Domestic Violence

Help From a Reputable San Antonio Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

One of the most reputable domestic assault and abuse defense lawyers in Bexar County

Domestic violence is a very serious and widely misunderstood crime. Many believe domestic violence laws apply solely to physical violence between married couples, but these laws also cover other types of relationships and acts of violence. Conviction on such charges carries serious fines and penalties. Domestic violence charges should never be taken lightly by either the alleged victim or the alleged perpetrator. In the San Antonio area, Joseph P. Appelt, P.C. has years of experience in this area and can provide dedicated service if you need a domestic abuse defense attorney.

What constitutes domestic violence?

Under Texas law, domestic violence is any form of physical violence, threatened violence or abuse between individuals in the following types of relationships:

  • Currently or formerly married couples
  • Either party in a current or former relationship
  • Cohabitating couples
  • Individuals with a child or children in common

As for the nature of the violent act, domestic violence assault criteria are identical to those of simple assault in Texas as follows:

  • Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly injuring someone physically
  • Intentionally or knowingly threatening someone with imminent physical injury
  • Intentionally or knowingly coming into physical contact with someone you know could reasonably believe the contact to be offensive or provocative

Unique aspects of domestic violence laws

An experienced San Antonio domestic abuse defense attorney knows that one of the most important things a lawyer can do for people involved in domestic violence cases is to explain the applicable laws.

The police and the courts prefer to err on the side of caution in cases of alleged domestic violence and abuse. For example, even misdemeanor domestic violence offenses may lead to an immediate arrest, even if the police did not witness the event.

Judges may also issue protective orders, barring you from contacting the accusing family member. Violating this protective order can lead to even more penalties, even if you own the residence or pay rent.

Domestic violence penalties

Penalties for domestic assault convictions vary widely and include the following:

  • Simple assault is a Class A misdemeanor that could carry a sentence of up to a year in a county jail. However, a previous conviction on a domestic assault charge escalates a simple assault charge to a third-degree felony, which carries a potential state prison sentence of up to 10 years.
  • Aggravated assault charges are tried as second-degree felonies and are punishable by up to 20 years in state prison.
  • If you are charged with carrying a weapon while committing domestic violence and causing serious injury to a victim, you may be looking at a first-degree felony and life in prison.

If you are convicted on such charges, a domestic assault defense attorney can help you argue for probation or community supervision with certain stipulations as an option for punishment. Any conviction on a domestic assault charge means you may not possess a firearm for up to five years after your sentence ends.

A San Antonio criminal lawyer and domestic abuse attorney at Joseph P. Appelt, P.C. can review your particular case and advise you regarding how Texas law applies.

Talk to an experienced San Antonio domestic assault lawyer as soon as possible

For a San Antonio attorney, call Joseph P. Appelt, P.C. We can help with legal disputes involving domestic violence, abuse or assault. Contact Joseph P. Appelt, P.C. today online or at [ln::phone]. We offer easy accessibility and free initial consultations, and we accept all major credit cards. Se habla espanol.

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