Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Pearland TX
When you learn that you are facing domestic violence charges, it is time to speak with a Pearland, TX domestic violence defense lawyer you can rely on for your case. Often, if someone learns that they are facing these charges, one thing they will do is try to speak with the person who is filing the charges. Surely, they can be reasoned with, right? This is never a good idea and any communication you have with the other party must go through a lawyer. Given the nature of domestic violence charges and the intimacy often involved (typically a family member or a partner), it can be especially hurtful to hear these charges brought against you. This is one of the reasons it is crucial to rely on a lawyer from Keith B. French Law, PLLC. While you may be dealing with the pain and emotional aspect of these charges, your lawyer can focus on the legal aspects and build a defense on your behalf.
What can domestic violence charges do?
Domestic violence charges can ruin people’s lives, especially when they are unfounded. Not only will your family, friends, and co-workers see you differently, but you may be forced to leave your job, spend time in jail, pay fines, and even have child custody destroyed. This is why it is crucial you do not take these charges into your own hands, but instead rely on a Pearland domestic violence lawyer.
What are the defenses to domestic violence?
If you are facing these charges, you want to know that your lawyer will be able to defend you when you go to court. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your domestic violence charges, your defense may look like this:
- Your partner lied. Especially in circumstances where you are sharing custody of children with an ex-partner or spouse, your ex may be outright lying about what happened or may spin something that was an accident into domestic violence. This is common in bitter relationships.
- You defended yourself. Your lawyer may also use the defense that what you were doing was actually in self-defense. If you were being assaulted or felt that you were being threatened with injury, your lawyer may say that what you did was out of self-defense.
- What happened was not intentional. In Texas, a person needs to intentionally and knowingly commit violence against someone they have an intimate relationship with for it to be considered domestic violence. If your lawyer can prove this was not the case, you may not be charged with domestic violence.
Do I Need an Attorney’s Help if I’m Innocent?
If you’ve been wrongfully accused of a family violence offense, it is critically important that you connect with an experienced Pearland, TX domestic violence defense lawyer as soon as you possibly can. As the dedicated legal team at Keith B. French Law, PLLC can attest, those who have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence tend to panic in the face of their circumstances and unintentionally act in ways that compromise the integrity of their defense cases as a result. Don’t panic. It’s easier said than done but don’t panic. Call a skilled Pearland domestic violence defense lawyer at our firm who will aggressively advocate on your behalf instead.
You know that you’re innocent but prosecutors, the court, and any of your peers who may be impaneled as a jury do not know that you’re innocent. It’s critically important to mount the strongest defense possible under the circumstances or you could be convicted of a crime or crimes that you didn’t commit. Working with an experienced attorney at Keith B. French Law, PLLC will ensure that you benefit from the kind of aggressive professional representation that offers the best possible chance of either being acquitted or having the charges against you dropped. In the event that a conviction can’t be avoided, we’ll do our utmost to ensure that the consequences you’ll face are as mitigated as possible.
Whatever you do, don’t attempt to “DIY” your domestic violence case. The stakes you’re facing are far too high to take an approach that is (statistically speaking) practically doomed to fail. Instead, invest in quality representation to better ensure that you emerge from this challenging situation relatively unscathed.
Will This Situation Affect My Child Custody Case?
If you are accused of domestic violence while navigating a child custody matter, your situation may affect your child custody case unless it is resolved in your favor. You may also be subject to temporary restrictions in re: access to your child until the criminal case against you is resolved. This is just another reason why it is so important to seek experienced professional guidance in an effort to mount the strongest defense possible under the circumstances.
What Do I Do Now?
If you’ve scheduled a risk-free, confidential case evaluation with a savvy Pearland domestic violence defense lawyer at our firm, you’ve already taken a strong proactive step toward achieving a favorable outcome to your legal situation. In the meantime, you need to honor the terms of any restraining or protective orders that have been entered against you to the letter. Do not give prosecutors or a judge any reason to believe that you are anything but a rule-abiding individual respectful of boundaries. Any violations of such orders on your part could undermine the integrity of your defense.
If you need something – say, property from your dwelling – that you can’t get without violating the terms of an order, connect with our firm. We’ll help you to figure out a way to get you what you need without compromising the integrity of your case.
