Domestic violence is a very common occurrence than people realize. It can occur between dating partners, spouses, parents and their children. In Texas, domestic violence is a serious crime and the growing number of casualties caused due to domestic violence is alarming. Therefore, it is important to keep calm when dealing with the serious consequences of domestic violence.
Looking for a family lawyer in Texas
While looking for an experienced attorney who deals with domestic violence issues and family law in Texas, consider taking the services of Thompson Salinas Londergan LLP in Austin. Their team of expert attorneys understands the dynamics of a violent relationship and can guide you through the legal formalities available in your case. The team believes in an amicable and negotiated process that is handled out of court to ascertain the ideal scenario while addressing a domestic violence case. Reach them today for a personalized consultation if you or any of your known people are suffering from domestic violence.
Types of domestic violence in Texas
Most people think domestic violence is just a kind of physical abuse. However, Texas law identifies different ways in which this abuse can occur.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse allegations include hitting, punching, kicking, or choking. It will result in appropriate charges even if the victim does not need medical treatment but still constitute domestic violence.
Psychological abuse
This is defined as behavior that results in fear like threatening or intimidating a person. Examples can include:
- Emotional blackmail
- Violent threats
- Preventing the other person from leaving
- Preventing from talking to other people
Sexual abuse
This is not rape or sexual assault but can also include unwanted touching. Common examples are not using birth control measures and pressuring a partner to have an abortion.
Financial abuse
This includes preventing the spouse from working or receiving an education.
Emotional abuse
Humiliating, being overly critical, and insulting behaviors are often treated as emotional abuse.
Technological abuse
This kind of abuse is becoming quite common. It includes texting or using social media to bully, harass or intimidate the spouse.
Filing for domestic violence in Texas
Texas laws for domestic violence are quite stringent with expert prosecutors pursuing them. Although it is mostly associated with spouses and dating partners, the Texas laws for domestic violence are also applicable to:
- Blood relations
- Other household members
- Parents or children
- Past or present dating partners
Penalties for domestic violence
The penalties for domestic violence in Texas can range from one-year imprisonment for Class A misdemeanor to 99 years of first-degree charges of felony. The fines for Class A misdemeanor may go to $4,000 and the felony charges penalties can reach $10,000. All these charges have very serious financial and legal consequences.
Serious consequences
Getting arrested for domestic violence in Texas can result in strained relationships with family and friends and also losing a job. Other consequences can include difficulty in getting educational financial aid, immigration problems, losing professional licenses, and even deportation.
There is hardly any room for the abuser to escape from the Texas domestic violence laws due to which it is difficult to challenge these cases. The punishments for such cases can be a night in jail or years of imprisonment.
