Hays County Assault Family Violence Attorneys

Accused of Domestic Violence in Hays County, TX?

Family violence charges, often referred to as domestic violence, can have devastating consequences on your personal and professional life. If you are facing accusations of assault family violence in Hays County, you must secure legal representation that understands the complexities of these cases and can protect your rights. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, our experienced attorneys are here to provide you with skilled defense and personalized legal strategies to fight these charges.

If you feel unsafe, talk to our team and learn your options. Schedule a consultation with us by calling (512) 991-0576 today!

What is Family Violence in Texas?

In Texas, family violence is defined under the Texas Penal Code § 71.004. It refers to any act by one family or household member against another that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault. It also includes threats that reasonably place the victim in fear of imminent harm.

Family violence includes not just physical violence but also emotional abuse, threats, and coercion. It applies to a range of relationships, including:

• Spouses or former spouses
• Family members by blood or marriage
• Parents of the same child
• People who live together in the same household
• Individuals in a current or former dating relationship

Texas takes family violence very seriously, and even a minor physical altercation can lead to arrest, criminal charges, and severe penalties. If convicted, you could face not only jail time but also long-term repercussions, such as the loss of gun ownership rights and child custody battles.

Common Types of Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence charges can vary depending on the nature of the incident and the relationship between the parties involved. In Hays County and across Texas, some of the most common types of domestic violence charges include:

• Assault Family Violence (Class A Misdemeanor): This is one of the most common charges in domestic violence cases. Assault family violence occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to a family or household member. Even minor injuries like bruises or scratches can result in this charge. A conviction can lead to up to one year in jail, fines up to $4,000, and a permanent criminal record.
• Aggravated Assault (Felony): Aggravated assault involves causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon during the assault. When the victim is a family or household member, the charge is elevated, and penalties become much more severe. A conviction for aggravated assault can result in 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Continuous Violence Against the Family (Felony): This charge applies when a person commits two or more family violence assaults within a 12-month period, regardless of whether the assaults were committed against the same victim. Continuous violence against the family is a third-degree felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of 2 to 10 years.
• Violating a Protective Order: If there is an existing protective order in place and the accused violates its terms by contacting or threatening the protected person, this can lead to additional criminal charges. Violating a protective order can result in jail time, fines, and other legal consequences.

In addition to these criminal penalties, a conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, loss of child custody, and a lifetime ban on owning firearms.

Legal Defenses to Family Assault Charges

Facing family violence charges can be frightening, but it’s important to remember that you have legal options. Some common legal defenses to family assault charges include:

• Self-Defense: Self-defense is one of the most common defenses in domestic violence cases. If you acted to protect yourself from imminent harm or danger, this may be a viable defense. The law allows you to use reasonable force to defend yourself, but the force must be proportionate to the threat you faced.
• Defense of Others: You may also be justified in using force if you were defending another person, such as a child or other family member, from an imminent threat of violence.
• False Allegations: Unfortunately, false allegations of family violence are not uncommon. These false claims may arise during contentious divorces, child custody disputes, or for other personal reasons. We will thoroughly investigate your case to uncover evidence of false allegations and build a strong defense.
• Lack of Evidence: In some cases, the prosecution may not have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an assault occurred. If the alleged victim’s injuries were accidental, exaggerated, or inconsistent with the evidence, we will work to challenge the prosecution’s case and seek a dismissal of the charges.

Why Choose Cofer & Connelly, PLLC?

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we understand the high stakes involved in family violence cases. Our team of dedicated criminal defense attorneys has extensive experience handling assault family violence cases in Hays County and throughout Texas.

We offer:

• Personalized Defense Strategies: No two cases are the same. We will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and build a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Aggressive Representation: We will fight vigorously to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
• Experienced Trial Attorneys: If your case goes to trial, you can trust that we have the experience and skills necessary to present a compelling defense.

To learn more about how we can help you, schedule a consultation with us online or at (512) 991-0576 today!