Can My Wife or Partner Drop the Charges?

The Truth about Getting Domestic Violence Charges Dropped

Often in the heat of an argument, a husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend will call the police because they don't know where else to turn to bring calm to a domestic situation. Often they don't realize that this will result in domestic abuse charges being filed by the State.

An Unstoppable Chain of Events

Calling the police sets off a series of events that are no longer under the control of the two people in the relationship.

1. An arrest will be made
2. Bail will be set (often high) and a no-contact order will be issued
3. The accused person will not be able to return home
4. Family life and children will be affected

Dropping Charges: The State’s Decision—Not Your Spouse's

Once the situation has calmed down, it's common for the "victim" to want to drop the charges and try to get family life back to normal. But the decision is no longer in her (or his) hands. Domestic assault charges are filed by the State of Texas, and in nearly every case the prosecutor will refuse to drop the charges.

The reason domestic assault charges are brought by the State is to protect a battered spouse from being bullied into changing her or his story. The unfortunate result of this policy is that sometimes innocent people are arrested, jailed, and kept away from their families.

Talk with a Lawyer As Soon As Possible

The assault defense lawyers at Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, L.L.P., can help you understand the criminal process in Texas domestic violence cases. In several cases we have been successful in stopping charges from being filed, or getting charges dropped or reduced. This requires prompt intervention.

Contact our law office immediately to talk with a defense attorney. Call 713-222-9141.

We Understand What's Important to You, Your Family and the Court

At Stradley, Chernoff & Alford our defense lawyers handle many domestic violence cases. It's one of the primary focus areas of our firm. We understand that couples are seeking, above all else, to stop violent confrontations and resolve their conflicts.

We always endeavor to protect all members of the family. We have helped many families piece their lives back together after the shock of prosecution.

When the stakes are high, put the defense team at Stradley, Chernoff & Alford on your side. We have worked out many charge dismissals, reductions and acquittals at trial. Contact our Houston law office.

For more information visit our domestic violence web site.

You can talk to one of our lawyers for free: Call 713-222-9141
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