In the State of Texas, family violence crimes are some of the most common charges brought, and they encompass a wide range of crimes and allegations. Once a report of family violence is made, there is generally nothing that can stop it from moving forward towards a legal conclusion. In Texas, suspects in these incidents must be arrested – even if no charges are ever filed. In other words, Texas family violence charges are serious, and if you are facing such a charge, you are well-advised to seek the professional legal guidance of an experienced Gatesville criminal attorney today.
Common Family Violence Charges in Texas
There is a range of charges that are classified as family violence in Texas, including the following (which are some of the most common):
Physical assault
Sexual assault
Assault with bodily injury
Family Violence
Family violence is defined as an act by one member of a family or household against another that is intended to cause physical harm or injury, that is intended as a physical and/or sexual assault, or that serves as a credible threat of any of the above happening imminently. Defensive acts that are intended to protect yourself are not included in this definition. The laws also address the matter of abuse by a family member or member of the household toward a child of the family or household. Additionally, Texas’s family violence laws address dating violence, which relates to an act against someone with whom you are in a dating relationship that is intended to cause physical harm or injury, that is intended as a physical and/or sexual assault, or that serves as a credible threat of any of the above happening imminently.
Family Members
The criteria related to who qualifies as a family member in relation to family violence is fairly exacting and includes all of the following:
People who are related by blood
People who are related by marriage
People who used to be married
People who share a child
Foster parents and their foster children
People who live together in the same home (whether they are related or not)
People who are in an ongoing romantic relationship (dating violence)
The Arrest Procedure
If a family violence offense is reported to the police, the victim will typically first file a complaint. Once this complaint is filed, a warrant can be issued for the accused’s arrest. If, however, the police respond to a call related to family violence and there is evidence that violence took place (bodily harm, for instance), they need no warrant to arrest the accused and take him or her to jail.
Turn to an Experienced Gatesville Criminal Attorney Today
If you are facing a family violence charge, attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Gatesville, Texas, understands the gravity of your situation and is well-positioned to help. Your case is important, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.