Assault on a Family Member

Houston Assault of a Family Member Lawyer

Instances of violence are always traumatic, but they can become even more troubling when the violence takes place within a family. When a person physically attacks a family member in Texas, they may be charged with domestic assault, domestic violence, family violence or assault of a family member. Although there are several names that refer to this assault crime, they generally refer to the same thing. That is, a person committing an act of violence that targets someone to whom they are related, whether by blood or by marriage. These incidents occur for a variety of reasons and are relatively common. The frequent occurrence of assaults between family members has led to the creation of stern punishments for anyone convicted of this crime.

Call Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900

Penalties for Domestic Assault

In many states, a conviction for family violence is considered a misdemeanor. However, this does not mean that the punishments for this crime are less severe. In fact, they are among the most stringent punishments that are handed down for any misdemeanor crime. They can include, but are not limited to:

• Jail or prison time: A person convicted of family assault can face up to one year in jail. If they have a previous charge of family assault on their record, they could face up to 10 years in prison.
• Fines: A first-time conviction of family assault can incur fines of up to $4,000. A second conviction can lead to fines of up to $10,000.
• Protective orders: In many cases, a judge will issue a protective order that prohibits any contact between the defendant and the victim for a specific period of time. Any violations of this protective order will result in additional penalties.
• Loss of gun ownership rights: If a person is convicted of family violence, they may lose their right to own or use a firearm. If they already possess a firearm, they have to turn it over to police. Violating this condition can result in felony charges.

Defense Strategies for the Assault of a Family Member

The majority of family member assault or domestic violence charges are initiated when one party calls the police and reports that they have been attacked or that they fear they are in imminent danger of assault. Often, this report is the sole evidence that the prosecution will use if the case goes to trial. An experienced assault of a family member lawyer knows that eyewitness testimony is often misleading, and that some assault reports may not stand up to scrutiny. In the absence of physical evidence, such as scars or bruising, a domestic violence attorney can construct a defense based on the questionable reliability of the alleged victim.

Talk to a Family Member Assault Lawyer in Houston

Cases of domestic violence are never simple. To avoid any unnecessary penalties, a defendant should talk to a qualified criminal defense lawyer.

To learn more about family assault charges, reach Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900.