Domestic Violence Lawyer in El Paso
The Right Defense for the Most Difficult of Cases
If you are facing charges for domestic violence, a defense attorney will advise you on the best course of action and how to proceed with your pending matter. Family violence cases are complicated and difficult in nature. They typically ruin a family’s stability after arrest. Conviction for assault family violence can lead to severe repercussions.
Domestic violence cases often result in protective orders, which can legally prevent you from being within a certain distance from a family member, prohibit you from possessing firearms, and prohibit you from living in the family household. This situation can be very disorienting and emotional.
Knowing the right steps to take is essential for your case. Joseph & Hartshorn is here to guide the way. We serve the El Paso and West Texas areas, helping people dealing with cases of assault family violence at the misdemeanor and felony level. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Our Domestic Violence Defense Services
A conviction on a domestic violence case has harsh, extensive legal and personal consequences. It may affect child custody rights, gun ownership rights, employment, and immigration status (for non-citizens), to name a few. Domestic violence lawyer Jon Joseph can help you untangle and make sense of the charges against you while advising you on how to proceed.
Domestic violence charges can include:
- Assault Family Violence
- Assault Family Violence With a Previous Conviction
- Assault Family Violence Impeding Breath
- Continuous Violence Against the Family
- Injury to a Child
- Injury to an Elderly
- Stalking
- Harassment
Domestic & Family Violence Explained
Domestic violence cases are complicated. The state of Texas defines Class A Assault as:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or reckless causes bodily injury to another person.
- Assault family violence is also a Class A misdemeanor unless serious bodily injury has occurred or a weapon has been used during the commission of the offense.
- There is a broad range as to what constitutes “family.” A few of the typical examples are boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, and individuals who reside in the same household.
To many people’s surprise, bodily injury is not solely characterized by visible bruises, cuts, or broken bones. Instead, anything that causes pain constitutes assault—including slaps or similar physical contact.
Potential Domestic Violence Charges — What to Expect
Charges of assault family violence can have a wide variation of penalties. It all depends on the nature of the charges and the specifics surrounding the case. Assault family violence can carry both misdemeanor and/or felony charges.
Misdemeanor: These are charges that involve threats of bodily harm or offensive contact. This constitutes a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $500. If the victim of the assault suffers bodily injury, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor. Assault family violence is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000 and up to one year in jail. Assault family violence can potentially lead to jail time or a probationary term if the prosecution proves the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Felony: A felony assault family violence typically comes up when a Defendant has prior domestic violence convictions or there is strangulation/impeding breath involved in the alleged incident. A third-degree felony conviction means the Defendant can be subject to a 2 to a 10-year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.
How a Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help
Finding competent and effective legal representation can ensure that you adequately defend yourself and exercise your rights. Convictions become part of your permanent criminal record and have profound implications for your life, employment status, and financial stability.
A domestic violence lawyer represents you in court proceedings and will investigate the facts regarding the alleged incident that led to your pending case.
Texas law also allows for alternatives to jail sentencing in several circumstances. For example, first-time offenders may qualify for deferred adjudication, straight probation, and possibly pre-trial diversion.
Contact Joseph & Hartshorn, Today!
If you find yourself facing domestic violence charges, don’t wait to contact us and don’t proceed alone. Call Joseph & Hartshorn. Let us hear your case and advise you on the best path forward. Connect with us for a consultation.
