What Should I Do If I Was Charged With Continuous Family Violence?

 Posted on July 22, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Crimes against family and household members are often classified differently than offenses against non-family members. In Texas, domestic violence or abuse of a child, spouse, romantic partner, ex, parent, or roommate can lead to criminal charges for family violence.

Family violence charges already carry significant criminal penalties. However, if an individual is accused of family violence several times within a certain period, he or she may face charges for “continuous family violence.” Continuous family violence is a felony offense that carries a long maximum prison sentence and other devastating consequences.

Multiple Charges for Family Violence

Texas law prohibits violence against current or former family and household members. Assault family violence involves injurious or offensive physical contact with another person and is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. However, if the defendant has previous convictions for domestic assault or is accused of choking the victim, assault family violence is a third-degree felony. If you are convicted of misdemeanor assault family violence, you face up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000. If you are convicted of felony family violence, you face up to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Continuous violence against the family occurs when someone is accused of family violence two or more times within a one-year period. The offenses may be committed against the same person or multiple people. Continuous family violence is a third-degree felony punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Remember, to be charged with continuous family violence, the prosecution must only show that there have been multiple allegations levied against you. You do not need to be convicted of family violence multiple times to be charged with this offense.

What To Do Next

If you were charged with continuous family violence, you need to take action immediately. A conviction for continuous family violence can threaten your freedom and your future. Do not speak to the police or answer any of their questions. Remain silent if asked questions about the alleged offenses. Next, contact a criminal defense lawyer with ample experience in domestic violence defense cases.

Contact a Karnes City Criminal Defense Lawyer

At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we know that a criminal conviction can change the course of a person’s life. We provide aggressive legal advocacy for individuals accused of family violence, aggravated family violence, continuous family violence, and other crimes. Call our Karnes County defense attorneys at 830-769-1010 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.25.htm