domestic Violence | Family Violence

What does it mean when you hear someone talking about family violence? How does it differ from domestic violence?

Short answer: it doesn’t. Not really. They’re essentially the same thing, just under a different name. However, Texas does also have a law called continuous violence against the family, and that is different.

We’re going to cover the laws and their associated penalties in this post.

Family and Domestic Violence Laws in Texas

There are three main types of family and domestic violence punishable by Texas laws:

• Domestic Assault
• Aggravated Domestic Assault
• Continuous Violence Against the Family

Let’s look at each one in detail.

Domestic Assault

An act of assault qualifies as domestic assault if it is committed against people certain [...]