Family Violence Cases
Galveston Criminal Defense Lawyers
Fighting Domestic Assault Charges in Galveston Since 1995.
Charged with Domestic Violence?
Contact Tad Nelson & Associates. Know Your Options.
Family violence, or as some may refer to it, domestic assault, is a serious criminal offense in the State of Texas. As a Texas criminal defense attorney with over three decades of experience in the field, we believe in equipping the general public with knowledge about the law.
Awareness about the law is often the difference between empowerment and vulnerability. If you have criminal charges in Galveston County related to assault on a family member, understanding some aspects of how things work in these cases can be very important.
On this page, we’ll review some details of family violence and Texas, but if you need legal counsel following criminal charges, contact us today. Attorney Tad Nelson has extensive experience defending people with domestic assault cases.
If you need help, call us at 409-765-5614. We provide free case reviews and highly effective legal representation. Let us review your case for free.
Domestic Violence & Texas Law
Per Texas Penal Code Chapter 22, a person commits an offense if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to another, including their spouse [1].
Further, threats of imminent bodily injury, or causing physical contact perceived as offensive or provocative, are also considered offenses.
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 5 articulates that any response to allegations of family violence should prioritize the protection of the victim. This is regardless of the relationship with the alleged offender [2].
Understanding Domestic Assault Offenses
In order to understand domestic assault offenses, we must first understand the term “family violence.”
Family violence is defined by the Texas Family Code Chapter 71 as an act intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, sexual assault, or a threat that reasonably places the victim in fear of such actions [3].
This can include violence against a member of a household, a current or former spouse, or an individual with whom the actor has had a romantic or intimate relationship.
This is a wide-ranging definition. It covers numerous scenarios. It applies to not just married couples, but also those in dating relationships and even members of the same household.
Criminal Penalties for Domestic Violence
If you’re convicted of a domestic violence offense, the penalties can vary significantly depending upon the specifics of the incident. Generally speaking, if a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another, including their spouse, it’s considered a Class A misdemeanor [1].
However, this offense is upgraded to a felony of the third degree if committed against certain individuals or under certain conditions. For instance, if the offense is committed against a person with whom the offender has a familial or household relationship and there’s been a previous conviction, the classification of the crime may be enhanced to a higher level felony [1].
Again, our law firm has over 30 years of experience helping folks in these situations. If you need to talk with an attorney following criminal charges for domestic violence, contact Galveston domestic violence defense lawyer Tad Nelson today at 409-765-5614. We’re here to help.
Potential Defense Strategies
Fighting a domestic violence charge in a Galveston County courtroom is not for the faint of hear. Furthermore, no attorney should handle it with a strategy that implies a one-size-fits-all situation.
Our defense strategy development process requires careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding the case. By doing it this way, we can be extremely effective as your lawyer. Over the past 30 years, we’ve been instrumental in helping many to get their cases dismissed.
One potential defense strategy might involve questioning the credibility of the accuser or witness. This strategy can be especially effective should there be inconsistencies in their testimonies. If we can prove they have a history of dishonesty, it can be helpful too.
Additionally, if there’s evidence of self-defense or you defending someone else, it might be a viable defense strategy.
Other possibilities could involve demonstrating a lack of intent or recklessness. We may also take the route of asserting that the physical contact was not offensive.
However, it’s important to remember that the success of any defense strategy relies heavily on the specific facts of the case.
Charged with Family Violence in Galveston?
Call Attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock today!
At the Law Office of Tad Nelson & Associates, we take pride in our ability to effectively fight criminal charges of family violence. As a former Galveston County Assistant District Attorney with over 30 years of experience practicing law in Galveston County, TX, I bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and perspective to your defense.
My colleague, Attorney Amber Spurlock, an accomplished criminal defense attorney at our law firm, shares my dedication to aggressive defense lawyering.
Facing a conviction for charges of family violence can be stressful. Remember, you have rights and defenses under the law. Reach out to us for a confidential consultation today. Secure the best possible legal representation for your case.
Let us help you keep your life on track. Call us today at 409-765-5614. Free Consultation. Free Case Review. Affordable Legal Representation. We are The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates.