Accusations of domestic assault in Georgetown can arise from a number of situations. For example, a couple that is arguing may both engage in physical violence against each other, one person may accidentally hit, push or slap another family member without meaning to, or in some cases, one party in a relationship may falsely accuse the other of domestic assault in order to gain a more favorable outcome in divorce or child custody proceedings.
If you have been charged with spousal abuse, domestic assault or aggravated domestic assault, it is important to remember that your criminal charges do not necessarily have to result in a criminal conviction. The prosecutor has the difficult burden of proving you committed every element to your offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This means if there is any doubt in the mind of the judge or jury, the charges against you may be reduced or even dismissed. Therefore, it is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney in Georgetown to help you develop your best legal defense to the allegations you are facing.
Georgetown Domestic Assault Lawyer
If you have been charged with a domestic assault offense in Georgetown, or any of the surrounding areas in Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Taylor, Hutto, Killeen, Temple, Belton or Harker Heights, contact Price & Twine, PLLC.
Attorneys Michael J. Price and James Twine are experienced Georgetown domestic violence attorneys who will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and repercussions to your alleged offense. Call Price & Twine, PLLC for a free consultation at (512) 354-1880 about your alleged domestic assault offense.
Information Center
- Georgetown Domestic Assault Charges
- Penalties in Georgetown for Domestic Assault
- Aggravated Domestic Assault in Georgetown
- Aggravated Domestic Assault Penalties in Georgetown
- Additional Resources
Georgetown Domestic Assault Charges
Domestic assault is different from general assault as it involves an assault against a family member or household member. Texas law defines a family member as anyone related by blood or marriage, former spouse, parents of the same child, step-parents, and foster parents. A household member is defined as anyone who resides or has previously resided in the same house, including roommates.
According to Tex. Penal Code § 22.01, an individual can be charged with domestic assault if they
- Knowingly, intentionally or recklessly cause bodily injury to a family member, household member or their spouse;
- Knowingly or intentionally threaten a family member, household member or spouse with immediate bodily injury; or
- Knowingly or intentionally engaged in physical contact with a family member, household member or spouse in such a way they knew or had reason to believe would be perceived as offensive or provocative.
Penalties in Georgetown for Domestic Assault
Domestic assault charges can result in a Class C misdemeanor conviction if the alleged offender threatens bodily injury or threatens to cause offensive physical contact. This degree of domestic assault can result in a fine up to $500.
Domestic assault charges can result in a Class A misdemeanor conviction if the alleged offender causes bodily injury to a family member, household member or spouse. This degree of domestic assault is punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
Domestic assault charges can result in a felony of the third-degree conviction if the alleged offender causes bodily injury to a family member, household member or spouse, and they have previously been convicted of a violent offense against the alleged victim. This degree of domestic assault is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Domestic assault charges can result in a felony of the third-degree conviction if the alleged offender strangles their spouse, household member or family member, or otherwise stops the normal breathing or blood circulation of the alleged victim by applying pressure to the neck or throat or by blocking their nose or mouth. This degree of domestic assault can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Domestic assault charges can result in a felony of the second degree conviction if the alleged offender strangles their spouse, household member or family member, or otherwise stops the normal breathing or blood circulation of the alleged victim by applying pressure to the neck or throat or by blocking their nose or mouth, and they have a history of engaging in family violence.
This degree of domestic assault is punishable by a prison sentence from two to 20 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Aggravated Domestic Assault in Georgetown
According to Tex. Penal Code § 22.02, an individual can be charged with aggravated domestic assault if they commit a domestic assault offense against a family member, their spouse or a household member and they:
- Cause serious bodily injury to the spouse, family member, or household member; or
- Use or exhibit a deadly weapon during the commission of the domestic assault.
Aggravated Domestic Assault Penalties in Georgetown
Aggravated domestic assault charges can generally result in a felony of the second-degree conviction, which is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
However, aggravated domestic assault charges can result in a felony of the first-degree conviction if the alleged offender uses a deadly weapon during the offense and causing serious body injury to their spouse, household member, or family member. A conviction for this degree of aggravated domestic assault is punishable by five years to 99 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Additional Resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline – Follow the link provided to access the National Domestic Violence hotline. This nonprofit organization provides crisis intervention, information, and referrals to victims of domestic violence, individuals accused of domestic violence, and more.
Texas Penal Code – Assaultive Offenses – Access the official website for the Texas Penal Code to view Chapter 22 which contains many of the state’s laws regarding assault. You can view penalties and definitions for terms related to each crime.
Georgetown Domestic Assault Attorney | Williamson County, TX
If you have been arrested for domestic assault in throughout Williamson County in Texas, contact Price & Twine, PLLC. Attorneys Michael Price and James Twine are experienced Georgetown family violence lawyers who will make every effort to fight the allegations against you. They are skilled at defending clients.
Contact Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880 of submit an online contact form for a consultation about your domestic assault charges throughout Williamson County and Bell County in Texas.