What Happens If I'm Convicted of Domestic Abuse?

Houston Criminal Lawyers Handling Family Violence and Assault Cases

Standing as the Voice of Reason to Protect and Defend the Accused

When prosecutors prepare their document charging a person with assault, they usually prepare it to reflect that the assault was against a family member. If you plead guilty, without any changes to the charge, you are admitting to everything, including family violence.

A guilty plea to charges of family violence is not the only way the prosecutor can prove a domestic assault case. The State can also prove it by producing evidence of prior assaults that were never prosecuted.

Texas Laws on Family Assault are Harsh

A misdemeanor assault conviction can result in up to one year in jail and a $4,000. fine. Probation may be available but unlike probation in some other criminal cases, information on a domestic violence charge IS always available to the public. It is not kept private. Your arrest, plea or conviction will be on your criminal record for the rest of your life.

• That can affect your ability to find future employment.
• It can stand in the way of obtaining security clearance or getting a professional license.
• If you were trying to rent an apartment, your prospective landlord will see the assault charge.
• It will prevent you from buying a handgun or hunting rifle.

Get Prompt, Aggressive Legal Help for Any Family Violence Charge

Whenever possible, don't plead guilty to a domestic assault charge. Contact a Houston criminal defense lawyer at Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, L.L.P., for a free initial phone consultation. Call 713-222-9141.

Our assault defense lawyers can help you understand the difference between a misdemeanor or felony assault charge, the potential consequences of a guilty plea or conviction, as well as potential defense strategies. With an experienced and zealous defense, we may be able to get the charged reduced or dropped.

Consequences of a Felony Domestic Violence Charge

If you are facing a felony assault charge, you could be facing prison time. Even if you are not incarcerated, you will face stiff discrimination in employment as many employers are fearful of hiring someone with a felony assault record. Your civil rights will also be affected.

Immigration Consequences

The effects of a guilty plea or conviction are especially bad for immigrants. A family assault can now be considered a third-degree felony if you pled guilty to or have been convicted of any other "violent" crime involving a family member. This is true even if you were given probation.

For more information visit our domestic violence web site.

The stakes are high. Put the defense team at Stradley, Chernoff & Alford on your side. Contact our Houston law office.

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