What Could Happen With A Domestic Violence Conviction
When you are facing domestic violence charges, you may be wondering what is up ahead. Sure, it is important to fight these charges, but what if you think you can argue your case on your own? What is the worst that could happen? We’re glad you asked. Many people think they do not have a choice when it comes to charges. They may think that lawyers are not truly helpful, they may think they have the know-how to fight these charges on their own, or they may believe that they can live with the consequences and try to move on. However, domestic violence charges are serious and a conviction could mean changing your entire life.
What could come of these charges?
If you decide to represent yourself and do not get these charges reduced or removed, there are a few things you can expect to happen. You could:
- Lose your gun. If you legally own a gun, a domestic violence conviction could mean that you either surrender your gun to the police or need to sell them. In the state of Texas, you may not be able to carry a firearm for up to 5 years following your sentence. Due to federal law, the Second Amendment will not protect your right to firearms if you are convicted of this type of charge. You may also risk getting a hunting license with a conviction.
- Have difficulty with work. If you have a domestic violence conviction, you may not be able to get the job you have always wanted, or one even close to what you want. It is common for prospective employers to run background checks when someone applies for a job and if you have a criminal conviction, like domestic violence, on your record, you may not be hirable. It can also make maintaining your job as a teacher, police officer, or other city or state employee difficult.
- Have difficulty with school. Many schools ask if you have any criminal convictions when you are applying. It is possible that schools will deny you the opportunity for education or rescind scholarships due to domestic violence convictions.
- You may lose your home. If you live with the person who is accusing you of domestic violence, a judge may ask you to immediately vacate the premises. This makes it even more difficult to find a new place to live because there are many landlords who will ask about criminal convictions and may not rent property to someone with this conviction.
- Be deported. If you are not an American citizen and you are convicted, you could face being deported or you may not be allowed to ever re-enter the United States.
These are just a few of the reasons you should take domestic violence charges seriously. Do not try to defend yourself. That can only make things more difficult for you. If you need help with these charges, reach out to a trusted criminal defense lawyer now.
Find Help For Your Domestic Violence Charges
These are some examples of how your lawyer may choose to defend you when you are facing such serious charges. Domestic violence, in particular, can be tricky. There are often many emotions behind it and maybe months or years of relationship problems that play into it. If you are facing these charges, you should not defend yourself. Instead, rely on your trusted Pearland domestic violence lawyer from Keith B. French Law, PLLC.
FAQ
How can domestic violence charges impact my current job?
Your Pearland, TX domestic violence lawyer from Keith B. French Law, PLLC knows that domestic violence charges can have severe consequences for your current job. Depending on the nature of your work and your employer’s policies, you may face disciplinary actions, such as suspension, termination, or being placed on unpaid leave during the legal proceedings. Some employers have strict policies against employees with criminal charges or convictions, particularly those involving violence. Additionally, if your job requires a professional license or security clearance, domestic violence charges could lead to revocation or denial of those credentials, rendering you ineligible to continue in your position.
Can I be fired if I am charged with domestic violence?
While being charged with domestic violence does not automatically result in termination, employers have the discretion to take action based on their policies and the impact the charges may have on the workplace environment. Some employers have zero-tolerance policies for violence-related offenses, and a domestic violence charge may be grounds for termination. However, employers must adhere to applicable employment laws and provide due process. It is essential to review your employment contract, the company policies, and consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and options in such circumstances.
Will a domestic violence conviction affect my ability to find future employment?
A domestic violence conviction can significantly impact your ability to secure future employment. Employers often conduct background checks as part of their hiring process, and a criminal record, particularly one involving violence, may raise concerns about workplace safety and liability. This can lead to rejection of your application or withdrawal of a job offer. Certain industries, such as healthcare, education, or law enforcement, have strict regulations regarding employees with criminal records. Your Pearland domestic violence defense lawyer knows that it is crucial to be aware that a domestic violence conviction may limit your options for employment and require additional efforts to rebuild your professional reputation.
Can my employer take adverse actions against me based solely on domestic violence charges?
