The 3 Categories of Domestic Violence in Texas

Texas law recognizes three categories of domestic violence, and each represents serious charges that can lead to serious sentences. If you are facing a domestic violence charge, it is time to consult with an experienced Gatesville criminal defense attorney for the professional legal counsel you need.

One: Domestic Assault

Domestic assault refers to an act of violence – or the threat of such – against a person with whom one has an intimate relationship, which can include any of the following:

• A current or former spouse

• A current or former romantic partner

• A current or former foster child

• A child of a current or former spouse

• The other parent of a shared child

• Blood relatives or adopted relatives

• A roommate

The knowing, intentional, or reckless threat of bodily injury, actual bodily injury, or any bodily contact (that the victim reasonably considers offensive or provocative) against anyone with whom you have an intimate relationship (as above) can lead to domestic assault charges. Under Texas law, a first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, but if there is a prior conviction, it becomes a third-degree felony.

Two: Aggravated Domestic Assault

If the act of assault involves serious bodily injury or the use (or exhibition) of a deadly weapon in the performance of the assault (or the threat of an assault), it can lead to aggravated domestic assault charges. Serious bodily injury in this context includes injuries that are more serious than bumps, bruises, and relatively minor cuts. Examples include:

• A broken bone

• A traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Disfigurement

• The loss of a Limb

The deadly weapon component in this charge refers to any object that could be used to inflict death, such as a gun or knife, but it can also refer to those things that can be used as deadly weapons in specific situations, such as a baseball bat or a rope. The charge of aggravated domestic assault is a second-degree felony.

Three: Continuous Violence against the Family

If the accused has committed two or more domestic assault offenses in the course of the previous two months, he or she could face a charge of continuous violence against the family. This charge can apply even if the previous charge (that elevates the current charge) did not lead to an arrest or a conviction. Further, this charge can apply to more than one victim in the home, and a conviction amounts to a third-degree felony.

Turn to an Experienced Gatesville Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Regardless of the kind of domestic violence charge levied against you, you need a dedicated Gatesville criminal defense attorney on your side, and Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Gatesville, Texas, fits the bill. Mr. Pritchard has an impressive track record of successfully helping clients like you achieve optimal case resolutions. Our indomitable legal team is in your corner, so please do not wait to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information about how we can help you today.