By Jeff Kennedy
Government officials in Fort Worth have issued shelter-in-place orders to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. With so much time being spent inside, stress levels are bound to rise over the country’s current health and economic crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families may struggle to keep the peace with one another.
If you and your family member get in an argument, it’s important to remain calm. Unfortunately, you can’t always control the way your family member interprets your anger. If you’ve been charged with domestic violence during a shelter-in-place order, you should remove yourself from the hostile environment and speak to a lawyer.
The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy is open for virtual consultations and can begin building a defense for you. Although your trial may not begin until the coronavirus pandemic has passed, it’s important to prepare as soon as possible.
What is Considered Domestic Violence in Texas?
The Texas police can charge you with domestic violence in three ways. You can get charged with domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, or continuous violence against the family. If you’re accused of committing violence against a family member, a household member, or someone the offender is currently dating or dated in the past, the police may charge you with domestic violence.
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Texas
Domestic assault in Texas is a Class A misdemeanor; however, the charge becomes a third-degree felony if you have prior domestic assault convictions. Aggravated domestic assault is a second-degree felony, but can be escalated to a first-degree felony if a deadly weapon was involved and you caused serious bodily injury to the victim.
If you commit two domestic assaults within twelve months, you’ll be charged with continuous violence against the family, which is a third-degree felony.
Defense Strategies for a Domestic Violence Charge
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be more than one other individual in your home. If so, you can use witness statements to support your case in court and prove your innocence. You can also defend yourself by explaining your side of the story and proving your non-violent history. Having a lawyer by your side may be helpful if you need to make a plea bargain and get your charges reduced.
Contact a Fort Worth Domestic Violence Attorney
Just because you were charged with domestic violence during a shelter-in-place order doesn’t mean your chances of fighting your case are lessened. Everyone deserves the right to legal representation and a fair trial. The courts may postpone your case because they’re out of commission, but you can use this time to prepare and develop a strong defense.
If you’d like to discuss your case with a Fort Worth domestic violence lawyer from The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy, you can schedule a virtual consultation by calling 817-605-1010 or by filling out the contact form below. Our team is working hard to defend clients, even during this time of uncertainty.