Employers typically have the authority to take adverse actions against employees based on domestic violence charges, even before a conviction occurs. While criminal charges alone do not establish guilt, employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe and productive work environment. If the charges raise concerns about the safety of employees, clients, or the employer’s reputation, the employer may take disciplinary actions, such as suspension or reassignment, as a precautionary measure. However, it is crucial for employers to act in accordance with applicable employment laws and ensure fair treatment and due process for the accused employee.
Can I protect my job during domestic violence legal proceedings?
You can take steps to protect your job during domestic violence legal proceedings. Firstly, familiarize yourself with your employment contract, company policies, and any collective bargaining agreements that may offer protections or due process rights. It is advisable to inform your employer about the charges, emphasizing your commitment to addressing the situation responsibly and maintaining a safe work environment. Additionally, demonstrating proactive efforts to address the underlying issues, such as attending counseling or rehabilitation programs, may help mitigate the impact on your job. Reach out to your trusted Pearland domestic violence defense lawyer from Keith B. French Law, PLLC when you need help with these charges.
The Importance of Having a Good Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
Having a skilled Pearland domestic violence defense lawyer from Keith B. French Law, PLLC on your side is of paramount importance for individuals who are accused of domestic violence offenses. Domestic violence cases are emotionally charged, often involving complex legal and personal dynamics. A strong defense is crucial to protect the rights of the accused, ensure a fair trial, and potentially mitigate or dismiss the charges. Here’s why having a good domestic violence defense lawyer is vital:
Legal Experience
Domestic violence defense lawyers have a deep understanding of the laws surrounding domestic violence offenses. They are well-versed in the legal nuances, regulations, and potential defenses related to these cases.
Case Assessment
A Pearland domestic violence defense lawyer will thoroughly evaluate the case, examining the evidence, witness statements, police reports, and any potential legal issues. This assessment helps them identify strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a strategic defense strategy.
Protecting Rights
A key role of a domestic violence defense lawyer is to ensure that the accused’s constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process. This includes safeguarding against unlawful searches, coerced confessions, and any other violations that could compromise the case.
Constructing a Strong Defense
Domestic violence defense lawyers work to build a robust defense tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. This may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, questioning the accuracy of evidence, and presenting alternative explanations for the alleged domestic violence incident.
Negotiating Alternatives
In certain situations, a domestic violence defense lawyer may negotiate with the prosecution to explore alternatives to trial, such as diversion programs, counseling, or anger management courses. These alternatives can provide the accused with an opportunity to address the underlying issues without a formal conviction.
Evaluating Evidence
Domestic violence defense lawyers possess the skills to carefully evaluate evidence, including photographs, medical records, witness statements, and other documentation. They can identify inconsistencies, gaps, or weaknesses that can be used to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
Witness Preparation and Examination
Lawyers prepare witnesses for testimony, ensuring that they are well-prepared to provide accurate and credible information. Additionally, during the trial, they skillfully cross-examine witnesses presented by the prosecution, exposing potential biases or unreliable statements.
Knowledge of Relevant Laws
Domestic violence laws can vary from state to state. A knowledgeable domestic violence defense lawyer understands the specific laws and regulations in their jurisdiction, allowing them to tailor their defense strategy accordingly.
Courtroom Representation
In the event that the case goes to trial, a domestic violence defense lawyer will represent the accused in court. They present the defense’s case, cross-examine prosecution witnesses, and deliver persuasive arguments to the judge and jury.
Mitigating Penalties
If a conviction is likely, a domestic violence defense lawyer can advocate for reduced penalties, such as minimized jail time, probation, or community service. They aim to secure the most lenient sentencing possible.
Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief
In cases where a conviction occurs, a domestic violence defense lawyer can assist with the appeals process. They can analyze trial records for legal errors, present new evidence, and work towards overturning the conviction or reducing the sentence.
A good Pearland domestic violence defense lawyer is an indispensable asset for anyone facing accusations of domestic violence. These legal professionals provide knowledge, ensure constitutional rights are upheld, build strong defenses, negotiate on behalf of their clients, and provide courtroom representation. With the complexities and potential consequences of domestic violence cases, having skilled legal representation is essential to achieving the best possible outcome and ensuring that justice is served. Reach out to us today at Keith B. French Law, PLLC for assistance.
