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Houston Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence charges are very serious. In Texas, a conviction can keep you from certain jobs and prevent you from holding licenses, including gun licenses. At the Law Offices of David A. Breston, our attorneys have many defense strategies, including self-defense, mutual combat, and simply that there was no assault. Our lawyers not only have a domestic violence defense practice, we also help immigrants accusing others of domestic violence, as part of our Immigration practice. For more information about domestic violence law, please read the below information, and you have any further questions, contact us. Our lawyers have helped thousands of the people in Houston, Texas and surrounding areas, including Beaumont, Galveston, Conroe, Richmond, and Angleton.

Domestic Violence - An Overview

Domestic violence is generally a coercive behavior that includes physical, sexual, economic, emotional or psychological abuse of one family member or romantic partner by another. In most states, domestic violence includes assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or murder of one household member by another household member. If you or someone you know has been charged with domestic violence, it is very important to contact us to obtain the legal representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The penalties for a domestic violence conviction can be serious and life-changing, but many defenses are available. Even if a person has been arrested for domestic violence, he or she may not have actually broken any law. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible provides the best opportunity for a successful defense. As criminal defense attorneys, we have the experience and skill to begin preparing your defense as soon as you retain us.

What Is Domestic Violence?

A spouse or intimate partner using physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, harassment, or stalking to control the behavior of his or her partner are the most common kinds of domestic violence. Partners involved in domestic violence and abuse may be married, heterosexual, homosexual, living together, separated or dating. Physical violence can include touching a person against his or her will, shoving, grabbing, or forcing a person to stay somewhere. Emotional abuse includes name-calling, insults, keeping a partner from contacting family or friends, withholding money, stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job, threatening physical harm, or intimidation. Domestic violence can include physical violence causing injuries, a possibility of injury, threats, and restraining order violations.

The police may arrest a person for domestic violence if they have probable cause to believe he or she committed a crime. People from all walks of life, including both men and women, are arrested for domestic violence, and many are not guilty of any crime. Domestic violence occurs in cities, suburbs and rural areas and among all social classes, races, religions, incomes and family backgrounds. If you are accused of domestic violence, it is crucial that you seek the services of an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.

What are the Effects of Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence creates havoc in a victim's and in an accused abuser's family and working lives. The effects of domestic violence are far reaching. Children may be used as pawns, or removed from an abuser. Many people also deny that abuse occurs and shift blame for abusive behavior, creating emotional problems. Domestic violence causes misery, anxiety, fear, shame, physical and emotional pain, and financial burdens due to missed work, medical bills and psychological treatment. A criminal defense attorney, if contacted early enough during the investigation, may be able to minimize the charges that you face. Each state's statutes define different crimes, punishments, and guidelines. A criminal defense attorney well versed in the laws of your state can help you evaluate your situation and prepare your defense to help you avoid the consequences of a conviction.

Prosecution and Defenses

The prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed a domestic violence crime. The available defenses vary greatly for different charges, but may include self-defense, insufficient evidence, and factual innocence. In many cases, mitigating circumstances may reduce or negate your criminal culpability. A criminal defense attorney can ensure that the prosecutor has not ignored evidence that is in your favor.

Domestic violence cases are among the most difficult cases to defend. Many states provide special funding for prosecuting domestic violence cases, and many communities have special courts to try the cases. Many police departments have a separate investigation unit set up for domestic violence cases, and many district attorneys have a social worker to talks to victims and encourage them to cooperate with the prosecution. Most prosecutors are well equipped to handle domestic violence cases. If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with domestic violence, the most important call you can make will be to your criminal defense lawyer, so he or she can begin investigating your case and defending your rights as soon as possible.

Conclusion

District attorneys throughout the country are vigorously pursuing and aggressively prosecuting domestic violence accusations. Domestic violence laws can bring very severe penalties and change your life forever. If you are facing domestic violence charges, you need the aggressive defense and proven approach that a firm experienced in domestic violence cases will provide.