When you have been accused of domestic violence in Fort Worth, your personal freedom and reputation are on the line. It’s important to have an experienced domestic violence attorney who can stand up for you.
Our domestic violence lawyers have successfully helped many individuals who have faced similar charges and will help get your charges reduced or dropped. Contact Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC to speak with a Fort Worth domestic violence lawyer. Our lawyers will take the time to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about proceeding with your case.
What’s Considered Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence comes in many forms, and it’s not always physical. Sometimes severe trauma can stem from psychological or other types of abuse. The most common types of domestic abuse include the following:
- Physical Abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Unwanted communication
- Threatening behavior
- Social abuse
- Spiritual abuse
As you can see, domestic violence isn’t always physical abuse. You need a lawyer that knows the details of the law pertaining to your specific situation.
Sometimes your domestic violence lawyer can get your charges dismissed or reduced. Before you build your defense, your lawyer needs to know the types of abuse you’re accused of committing.
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Fort Worth
Domestic violence may come in many forms, and the penalties can vary as much. If you are facing domestic violence charges, there are several actions your lawyer can take to minimize your sentence.
First, it’s critical to note that domestic violence charges can be felonies. That means you may be facing thousands of dollars in fines, years or decades in prison, and penalties for your criminal record. That may impact future decisions like housing or child custody.
Your lawyer may first aim to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If this isn’t possible, your lawyer may look for alternative sentencing options. For example, you may be eligible for probation, which allows you to leave jail or prison under strict rules.
The options available for your case will depend on whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, as well as any aggravating factors to your case. For example, if a firearm was involved, you may face a more serious sentence than if a gun had not been involved.
Steps to Protect Your Domestic Violence Defense
If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, a lawyer will tell you there are unfortunately many things you can say or do that could make the outcome of your case worse. Here are some actions to avoid if you’ve been charged with domestic violence:
- Don’t admit to anything
- Don’t violate a restraining order
- Don’t tell everyone what happened on social media
- Don’t get angry or hostile with the victim
For example, you may want to apologize—don’t. Trying to explain away your actions by apologizing can also make your case more difficult because the apology may be treated as evidence of your guilt. Instead of apologizing, talk to your defense attorney about how you can argue against certain charges or plea bargain for a lesser punishment.
Another action that a lot of people in domestic violence cases take that makes their cases more difficult is trying to contact the victim when they’re out on bail. This can be seen as harassment by the judge. If you need to speak with your partner about matters like the kids or money, ask your domestic violence lawyer what to do.
Taking the right steps and doing what’s right after you’re accused of domestic violence can be tough. You may want to clear your name now, not later. Fortunately, your lawyer can help you take better steps and avoid harsh penalties.
Let a Fort Worth Domestic Violence Attorney Represent You
When you’ve been accused of domestic violence, it can be hard to find the right legal representation. You may need a lawyer who is skilled in handling complex situations, which can be tough. Luckily, your Fort Worth domestic violence lawyer can help you take the right steps to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
At Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC, we know how important it is to get your charges dropped. That’s why we offer guidance to our clients before you ever choose to work with us. If you’re interested in knowing more, fill out the online contact form below or call 817-334-7900.