Domestic Abuse / Family Violence
Harris County Domestic Assault Lawyers
Most couples learn to resolve their differences or even end their relationships without resorting to domestic assault or family violence. Sometimes, however, even good people gets so stressed out and feel so overwhelmed that they lose it even for a moment and strike out at their partner or another family member in a physical way.
The attorneys of James Sullivan & Associates, located in northwest Houston, are experienced in defending individuals in family violence cases. You can contact the firm and have a free telephone consultation with a trial attorney. Call 281-546-6428 to get the information you need to move forward.
Convictions for Family or Dating Violence Have Severe Consequences
Depending on the circumstances, the prosecutors can charge Assault Family Violence either as a:
· misdemeanor, or a
A Class A Misdemeanor Assault means that a person caused bodily injury (or pain) to their partner. If the person used a deadly weapon in the domestic assault, then it is a Felony Aggravated Assault. If the person choked their partner or impeded their breathing, then it is also a Felony. No matter the level of the criminal offense charged, you can expect the court to order you out of your home and have no contact until the case is resolved with your partner, spouse or family member.
Consequences for those who are found guilty of assault family violence may include:
· Jail or prison time
· Community Supervision (Probation)
· Fines
· Community service
· Inability to own or purchase a firearm
· Protective orders and limitations on parenting time
· Anger management or BIPP counseling
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has a Family Criminal Law Division that focuses solely on domestic violence. The prosecutors immediately call the alleged victim to get their statement as to what happened. The prosecutors lock in the emotional stress of the event by obtaining their immediate statement. However, facts tend to change and the importance of the incident significantly lessens frequently after a short cooling off time.
Arrested for Assault Family Violence? Contact James Sullivan & Associates at 281-546-6428.
Defending a Houston Assault Family Violence Charge
Assault against a family member is very serious and can have far reaching consequences. The accused may be permanently barred from working in certain industries. The accused may be denied housing in apartment complexes. If you are charged with assault family violence, you should seek legal advice from experienced criminal defense lawyers.
The defense lawyers of James Sullivan & Associates fight to get their client’s assault family violence charges dismissed or won at trial. Other domestic assault lawyers may choose to arrange a plea bargain for their clients; however, this may not be in the client’s best interest. While it is true that a defendant who successfully completes a deferred adjudication probation will not have a conviction on their record, it is also true that if that person ever gets arrested again for assault family violence then he or she will be charged with a third degree felony and if found guilty could be sentenced to between 2 to 10 years in prison.
Negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors should be the last resort. A good domestic assault lawyer will first investigate the case, interview witnesses, analyze physical evidence and review witness statements in the offense report for inconsistencies. Such a defense attorney will also consider possible motives for making false allegations, such as jealousy, revenge or child custody issues. Even in cases of actual physical injury, it may be possible to negotiate a case dismissal with completion of a counseling program.
Need Legal Advice? Call James Sullivan & Associates at 281-546-6428.
Contact a Houston Assault Family Violence Lawyer
The best way to resolve the case is by first talking with an Assault Family Violence Attorney. Houston Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan will consider the merits of your case and give you an honest evaluation. He will aggressively defend you. He gets results and fights cases at trial. His legal fees are affordable, reasonable and fair.
James Sullivan graduated from the Trial Lawyers College founded by Legendary lawyer Gerry Spence and was invited to join The National Trial Lawyers organization. Sullivan has a proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and countries in courts throughout Texas. This is one of his many client reviews on AVVO:
The beginning of this year I found out I had an assault charge filed against me from last year. As it was my first time being in trouble I had no clue what to do. I went to court 2 times with a court appointed attorney who was absolutely no help. I knew if I didn't hire an attorney the court case wouldn't go in my favor.
My fiancée reached out to Mr. Sullivan and he immediately helped out. I felt so much relief after hiring him.
When we called him, we initially wanted deferred adjudication because the prosecutors had only been offering jail time through the court appointed attorney. I was planning to attend nursing school to become a registered nurse, and I knew that those plans would be ruined with an assault case on my record. Fortunately, after months of going back and forth to court, Mr. Sullivan got my case completely dismissed!
I highly recommend him as your attorney. He worked so hard for my family, and is great at what he does.
Thank you again!
–Posted by D.P. on December 19, 2016
Contact James Sullivan & Associates for a free phone consultation at 281-546-6428 about your family violence charges in Harris County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County and Brazoria County.