Fort Worth Continuous Family Violence Criminal Defense
At Routledge Law Firm, we understand the seriousness of continuous family violence criminal charges in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Area. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are skilled in navigating the complex legal system to provide vigorous defense for individuals facing these severe accusations.
With years of experience in criminal defense, our attorneys have a track record of success in handling continuous family violence cases. We believe in treating each case with the attention and care it deserves and developing personalized defense strategies tailored to our clients' unique situations. Our priority is ensuring the rights of the accused are protected throughout the legal process, advocating tirelessly for the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one is facing continuous family violence charges in Tarrant County or the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Area, Routledge Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can defend your rights and fight for your freedom.
Don't face these serious charges alone. Trust Routledge Law Firm to provide the legal representation you need in this challenging time.
Continuous Family Violence Explained
What is Continuous Family Violence in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas?
Texas Penal Code Section 25.11 addresses the offense of Continuous Violence Against the Family, also known as Continuous Family Violence. This statute is designed to protect individuals from ongoing domestic violence situations where the violence is not just a singular occurrence, but rather a pattern of abusive behavior over time.
A person can be charged with continuous family violence if they commit two or more assaults causing bodily injury family violence offenses within a twelve-month period. Assault Causing Bodily Injury Family Violence is listed under Texas Penal Code Section 22.01(a)(1) and occurs when an individual intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to a family, household, or dating member. In Texas, bodily injury is broadly defined and can include physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition, per Texas Penal Code Section 1.07(a)(8).
Continuous Violence Against the Family is considered a serious offense in Texas and can result in significant legal consequences for those convicted. It is crucial for individuals facing continuous family violence charges to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney to navigate the legal process and fight towards the best possible outcome for their case.
Texas Family Violence Finding Explained
When must a court make a Family Violence finding in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas?
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42.013, a Court is required to make an affirmative finding of family violence if the facts of the case show that the offense involved family or dating violence. A family violence finding has devastating lifelong consequences, including loss of second amendment right to own or possess a firearm and future criminal enhancements.
What is Family Violence in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas?
Family violence is an act intended to result in, or a threat that reasonably places, a family or household member in fear of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, as defined in the Texas Family Code Section 71.004.
Under Texas Family Code Section 71.0021, dating violence is any act intended to result in, or a threat that reasonably places another in fear of, physical harm, bodily injury, or assault against a person the offender has or had a dating relationship with.
Family, Household, and Dating MemberS
Family Member
Who is considered a family member in domestic violence cases in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas?
Family members includes all persons related by blood or marriage, including former spouses, and people who are the parents of the same child.
Texas Family Code Section 71.003.
Household Member
Who is considered a household member in domestic violence cases in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas?
Household member includes all people living together in the same dwelling and those who have previously lived together.
Texas Family Code Section 71.005
Dating Member
Who is considered a dating member in domestic violence cases in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas?
Dating member includes all people who are or have been in a continuing relationship, romantic or intimate in nature.
Texas Family Code Section 71.0021
Texas Continuous Family Violence Punishment Range
What is the punishment range for Continuous Family Violence cases in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas?
The Continuous Violence Against the Family punishment range is severe. If an individual is found guilty of committing continuous violence against a family member, it is classified as a third-degree felony. Third-degree felonies in Texas are punishable by imprisonment for a term ranging from two to ten years, along with a possible fine of up to $10,000. It is crucial for individuals facing charges under this statute to seek competent legal representation to effectively navigate the legal process and potentially mitigate the consequences associated with this offense.
-
Continuous violence against the family is a third-degree felony punishable between two to ten years in prison.
-
Continuous violence against the family is a third-degree felony punishable by a fine up to $10,000.
-
Continuous violence against the family is a third-degree felony punishable for eligible offenders with community supervision probation between two to ten years.
Start preparing your defense today
Continuous Violence Against the Family Criminal Defense Services
Can Routledge Law Firm defend me against Continuous Violence Against the Family allegations in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas?
At Routledge Law Firm, we provide comprehensive criminal defense representation against Continuous Family Violence allegations - from Investigation to Trial and Appeal - in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Area.
Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys is dedicated to aggressively defending our clients and protecting their rights throughout every stage of the legal process. From the initial investigation, to the courtroom trial, and even appeal, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome.
We understand the serious nature of domestic violence charges and the potential consequences they can have on your future. That's why we work tirelessly to build a strong defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
Whether negotiating a plea deal, presenting a compelling case at trial, or pursuing an appeal, our attorneys have the skills, knowledge, and resources to effectively advocate for you every step of the way.
-
Have you or someone you know been accused of continuous family violence? Do the police want to question you? Is an arrest warrant imminent? Contact the Routledge Law Firm TODAY to secure aggressive representation to combat assault allegations.
Under Investigation Representation, the skilled attorneys with the Routledge Law Firm protect you from coercive police tactics, ensure your rights are protected during the investigation, and attempt to stop false allegations before charges are ever filed with prosecutors.
-
From the moment continuous family violence charges are filed with the District Attorney, you need a zealous advocate preparing your defense. Don't delay, time is of the essence to ensure you don't miss every opportunity to combat domestic violence accusations. Additionally, criminal defense is not a diy project - don't gamble your freedom trying to fight against trained professionals without a professional of your own.
Our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case. We understand the serious implications that domestic violence charges can have on your life, including potential prison time, fines, and a criminal record. That's why the Routledge Law Firm is dedicated to building a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case during pre-trial representation.
