Williamson County Assault Family Violence Attorneys

Accused of Domestic Violence in Williamson County, TX?

If you're facing family violence charges in Williamson County, Texas, it’s essential to have a strong defense team by your side. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we understand how these charges can upend your life, affecting your reputation, family relationships, and future. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Texas family law and criminal defense, and we work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Call (512) 991-0576 or contact us online today for a confidential case review and consultation.

What is Family Violence in Texas?

Family violence, often referred to as domestic violence in other states, is defined under the Texas Family Code as any act by one family or household member intended to cause physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault against another family or household member. It also includes threats that place the victim in fear of imminent harm.

In Texas, family or household members can include:

• Spouses or former spouses
• Parents of the same child
• Foster parents and children
• Individuals related by blood or marriage
• People who cohabit or used to cohabit in the same household
• Individuals in a dating relationship

Family violence can occur between any of these individuals and can involve physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or threats of harm. Being accused of family violence can lead to serious legal consequences, including jail time, fines, and the loss of parental rights.

Common Types of Domestic Violence Charges

In Texas, family violence cases can vary widely in terms of the nature of the alleged offense. Some of the most common types of domestic violence charges include:

• Assault Causing Bodily Injury: This is the most common charge in family violence cases. It involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to a family member. The injury doesn't have to be severe—any physical contact that results in pain can qualify as bodily injury under Texas law.
• Aggravated Assault: Aggravated assault occurs when serious bodily injury is caused or if a deadly weapon is used during the assault. This charge is more serious than a simple assault and carries heavier penalties, especially in cases of family violence.
• Continuous Family Violence: This charge can apply if the defendant has been involved in two or more instances of family violence within a 12-month period. Continuous family violence is classified as a third-degree felony in Texas.
• Sexual Assault: Sexual assault charges can arise in family violence cases when there is non-consensual sexual contact between family or household members. 
• Violation of a Protective Order: If a protective order is issued against you, it’s crucial to comply with its terms. Violating a protective order, even accidentally, can result in additional criminal charges and jail time.

Consequences of a Family Violence Conviction

A family violence conviction in Texas can have severe and long-lasting consequences. The penalties depend on the severity of the charge and whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Some of the potential consequences include:

• Jail Time or Prison: Even a Class A misdemeanor family violence conviction can result in up to one year in jail. Felony convictions, such as for aggravated assault or continuous family violence, can lead to years of imprisonment.
• Fines: Fines for family violence convictions can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the charge.
• Loss of Parental Rights: A family violence conviction can negatively impact child custody and visitation rights. Courts often assume that an individual convicted of domestic violence poses a risk to the safety and well-being of their children.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction will remain on your criminal record, which can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, or obtain certain professional licenses.
• Protective Orders: In many cases, the alleged victim may obtain a protective order against you. This can limit your ability to see your children, return to your home, or contact the other party.

Legal Defenses to Family Assault

While family violence charges are serious, there are several legal defenses that may be available depending on the circumstances of your case. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we explore every possible defense to achieve the best outcome for our clients. Some common defenses include:

• Self-Defense: If you acted in self-defense or were protecting someone else from harm, this could be a valid defense. Texas law allows individuals to use reasonable force to defend themselves or others against immediate threats.
• False Allegations: Unfortunately, false accusations of family violence can arise out of anger, jealousy, or during contentious divorce or child custody proceedings. If you've been falsely accused, we will work diligently to uncover the truth and present evidence that refutes the claims against you.
• Lack of Intent: Family violence charges often hinge on whether the defendant acted intentionally. If the harm was caused accidentally or without malicious intent, this could be a defense in your case.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, the evidence against you may be weak, unreliable, or lacking. We will thoroughly investigate the details of your case and challenge any questionable evidence presented by the prosecution.

How a Williamson County Assault Family Violence Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been charged with family violence in Williamson County, you need an experienced legal team on your side. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against family violence allegations. We understand the complexities of these cases and work aggressively to protect your rights and your future.

We will:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case
• Challenge the prosecution's evidence
• Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissals
• Represent you in court with a strong defense strategy

Every family violence case is unique, and we provide personalized legal representation tailored to the specific facts of your case. Don’t let a family violence accusation define your future—let us help you fight back.

Contact us today at (512) 991-0576 to discuss your case with our team.