Assault family violence charges in Williamson County can result from a dispute between spouses, dating partners, relatives, or household members. An individual can be arrested even if an incident did not result in serious injury. Texans who live in Georgetown should know about assault laws in Texas and what to expect after an arrest. A family violence allegation can impact release conditions after an arrest and other aspects of a person’s freedoms, such as firearm rights.
Why Choose The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC?
Attorney Lytza Rojas and her team defend clients charged with crimes in Georgetown and other communities throughout Williamson County. Lytza Rojas is Board Certified in Criminal Law and has over 20 years of criminal trial experience, including time as a prosecutor.
Clients can expect to work directly with Lytza rather than having their case shifted to support staff. She also has vast experience working with clients in Williamson County courts and representing veterans who have been accused of a crime.
What Is Considered Family Violence?
In Texas, a significant amount of reported violence is related to family violence. The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that in 2024, 250,048 family violence offenses involving 250,131 victims were reported by law enforcement. There were 174,634 documented cases of simple assault and 34,602 of aggravated assault. These numbers include family violence offenses that participating Texas law enforcement agencies have reported.
Texas Penal Code § 22.01 defines assault in several ways. A person may commit assault by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another. The law also makes it illegal to intentionally or knowingly threaten someone else with imminent bodily injury. Certain offensive or provocative contact can qualify as assault too.
Texas Family Code § 71.004 defines family violence. Other sections outline the parties that can be involved in these types of cases. It is not necessary for the people involved to be married. Allegations of family violence can occur between current or former spouses, parents of the same child, relatives, foster relationships, and household members. Couples in qualifying dating relationships can also face family violence charges.
What to Expect After a Family Violence Arrest in Georgetown
Texas law allows officers to respond to family violence calls with considerable discretion. Following an arrest, the accused generally faces a magistrate who decides on the bond and release stipulations.
Release conditions can significantly impact day-to-day activities. The magistrate has the authority to prohibit the defendant from communicating with individuals like the alleged victim or to order them to avoid their home or a particular location.
The law also allows judges to add specific conditions to a person’s bond in family violence assault cases. A person who violates the judge’s order can face new charges even if the underlying assault charge has not been resolved.
Courts located near Georgetown hold trials at Williamson County Justice Center, 405 Martin Luther King Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. The Justice Center is north of Georgetown’s historic downtown square and serves residents from all over Williamson County.
Penalties for Assault With Family Violence
An individual assault that causes bodily injury and qualifies as family violence is typically a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, offenders could be sentenced to up to one year in jail and pay up to $4,000 in fines. Prior convictions for family violence, or a case involving suffocation or strangulation, can raise a subsequent bodily injury assault to a third-degree felony.
Outside of criminal penalties, a convicted person can experience loss of firearm rights. Additionally, multiple family assault charges can result in enhanced penalties.
Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer
It is advised to hire a domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible after arrest. Discovery, bond conditions, inconsistent witness statements, and potential defenses do not wait until trial.
A Williamson County domestic violence attorney can review the discovery, determine if the police violated someone’s rights when gathering evidence, identify holes in witness testimony, preserve texts or recordings that support the defendant’s version of events, and develop a strategy for resolving disputed issues.
Your lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors, protect you during questioning, and present your side of the story.
FAQs
Can Family Violence Charges Impact Child Custody in Texas?
Yes, family violence charges can impact child custody in Texas. While the criminal charge itself does not control the outcome of a custody matter, the allegations used to support the charge may be considered. Depending on the facts, the court has the ability to place limitations on access to a child, such as supervised visitation and other orders aimed at protecting a child or parent.
Can I Be Charged With Family Violence for Destroying Property?
Damaging property does not necessarily result in a family violence charge. Assault requires conduct that is directed toward another person. However, intentionally or knowingly damaging another’s property may support a criminal mischief charge under Texas law. Other charges may be available based on the specifics of the situation and any other potential criminal acts.
What if I am Falsely Accused of Family Violence?
If you are falsely accused of family violence, the courts may not take your claims at face value. Instead, the evidence is going to be analyzed, such as text messages, video recordings, and eyewitness testimony, to help establish what happened. For this reason, it is crucial to preserve any evidence that may be available.
Is an Out-of-State Protective Order Enforced in Texas?
Yes, an out-of-state protective order is enforced in Texas. Federal law requires Texas to recognize and enforce qualifying protective orders from other states. Someone who travels or moves to Texas should not believe that an existing protective order no longer applies after crossing the state line. The details of the order dictate what conduct is restricted during one’s stay in Texas.
The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC Can Help
If you are involved in a family violence situation, The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC is here to help. We can advocate for your rights and help protect your future. Contact us today to speak with our office.
