How Domestic Violence Convictions Affect Your Life

Domestic violence crimes in Texas, which are typically charged as domestic assault under the Texas Penal Code, can have serious consequences in the event of a conviction. Not only can consequences include penalties associated with a criminal conviction, but a person can also experience other professional, familial, and social consequences that can have a major impact on that person’s life. Our Texas domestic violence defense attorneys can provide you with more information about the consequences of a domestic violence conviction, from criminal sentencing to potentially unexpected repercussions.

Criminal Penalties Associated with Domestic Violence Crimes in Texas

According to the Texas Penal Code, a person can face domestic assault charges under one of the following three circumstances:

• Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, including a spouse;
• Intentionally or knowingly threatening another with imminent bodily injury, including a spouse; or
• Intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.

When a person is convicted of domestic assault based on one or more of the actions listed above, that person can be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, or a felony in the third degree for a subsequent offense, or in situations where the offense involves choking or suffocating the other person. A Class A misdemeanor conviction in Texas can include up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. A third degree felony conviction will result in a term of imprisonment from 2 to 10 years, and it can also include a fine of up to $10,000.

Family Consequences

Under the Texas Family Code, a domestic violence conviction can impact conservatorship and possession of a minor child from a relationship (i.e., Texas child custody). According to the Texas Family Code, in determining conservatorship and possession, “the court shall consider the commission of family violence or sexual abuse in determining whether to deny, restrict, or limit the possession of a child by a parent who is appointed as a possessory conservator.”

If you have concerns about child custody in Texas, it is critical to avoid having a domestic assault conviction, and our attorneys can help you to develop a defense strategy.

Professional and Job Repercussions

In Texas, employers are allowed to use a person’s criminal records and information contained in a background check to make employment decisions. Accordingly, when you apply for a job and are asked to provide information about your criminal record, you will need to disclose a domestic violence conviction. Not only can you face consequences for failing to disclose a domestic assault conviction, but an employer may decide against hiring you as a result of the conviction even if you properly disclose it.

Contact a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Texas

If you are facing domestic violence charges in Texas, you should begin working with our Texas domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible. Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates for more information.