Prosper Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Attorneys Addressing Criminal Charges Involving Family Violence in Prosper, Texas

When a person has been accused of domestic violence, multiple parts of their life may be affected. These allegations can lead to protective orders, and they can complicate child custody arrangements. A person may face personal and professional consequences that may affect their job, their family, and their relationships with other people.

Even though police officers may arrest a person at the scene of a reported incident based on limited information, these situations can lead to serious charges and damage to a person's overall reputation. Understanding how to defend against family violence charges can be crucial for anyone in this situation. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys can help clients determine their best options for avoiding a criminal conviction, and we can address other related concerns that may arise during a case.

Situations That May Lead to a Domestic Violence Arrest

When someone calls the police in response to a heated argument between family members or another situation, officers may come to the scene, interview the people involved, and determine if an offense occurred. They may decide to arrest a person based on statements made by an alleged victim or another family member, signs of injuries, or other factors.

Some domestic violence cases involve spouses or romantic partners who get into arguments. One person may claim that the other pushed, grabbed, or struck them. Whether injuries occurred accidentally or in a situation where a person is accused of causing intentional harm, charges of assault may apply following an arrest.

Arrests can also occur in cases that did not involve physical injuries. A person may be accused of making threats or engaging in aggressive behavior that caused a family member to fear that they would suffer harm. Other factors that may affect these cases may include accusations that a person damaged or destroyed property during an argument, or a family member may claim that a person engaged in harassing or intimidating conduct.

Relationships That May Qualify as Domestic Relationships

Family violence may include assault or other violent crimes that occurred between people who had domestic relationships with each other. These relationships may include any family members or anyone who lives in the same household. A person may be accused of violence, abuse, or threats against a romantic partner, including their current or former spouse, someone they are dating, someone they had dated in the past, or the other parent of their child. Other family relationships may also qualify, including parents, children, stepparents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws.

Because the definition of domestic relationships covers a wide range of people, domestic violence charges may involve multiple parties who live together or lived together in the past. In addition to accusations of abuse within family relationships, charges may involve allegations of violence against roommates, friends who are staying in a home temporarily, relatives of a person's spouse or partner, and any other members of a person's family or household.

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest

When police officers come to the scene of a domestic incident, they may arrest a person who they believe was being more aggressive or who caused another family member to suffer an injury. After an arrest, criminal charges may be filed, and other legal issues may also need to be addressed.

In many cases, an emergency protective order will be issued shortly after a domestic violence arrest. The alleged victim may request a restraining order, or a judge who reviews the charges may decide that a protective order is necessary to prevent further violence. A protective order will usually prevent the accused person from contacting the alleged victim or other members of a family or household. They may also be required to leave a shared residence and find another place to live temporarily. The court will hold a hearing to determine whether long-term protections are needed, and a judge may decide to issue a protective order that may last for up to two years.

A domestic violence arrest could also affect child custody issues. If parents are currently involved in a child custody case, a family court judge may consider domestic violence charges when making decisions about how child custody issues will be handled. In some cases, allegations of domestic violence could lead to an investigation by Child Protective Services, and a person could lose custody of their children until they meet certain requirements to ensure that children's safety will be protected.

The criminal charges a person may face after being arrested for domestic violence will often include assault family violence. While these offenses are typically classified as misdemeanors, felony charges may apply if a person is accused of inflicting serious injuries, using a weapon against a family member, or strangulation. Charges of aggravated assault or continuous violence against the family can lead to serious penalties. Prosecutors may pursue charges against a person even if the alleged victim does not cooperate or asks for a case to be dropped.

Legal Help for People Facing Domestic Violence Accusations

Our lawyers can move quickly to address the multiple issues that a person may encounter after being arrested for domestic violence. We can determine how to handle protective order proceedings, and we can coordinate with family law attorneys to ensure that issues related to child custody can be addressed correctly. We will work with a client to build a defense against charges of assault family violence or other related offenses.

We will look at what happened before and during an arrest, including evidence related to alleged acts of violence, injuries, or property damage. We can review the statements made by family members or other witnesses, and we can take steps to determine what physical evidence may be used to challenge the allegations against a person and defend against a criminal conviction.

Contact Our Prosper Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

When a person has been accused of domestic violence, their freedom may be affected by a criminal conviction, and their family relationships may be affected by protective orders and child custody proceedings. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys can make sure clients address these issues correctly. We will take steps to protect their rights, avoid criminal convictions, and resolve concerns that may affect them and their families. To get the legal help needed in these situations, contact our Prosper, TX family violence lawyers at 972-369-0577 and arrange a free consultation.