Forest Hill Family Violence Defense Attorney

Skilled Defense Lawyer for Family Violence Charges in Forest Hill, TX

Charges involving family violence can have severe ramifications, depending on the exact crime. People accused of family violence may face years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines if convicted, in addition to the social stigma associated with these charges. During these intense legal proceedings, a Forest Hill, Texas family violence defense lawyer can help protect your rights.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can work with you to help address allegations of domestic abuse and violent offenses. Attorney Edwardo Meza has over a decade of legal experience, and over the years, he has earned over 400 5-star reviews for his devoted advocacy in and outside of the courtroom.

Will I Go to Jail for Family Violence?

Under Texas law, family violence encompasses a range of offenses committed against someone with whom you share a familial or household relationship. Assault causing bodily injury, terroristic threats, stalking, and aggravated assault may all qualify as family violence when the victim is a spouse, former spouse, parent, child, or other person related by blood or marriage. Even if no physical injury occurs, actions such as threatening violence or intentionally obstructing another's breathing can support a family violence charge.

A first offense for misdemeanor family violence typically carries up to one year in county jail and fines of as much as $4,000. If you have a prior family violence conviction within five years, the charge upgrades to a third-degree felony, punishable by up to two to 10 years in prison. Aggravating factors such as use of a deadly weapon, strangulation, or causing serious bodily injury can elevate the charge to a felony, exposing you to prison time measured in years rather than months.

Consequences of a Family Violence Conviction

A conviction for family violence can leave a permanent black mark on your criminal record. Unlike certain nonviolent misdemeanors, Texas does not allow expunction of many family violence convictions once you have served your sentence and fulfilled probation. That permanent record can hinder future housing applications, professional licensing, and career advancement.

Employers, landlords, and licensing boards routinely conduct background checks. A family violence conviction may disqualify you from positions that require trust, such as roles in education, healthcare, or government. Firearm rights are also sharply curtailed, as federal law prohibits individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing firearms, even if the conviction predates that statute's enactment.

Contesting Allegations of Family Violence

Defending against family violence charges begins with a close examination of the prosecution's case. Our firm can scrutinize arrest reports, police body-camera footage, and witness statements for inconsistencies or gaps. If law enforcement lacked probable cause to make a detention, any statements obtained thereafter may be suppressed.

Self-defense or defense of others provides another line of argument when you reasonably believed that force was necessary to protect yourself or a household member. Demonstrating that the alleged victim initiated aggression or that injuries were accidental can persuade a jury to reject the prosecution's theory.

False or exaggerated claims are not uncommon in emotionally charged domestic disputes. An experienced attorney will interview all parties—including any neighbors or first responders—to uncover motives for fabrication, such as leverage in divorce or child-custody proceedings.

Contact a Forest Hill, Texas Family Violence Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for an offense relating to family violence, do not wait to seek legal representation. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can work with you from the beginning of the legal proceedings to address the allegations, providing you with legal advice tailored to your unique situation. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our offices at 817-732-6392 or contact our Forest Hill, TX family violence defense attorney.