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If you have been accused of domestic violence, the first thing you should do is seek out a good lawyer. Legal services, including assistance with protective orders and other legal remedies, are crucial for those accused or affected by domestic violence. Even the accusation of domestic violence can do significant damage to your reputation, both professionally and in your community. Domestic violence and family violence can happen to anyone, regardless of background. If you’re found guilty, you may spend time in jail and find yourself losing custody of your children. You may also no longer qualify for specific employment opportunities or be able to access certain housing.
Abuse includes physical, emotional, and economic harm, and intimate partner violence is a common form of domestic violence. The life-changing effects of a domestic violence charge are why it is crucial to have a good lawyer on your team from the beginning. Zarka Law Firm is devoted to defending our clients accused of domestic violence. Our mission is to advocate for clients and provide support and resources throughout the legal process. Legal services may also include helping clients access counseling, confidential support, and other services such as emergency shelter, transitional housing, and financial resources. Victims of domestic violence may seek protective orders and other legal remedies, and the law firm can discuss these options with clients. The law firm can also help clients develop a safety plan and connect them with free or low-cost community resources, including education and self-sufficiency programs, non-residential clients shelter, and other support services.
There are three potential domestic violence charges. These include domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, and continuous violence against the family. Each of these charges is slightly different; however, you can count on us to provide you with an excellent defense no matter what.
Domestic assault is any type of assault against a family member, person you live with, or person you are dating or have dated. Domestic assault can involve a range of behaviors, and abuse includes physical, emotional, psychological, and economic harm. You do not need to actually hurt them for it to count – threats of violence also legally count as domestic assault. Domestic assault is usually a Class A misdemeanor that can carry a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000. Intimate partner violence is a common form of domestic violence, affecting victims in both dating and family relationships.
Aggravated domestic assault is a more serious charge, carrying a jail term of 2-20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. If the perpetrator causes serious bodily harm or uses a deadly weapon, that counts as aggravated domestic assault in the state of Texas and is usually charged as a second-degree felony.
Continuous violence against the family takes into account a pattern of behaviors. If two or more assaults have happened within one year, that counts for a continuous violence charge. Intimate partner violence can happen in both current and former relationships. You do not need to have been charged or convicted for either of the previous assaults to be charged with continuous violence against the family. This is a third-degree felony.
There are a few different lines of defense that are common in domestic assault proceedings. The first is innocence, which often requires a credible alibi or other proof that the victim is lying. Or you may be able to prove that the injury was an accident, or that you were defending yourself or your children against the other party’s violence. When you meet with your lawyer, we will talk through the entire situation to understand what your best defense is. Your lawyer will advocate for you and discuss all available legal options, including seeking a protective order if appropriate. You can count on us to help you understand what evidence you already have of your innocence.
We know that false domestic assault charges are somewhat common, particularly in contentious divorces. Sometimes, people believe that by accusing their former partner of domestic assault, they will get a better deal in the divorce or custody proceedings. If this has happened to you, Zarka Law Firm can come to your defense and prove your innocence. Our team can also connect you with support services, counseling, and confidential support to help you through the process.
We are dedicated to helping people fight domestic assault charges. We can help you understand the evidence against you and ensure that it was all obtained legally and can get to know your unique case. We will develop a strong defense and do our best to help you in court. Being accused of domestic assault can be extremely stressful and emotional, particularly if you know that you are innocent. That’s why you need someone on your team who can be impartial and only have your best interests at heart. We are proud of the work we do to take care of each client as an individual. Zarka Law Firm can also help you access resources for emotional support, develop a safety plan, and ensure your safety throughout the legal proceedings. Give Zarka Law Firm a call so that we can begin working on your defense today.
