Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Texas
A domestic violence conviction can impact every area of your life, from your freedom to your ability to find housing or employment. Even a misdemeanor domestic violence offense can result in jail time, hefty fines, and long-term restrictions on your rights. When the stakes are this high, understanding the consequences and your legal options going forward is critical.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Texas
Domestic violence is defined under Texas Penal Code § 22.01 as an act of assault, threat, or physical harm against a family member, household member, or dating partner. This can include physical contact that causes bodily injury, threats of harm, or even offensive or provocative touching. Domestic violence charges can be filed even if the alleged victim does not wish to press charges, as prosecutors have the authority to proceed with the case.
Charges for domestic violence range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal record. A first-time offense with minor injuries may be classified as a misdemeanor, while repeated offenses, serious injuries, or use of a deadly weapon can escalate the charges to the felony level.
Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions in Texas
A domestic violence conviction can result in serious penalties, including jail time, fines, and mandatory intervention programs under the domestic violence statute. The severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the offense and whether you have prior convictions.
Misdemeanor Assault
A Class A misdemeanor domestic assault conviction carries penalties of up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. This charge applies when the offense involves bodily injury without aggravating factors, such as prior convictions or the use of a weapon.
Continuous Family Violence
If you are convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses within 12 months, you may be charged with continuous family violence under Texas Penal Code § 25.11, which is typically a third-degree felony. This charge carries 2 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Aggravated Domestic Assault
When a domestic violence offense results in serious bodily injury or involves a deadly weapon, it can be charged as aggravated domestic assault, a second-degree felony. This charge carries a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years, plus fines of up to $10,000 per Texas Penal Code § 22.02.
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A domestic violence conviction carries consequences that extend beyond criminal penalties. It can impact your personal rights, financial stability, and future opportunities:
- Employment barriers – Many employers conduct background checks, and a domestic violence conviction can limit your job opportunities, especially in fields requiring security clearance or trust, such as law enforcement, healthcare, and education.
- Housing restrictions – A conviction may disqualify you from public housing or rental agreements, as many landlords deny applications based on criminal records.
- Firearm possession ban – Under federal law, if you are convicted of a domestic violence offense, you may lose the right to own or possess firearms, which can affect military personnel, security professionals, or gun owners.
- Immigration consequences – Non-citizens convicted of domestic violence may also face deportation, visa denials, or restrictions on naturalization applications.
Protect Your Future With a Domestic Violence Lawyer From The Law Office of David A. Breston
A domestic violence conviction can impact your freedom, your family, and your ability to move forward. With so much at stake, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and building a powerful case. Your leading domestic violence lawyer with The Law Office of David A. Breston is ready to fight for your future, so fill out our secured contact form or call us at (713) 224-4040 to request your confidential consultation today.