Covid-19 cases are on the rise in Texas, and it may be triggering another deadly bout of domestic violence cases across the state. In only one 24-hour period, a series of domestic violence cases have left at least three people dead in Harris County. The first case involved a woman killing her allegedly estranged husband as she got her children ready for school. Authorities say that the man showed up at her home, where he apparently attacked the woman. She pulled out a gun and shot him during a struggle.
Another incident happened later the same day, this time at a Northwest Houston apartment complex. Authorities say that a woman allegedly stabbed her mother to death after an altercation. Police believe that the woman broke a window to gain access to the apartment, stabbed her mother to death, and allegedly stabbed her aunt as well. Authorities say that before the incident happened, the woman may have been arguing with her mother. After the stabbing, the woman fled the scene but later returned and apparently told police that she wasn’t involved.
Around midnight, Harris County sheriff’s deputies also responded to a domestic situation after a woman’s brother and her ex-boyfriend got into an altercation. The ex-boyfriend died as a result. The brother of the woman claims that he shot the man in self-defense.
However, Harris County isn’t the only part of Texas that is seeing an increasing number of domestic violence and assault cases. Officials in Austin say that as Covid cases rise, more Texans are opting to remain at home again. Unfortunately, some of these individuals are trapped in violent and volatile households. Local news reports out of Austin say that by June of 2021, there was already a 4 percent increase in the number of calls coming into the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
When it comes to domestic violence, the law doesn’t care if you are family. Penalties for domestic violence can range from a class C misdemeanor and a $500 fine to a capital felony that carries a life term in prison without the possibility of parole. It is a serious crime that can land an individual with serious time in the state of Texas. In fact, the state sets out several distinct classifications beyond just “domestic violence,” including domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, continuous violence against the family, child abuse, and stalking.
Some defenses strategies can be effective in combating different types of domestic violence accusations, but it takes an experienced and dedicated attorney to craft a compelling case. Beyond legal consequences, a domestic violence conviction can have serious implications for an individual’s personal and professional relationships.
At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we understand these implications and strive to protect your rights while fighting for your freedom. You deserve a solid defense and need an aggressive advocate in your corner. If you are facing any type of domestic violence charge, you need to contact an attorney with Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian immediately. Contact us online for a free and confidential consultation, and we will spring into action to provide the representation you need.