When someone is facing domestic violence charges in Texas, they may feel scared and unsure of what will happen next. In Texas, domestic violence is when a person hurts or threatens to hurt someone they live with, are dating, or are related to. It does not have to be a husband and wife. It can also be a parent and child, people who are dating, or even roommates.
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The law in Texas calls this “family violence.” If the police think there is family violence, they can arrest someone right away. They do not have to see it happen. They just need to believe it happened or could happen again. This means even one phone call can lead to an arrest.
What Happens After You Are Charged
After someone is arrested, they are taken to jail. Then they will see a judge. The judge might decide to let them go on bond. Bond means the person can pay money to stay out of jail while waiting for court. But the judge might also give rules to follow. One big rule is a “protective order.” This means the person charged must stay away from the person who said they were hurt.
This can be hard. Sometimes people live together or have kids together. The protective order can make life complicated. But breaking the order is serious. It can lead to more charges and even more time in jail.
The Different Kinds of Charges
In Texas, not every domestic violence charge is the same. Some are more serious than others. The most common kind is called “assault family violence.” This means the person is accused of hurting a family member, partner, or someone they live with. If it is the first time, it may be a misdemeanor. This is still serious, but not as bad as a felony.
But if the person has been charged before, or if the injury was very bad, the charge could become a felony. Felony charges can mean longer jail time and a permanent record. Some cases involve choking or using a weapon. These can lead to second-degree felonies, with up to 20 years in prison.
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How These Charges Can Affect Your Life
Being charged with domestic violence in Texas can change your life, even before the trial. If there is a protective order, you may have to leave your home or stop seeing your children. You may lose your job. You may not be allowed to own a gun. Your friends and family might not believe your side of the story.
Even if the person who made the report wants to drop the charges, it may not matter. In Texas, the prosecutor is the one who decides whether to move forward. They do not need the person’s permission. They can go to court even if the person does not want to testify.
What You Should Do Right Away
If you are facing domestic violence charges in Texas, it is very important to stay calm and think before you speak. Do not try to talk to the person who made the report. Do not post anything about the case online. Do not break any protective orders. This can make your case worse.
Start gathering information and keeping records. If there were witnesses, write down their names. If you have messages or videos that help your side, save them. Anything you say or do from now on could be used in court.
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Possible Defenses in Your Case
There are ways to fight domestic violence charges in Texas. Sometimes a person is charged when they were only defending themselves. Other times, the story is not true, and someone made the claim out of anger or fear. Sometimes it was just an accident.
A good defense means showing what really happened. That may mean bringing in witnesses or showing messages that tell the real story. It may also mean pointing out problems with how the police handled the case. If there is not enough proof, the case might get dropped or end in “not guilty.”
Going to Court and What to Expect
When your case goes to court, it may take time. There will be many steps. There may be hearings before the trial. There may be talks about a plea deal. This means the prosecutor offers a deal so you do not go to trial. Sometimes it is a good idea, and sometimes it is not.
You have the right to a trial. That means your side of the story gets told. A judge or jury will listen and decide if you are guilty or not. This can feel scary, but having someone by your side who knows the law helps a lot.
The Long-Term Effects of a Conviction
If you are found guilty of domestic violence in Texas, the punishment can be tough. You may have to go to jail or prison. You may have to do community service or take classes. You may have to stay away from people you care about.
But even after that, a domestic violence conviction stays on your record. That means other people can see it when you try to get a job or rent a place to live. It can follow you for the rest of your life. In some cases, you may not be allowed to vote or own a gun.
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What Happens If This Is Not Your First Time
If you have been charged before, the law is even tougher. A second or third charge can turn into a felony, even if the new case is not that bad. The court may not want to be lenient. They may think you are a danger. That is why getting help early matters so much.
Your Rights During the Case
Even though you are charged, you still have rights. You have the right to stay silent. You do not have to talk to the police or the prosecutor. You have the right to an attorney. You have the right to a fair trial. You have the right to see the evidence against you.
You should use these rights. Say as little as possible until you have legal help. The law is tricky, and one wrong move can hurt your case. You do not have to do this alone.
Why Legal Help Makes a Difference
Facing domestic violence charges in Texas is serious. But that does not mean your life is over. With the right help, it is possible to protect your rights and your future. A strong defense can mean the difference between jail and freedom. It can mean the difference between a bad record and a second chance.
When the law gets involved in your personal life, things get confusing fast. There are many rules and many risks. The sooner you understand what you are facing, the better choices you can make. You need someone who will stand up for you, listen to you, and help you tell your story.
You Are Not Alone—We Are Here to Help
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence charges in Texas, it is important to act now. Every case is different, and every story matters. The law may feel cold, but you deserve to be heard and treated fairly.
At Zendeh Del & Associates PLLC, we help people who are going through some of the hardest times in their lives. We work with you to build your defense and fight for your future. If you are asking yourself what to do next, start by reaching out. Your rights, your name, and your freedom are worth protecting. Let us help you take the next step.