Pre-trial representation encompasses the period after the case has been filed by law enforcement with the prosecutor and until a resolution is reached or the case is scheduled for trial. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling assault-related cases and will guide you through every step of the pre-trial process with professionalism.
-
At Routledge Law Firm, our experienced team of skilled attorneys provide award winning trial representation.
With a proven track record of successfully defending clients facing family violence charges, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys strive to protect your rights and fight for best possible outcome in your case.
Trust Routledge Law Firm to provide you with aggressive and strategic defense tailored to your unique situation.
When your future is on the line, choose Routledge Law Firm to fight for you.
-
Did something go wrong during your continuous family violence trial? Disagree with the Court's ruling? Believe the jury made a mistake? You need an appellate attorney to argue on your behalf in an effort to have your judgment set aside.
The appellate attorneys at the Routledge Law Firm are here to research the issues in your past case, prepare advanced arguments, and advocate for your interests.
Don't delay, there are strict appellate deadlines that must be met for you or your loved one to have a fighting chance. Contact Routledge Law Firm today!
-
Modifications
Probation for domestic violence offenses come with a long list of conditions that every probationer must follow. Failure to follow even one conditions, could lead to a revocation of supervision and possible jail time. The attorneys with the Routledge Law Firm can petition the Court to modify any term of probation in an attempt to make your time on supervision easier.
Early Terminations
The Routledge Law Firm can petition the court to terminate your probation early if you have successfully completed at-least a third of your probation period for an assault-related offense. Early termination is of the upmost importance to ensure you do not face unnecessary exposure remaining of probation longer than necessary.
Revocations
If you are facing a motion to adjudicate or motion to revoke supervision, you need an aggressive advocate to fight for your freedom. Akin to restarting the criminal case, a hearing will be scheduled to determine if you have violated a term of supervision; however, the prosecutor no longer needs to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, but rather preponderance of the evidence - a lesser burden. If the violation is proven true, you could be facing jail time. The skilled attorneys at the Routledge Law Firm are here to protect you and prepare the best defense possible.
-
Once you have been arrested for continuous family violence, the arrest remains on your record even if the charges are dismissed. You must sue the government to destroy the records to have the domestic violence allegation removed from your criminal background.
The expunction and non-disclosure attorneys at the Routledge Law Firm have helped people clear or seal their criminal records. If you were able to avoid a conviction, ensure you also regain your clean record. Contact the Routledge Law Firm to determine if you're eligible for an expunction or non-disclosure.
Top 6 Defenses to Continuous Family Violence
-
Mutual combat, better known as consent, is a legal defense to assault causing bodily injury, the underlying offense of continuous family violence.
The effective or apparent consent to a persons assaultive conduct is a defense to prosecution, so long as it does not threaten or inflict serious bodily injury under Texas Penal Code Section 22.06.
For consent to be a valid defense, it must be given voluntarily and knowingly by a person who is legally able to provide consent. This means that individuals who are mentally incapacitated, minors, or under duress cannot give consent.
Additionally, consent cannot be used as a defense if the harm caused was not within the scope of the consent given.
-
False accusations occur and even eye-witness testimony is not as accurate as most believe.
The mistake of fact defense can be used against assault causing bodily injury allegations to argue that the accused genuinely did not commit the assault.
-
Texas law requires specific mental states to sustain a conviction for continuous family violence. Lack of the required mental state is a defense to underlying assault causing bodily injury.
Assault causing bodily injury requires the person to act intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly. Therefore, it is a defense if the person acted negligently and caused bodily injury instead.
-
Texas Penal Code Section 9.41 permits a person to use force to protect one’s property and is a legal defense to assault causing bodily injury.
Under the defense of property doctrine, a person is justified in using force, but typically not deadly force, to protect their property from theft, criminal mischief, or trespass. This means that if someone is unlawfully attempting to enter or damage your property, you can use reasonable force to stop them.
-
Texas self-defense laws allow individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves from imminent harm or danger.
A person may use force against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes is immediately necessary to protect the person against another’s use of force under Texas Penal Code Section 9.31.
Additionally, under the "stand your ground" principle, a person has no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense. However, the use of force must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat perceived and individuals must also believe that using force is immediately necessary to protect against harm.
-
Texas law recognizes that individuals have the right to defend not only themselves but also those around them. The defense of third parties allows a person to use force to protect another individual who reasonably appears to be at risk of imminent harm or danger.
A person may use force to protect a third-party if the person would be justified in using the same force to protect themselves in the same situation and the intervention is immediately necessary under Texas Penal Code Section 9.33.
Family Violence Case Results
Schedule Your consultation today
If you are facing charges under Texas Penal Code Section 25.11 for Continuous Violence Against the Family in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, or the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Area, Routledge Law Firm is here to provide you with top-notch legal defense.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have a proven track record of successfully defending individuals accused of offenses related to domestic or family violence. We understand the complexities of these cases and will work diligently to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome for your situation.
At Routledge Law Firm, we believe that everyone is entitled to a strong defense, and we are committed to providing aggressive representation in the courtroom. You can trust us to fight tirelessly on your behalf, using our knowledge of the law and strategic approach to build a solid defense strategy.
Don't face these serious charges alone. Contact Routledge Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the legal process and work towards a favorable resolution in your case.