Being charged with family violence in Tarrant County, TX, brings uncertainty, fear, and tough legal challenges for defendants. Fortunately, you never have to face this situation on your own. For help, call Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers at (682) 777-3336.
We know how much your reputation, your family, and your freedom mean, and we’re here to protect them. If you have questions about any family violence or related charges in Tarrant County, Texas, let us help you.
Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation with a Tarrant County family violence lawyer.
Why Hire Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers if You’re Arrested for Family Violence
When everything is on the line after a family violence accusation in Tarrant County, TX, you need a law firm known for skill, results, and relentless advocacy. Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers stands apart, offering the experience and specialized knowledge to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
Here’s why you should trust us:
- Board certified in criminal law: Our team includes two attorneys certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, ensuring you get proven expertise on your side.
- Extensive real-world experience: We’ve successfully defended hundreds of people against criminal charges, including many complex family violence cases. We have 60 years of combined experience fighting criminal charges and standing up for people just like you.
- Insider knowledge: Our staff features former assistant district attorneys from the district attorney’s office, a former federal public defender, a previous magistrate judge, and a law professor – professionals who know both sides of the courtroom and how to anticipate every move.
Choosing the right team to fight a family violence charge is one of the most important decisions you can make. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Tarrant County criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Family Violence in Texas
Texas does not have a separate statute specifically for domestic violence; instead, allegations of family or dating violence are prosecuted under the state’s general assault laws. Family violence can include physical harm as well as threats.
Common Types of Family Violence Charges
Tarrant County prosecutors file a range of charges when it comes to family violence, such as:
- Assault: This is any intentional or reckless act causing bodily injury to a family or household member.
- Sexual assault: This can include any form of unwanted or forced sexual contact or behavior committed against a family or household member.
- Aggravated assault: A more severe charge, this involves committing a domestic assault with a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily harm.
- Continuous violence against the family: This charge applies if a person is accused of engaging in two or more violent acts against a family or household member within a twelve-month period.
- Stalking: Stalking involves a course of conduct – threats, harassment, or sustained emotional abuse – that puts a family member in fear or causes severe emotional distress.
When you contact our firm, we’ll explain the charges you are facing.
Who Counts as “Family” for Family Violence Charges?
Alleged victims in domestic violence cases are not restricted only to spouses or children. The law also covers:
- Current or former spouses
- Children or foster children
- Foster parents
- The other parent of a child, even if never married
- Any family member related by blood, marriage, or adoption
- Roommates or anyone with whom you currently live
- Individuals you are dating or have previously dated
This wide net means many kinds of household or family relationships qualify under Texas law.
What Are the Penalties for Family Violence in Tarrant County, Texas?
The penalties for family violence charges in Texas can be serious and vary based on the details of each case, including the crime charged, any history of prior offenses, and the severity of injuries involved.
You might face:
- Prison sentences: Felony convictions for family violence, especially those involving serious bodily injury, use of a weapon, or repeat offenses, can result in multi-year prison sentences, sometimes up to life in the most severe cases.
- Jail time: Misdemeanor family violence convictions may lead to short jail sentences. The exact length depends on the level of the charge and case specifics.
- Probation/community supervision: Instead of or in addition to jail or prison, a court may order probation. This requires following strict rules, attending counseling or intervention programs, regular check-ins, and sometimes performing community service.
- Fines: Both misdemeanors and felonies carry substantial fines, ranging from several hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars, depending on the charge’s classification and severity.
- Protective/restraining orders: A conviction can result in a long-term protective order prohibiting contact with the victim and often imposing other restrictions on your movements and freedoms.
- Mandatory counseling and programs: Offenders are frequently required to complete anger management classes, domestic violence intervention programs, or drug/alcohol counseling as part of their sentence or probation.
An experienced lawyer will fight for the best possible outcome for your case.
Collateral Consequences of Domestic Violence Convictions
The impact of a family violence conviction extends well beyond the courtroom, influencing almost all aspects of your future. You might face collateral consequences such as:
- A permanent criminal record: A conviction for family violence becomes part of your permanent record, making it difficult or impossible to seal or erase in most cases.
- Employment issues: Many employers conduct background checks, and a violent offense on your record can cost you current and future job opportunities, professional certifications, or security clearances.
- Gun rights: Under state and federal law, even a misdemeanor family violence conviction can lead to a lifelong loss of the right to possess or purchase firearms.
- Family law & immigration: Family violence convictions affect child custody and visitation rights, can result in protective orders, and may be used against you in divorce or immigration proceedings (possibly leading to removal or denial of applications).
- Personal and social stigma: Convictions carry ongoing reputational harm, leading to ostracization from friends and family in some cases.
The stakes are extremely high when you’re facing family violence charges in Texas. As you can see, immediate penalties like jail, fines, and probation are only one part of the lasting impact. Make sure you speak with a defense lawyer right away if you’re facing charges.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Family Violence?
If you’re facing family violence charges in Tarrant County or elsewhere in Texas, it’s essential to know that you have legal options and defenses that may apply to your situation. Common ones include:
- False allegations: In some cases, accusations of family violence are made out of anger, jealousy, or a desire to gain an advantage in divorce or custody disputes. Evidence of motive, inconsistencies in the accuser’s story, text messages, voicemail, social media posts, or credible witness testimony can help show that the accusation is fabricated or exaggerated.
- Self-defense: You have the right to protect yourself if you genuinely believed you were in danger. Proving self-defense may involve showing that your actions were necessary to prevent imminent harm and were reasonable given the circumstances. Witness statements, injury documentation, and other evidence can be critical to support this claim.
- Lack of evidence: Prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense attorney can highlight weak or missing evidence, unreliable witness accounts, or inconsistencies in police reports to argue that there is simply not enough proof for a conviction.
No two family violence cases are exactly alike, and a strong defense requires close analysis of every detail. An experienced domestic violence attorney will carefully review the facts and build the strongest possible defense to protect your rights and future.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Tarrant County Family Violence Attorney
If you or a loved one has been accused of family violence in Tarrant County, Texas, the outcome of your case can alter your life forever. Don’t take unnecessary risks when your reputation, relationships, and freedom are on the line.
The experienced advocates at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers are here to guide you, explain your options, and deliver a knowledgeable defense every step of the way. With 60 years of combined experience, we know how to fight for the outcome you need.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Tarrant County family violence lawyer.
