Domestic violence commonly refers to violent or abusive behavior committed against intimate partners or family members in domestic settings. The Texas Family Code refers to these types of crimes as dating violence or family violence, and convictions can carry steep consequences for alleged offenders.
When police officers respond to possible domestic violence calls, they often arrest alleged offenders simply out of caution to avoid alleged victims suffering any additional harm. Unfortunately, some people can be arrested for alleged family violence or dating violence offenses that are based on exaggerated or flat-out false allegations.
Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX
If you were recently arrested for any kind of alleged domestic violence offense in Denton County, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal counsel.
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today for a consultation about your alleged (Focus Keyword) offense in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas of Denton County, Texas.
Call (940) 222-8004 today to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.
Domestic Violence Definitions in Texas
Several key definitions of terms relating to domestic violence offenses are established under Chapter 71 of the Texas Family Code. Some of the common terms relating to these crimes and their respective definitions include:
- Dating Violence, Texas Family Code § 71.0021 — An act, other than a defensive measure to protect oneself, by an alleged offender that is committed against an alleged victim or applicant for a protective order with whom the alleged offender has or has had a dating relationship, or because of the alleged victim’s or applicant’s marriage to or dating relationship with an individual with whom the alleged offender is or has been in a dating relationship or marriage; and is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the victim or applicant in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault. For the purposes of this statute, a dating relationship means a relationship between individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature, with the existence of such relationships determined based on consideration of the length of the relationship, the nature of the relationship, and the frequency and type of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
- Family, Texas Family Code § 71.003 — Includes individuals related by consanguinity (one is a descendant of the other or they share a common ancestor) or affinity (they are married to each other or the spouse of one of the individuals is related by consanguinity to the other individual), individuals who are former spouses of each other, individuals who are the parents of the same child, without regard to marriage, and a foster child and foster parent, without regard to whether those individuals reside together.
- Family Violence, Texas Family Code § 71.004 — An act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself; abuse, as that term is defined by Texas Family Code § 261.001(1)(C), (E), (G), (H), (I), (J), and (K), by a member of a family or household toward a child of the family or household; or dating violence.
- Household, Texas Family Code § 71.005 — A unit composed of persons living together in the same dwelling, without regard to whether they are related to each other.
- Member of a Household, Texas Family Code § 71.006 — Includes a person who previously lived in a household.
Types of Domestic Violence Crimes in Denton County
Many different criminal offenses may be considered crimes related to domestic violence. The severity of the criminal charges in these cases often depends on several factors, including the alleged offender’s prior criminal record and whether the alleged offense resulted in any injuries.
Some of the most common domestic violence offenses include, but are not limited to:
- Domestic Assault
- Violation of Protective Order
- Protective Order Hearings
- Stalking / Aggravated Stalking
- Child Abuse
- Child Abandonment / Endangerment
- Interference With Child Custody
- Assault by Strangulation
- Bigamy
- Continuous Violence Against Family
Texas Resources for Domestic Violence
Victims Assistance Division | Denton County, Texas — The Victim Assistance Division of the Denton County Criminal District Attorney’s Office helps the victims many different crimes, including family violence. On this website, you can learn more about Texas VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), the free, anonymous, computer-based telephone service that provides crime victims with information and notification concerning the custody and court status of offenders. You can also find information about the rights of crime victims and other useful resources.
Denton County Criminal District Attorney
1450 E. McKinney St.
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 349-2600
Denton County Friends of the Family — Denton County Friends of the Family identifies its mission “is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive services to those impacted by rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, while partnering with our community to promote safety, healing, and prevention.” Learn more about the organization’s history and guiding philosophies. You can also find information to get help, including emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling services.
Denton Outreach Office
4845 S. Interstate 35 E, Suite 200
Corinth, TX 76210
(940) 387-5131
Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Domestic Violence Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Were you arrested in Denton County for any kind of alleged domestic violence crime? Do not say anything to authorities without legal representation. Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy as soon as possible.
Richard McConathy is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Denton who represent individuals all over in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas of Denton County, Texas. You can have our lawyers review your case and help you understand all of your legal options when you call (940) 222-8004 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.