The number of domestic violence charges in Frisco, Texas saw a sharp increase when the coronavirus pandemic hit Texas in the spring of 2020. During the stay-at-home orders in 2020, domestic violence-related aggravated assaults spiked 14% in Dallas.
Since then, the numbers have continued to increase slightly. There are various possible factors for the escalation, including increased stress, instability, and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is clear is that Texas law enforcement and prosecutors are on high alert for these type if incidents. It is not likely for the number of violence charges related to domestic situations will drop anytime soon. If you have been arrested on domestic violence charges in Frisco, it is critical to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These cases are complicated and can result in severe penalties, so it is critical to have a qualified lawyer on your side.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Charged with Domestic Violence in Frisco?
If you are facing such charges, you should immediately contact a Frisco attorney who is experienced in representing those arrested on these type of charges. This area of law is prone to false accusations, especially if you are in the middle of a divorce or child custody battle. Remember, no matter how innocent you believe you are, you should never speak to the police without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court and the prosecutor can twist seemingly harmless statements into something damning. Importantly, your choice to remain silent cannot be used against you in court.
You should not confront the alleged victim. The prosecution will not dismiss charges just because the complainant does not want to go forward, and you will likely end up harming your case. Instead, you should trust your attorney, who should fight aggressively to get the charges dropped or reduced. There are a variety of defenses they can raise, including self-defense, the assault was unintentional, was a mistake, or was performed with a lack of knowledge.
What are the Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Frisco?
Texas has three separate domestic violence charges: 1) domestic assault, 2) aggravated domestic assault, and 3) continuous violence against the family.
1. Domestic assault. Domestic assault occurs when an individual commits an assault against a family member, a household member, or a current or past dating partner. Domestic assault includes physical violence (hitting, punching, kicking, slapping, raping, etc.) and threatening imminent physical violence.
2. Aggravated domestic assault. Aggravated domestic assault occurs when an individual commits an aggravated assault against a family member, household member, or current or past dating partner. An individual commits an aggravated assault when they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause serious bodily injury to another person, or use or exhibit a deadly weapon while committing an assault crime.
Serious bodily injury means any physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ. A deadly weapon is any object capable of causing death or serious bodily injury and is used in a manner likely to produce that result.
3. Continuous violence against the family. An individual can be charged with continuous violence against the family if they commit two domestic violence assaults within a twelve-month period. The assaults do not need to result in arrests or convictions or have been committed against the same person.
What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Frisco?
The punishment for a domestic violence conviction will depend on various factors, including the specific offense you were charged with, whether you have similar prior convictions, and the unique facts of your case.
The penalties range from a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000 to a first-degree felony punishable by five to ninety-nine years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Convicted individuals may also be subject to community service and counseling.
In addition to prison time and fines, a domestic violence conviction can impact your employment and educational opportunities, professional licensing, housing, gun rights, immigration status, your reputation in the community, and child custody.
Your Frisco Domestic Violence Attorney
If you have been accused of domestic violence, you should immediately reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney. It is important to hire a criminal defense attorney in Frisco, Texas who will fight aggressively to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Call the Law Office of Philip D. Ray today at (469) 588-6770.