A family violence charge can be downright terrifying, as its effects can trickle down into every aspect of your life. A conviction can not only lead to jail time, but also the ability to own firearms, secure gainful employment, maintain certain parental rights, or secure housing or loans. And, beyond tangible consequences, the charge alone could seriously impact your reputation within your community and permanently damage relationships with your loved ones. The anxiety that comes with such a daunting predicament has the power to jeopardize your future, so it’s important that you first educate yourself on the next steps that lie ahead, and then hire a seasoned, proven criminal defense attorney to ensure no effort is spared.
According to the Attorney General of Texas, family violence is “violence that occurs between family members, within households, or between dating partners.” Family violence—also commonly referred to as domestic violence—doesn’t just cover married couples, but also comprises violence between couples who aren’t married, co-parents, and roommates.
Once you’ve already gone through the arrest and booking stages, you’ll receive a notice of arraignment by mail if you didn’t already receive one at the time of your arrest. A critical step in the legal process, the arraignment is your first court hearing,
This step will begin with the judge reading the specific charges against you, then he or she will ask you to enter a plea of “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” Consulting with an attorney before making this decision is paramount, as it’s the most significant choice you’ll make throughout your entire case.
Next, the judge may set bail, which entirely depends on the details of your case—the severity of the charge, any criminal history, and so on. Your attorney can argue on your behalf for the judge to set a more favorable bail amount or conditions. The court will then schedule future dates for your case, including pretrial hearings, motions, and the trial itself. But whatever you do, make sure to stay organized and punctual, as not complying with bail conditions or attending required court appearances can lead to further legal complications.
First and foremost, the first thing you need to do is hire a dependable criminal defense attorney. The legal maze is disorienting, so having someone knowledgeable in your corner to give advice, break down the specifics of the charges and their attached range of penalties, develop a strategy for the best outcome, and represent you in court is a must. This is your future at stake, so don’t try to take any shortcuts.
Next, with the help of your attorney, gather anything that may support your case, such as witnesses, evidence of self-defense, or character references.
And finally, dress appropriately. Presenting yourself in a respectful, positive manner can only have a positive influence on the judge’s perception of you.
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