​Midland Family Violence Lawyers

Defending Against Family Violence Charges in Adilene, San Angelo, & Lubbock

If you have been arrested and charged with a family violence offense, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer right away who has direct experience in handling cases of this nature. At Eckman Law Firm, PLLC, we know that charges of family violence can have a devastating and lasting impact on your future.

What Is Family Violence?

Family violence, also called domestic violence, can include harm against family members or romantic partners, but it can also include anyone with whom you share a household. With 15 years of combined legal experience, Attorneys Aaron E. Eckman and Victoria Eckman have worked in a domestic violence court and are familiar with how prosecutors pursue these charges.

A few examples of family violence charges we represent include:

• Physical violence
• Threats of violence
• Sexual assault
• Child endangerment
• Child abuse

Every family violence charge carries slightly different consequences. The penalties you may face depend on the nature of the alleged crime, such as whether physical harm was caused or not. There are several different levels of family violence charges, ranging from a Class C misdemeanor carrying up to $500 in fines to a first-degree felony carrying 5-99 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Impacts of a Family Violence Conviction

In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction of family violence can also affect the following:

• Your custody and visitation rights
• Your ability to vote
• Your right to bear arms

Defenses Against Family Violence Charges

Below are a few potential defenses that may be used in cases involving family violence charges in Texas:

• Self-defense: If you can demonstrate that you acted in self-defense to protect yourself or others from imminent harm, it may be a valid defense.
• Lack of evidence: Your defense attorney may object to the prosecution's evidence by challenging witnesses' credibility, inconsistencies in testimony, or insufficient physical evidence.
• False accusations: In some cases, individuals may make false allegations of family violence for various reasons, such as revenge or to gain an advantage in a divorce or custody dispute.
• Lack of intent: Family violence charges often require proof of intent to harm or threaten another person. If your attorney can demonstrate that there was no intent or that your actions were accidental, it may be a viable defense.
• Lack of corroboration: In some cases, the alleged victim's account may lack corroboration or supporting evidence.

It's important to note that these defenses are general examples and may not be applicable or effective in every situation. Consult with our family violence attorney in Midland to understand the best possible defenses based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped?

In Texas, domestic violence charges cannot simply be dropped at the request of the alleged victim. Once law enforcement is involved and charges are filed, the case is in the hands of the prosecutor. Even if the alleged victim decides not to press charges or recants their statement, the prosecutor may still pursue the case if there is sufficient evidence. The state takes domestic violence accusations seriously, and the prosecution's goal is to protect the public from harm. It is not uncommon for prosecutors to continue with the case, even against the wishes of the alleged victim, especially if there is a history of abuse. Anyone facing domestic violence charges should seek legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can build a defense, negotiate with the prosecutor, and work toward achieving the best possible outcome for the case.

Contact Our Family Violence Attorneys in Midland Today

You may also find that being convicted of family violence has an impact on your current job, future employment, and other opportunities. If you were arrested for family violence or a related charge, you can rely on our Midland family violence defense attorney at Eckman Law Firm, PLLC, to represent your rights and best interests.