Laredo Criminal Defense Lawyer Handling Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Laredo, Texas
Domestic violence charges in Texas are taken very seriously by prosecutors, and convictions can result in life-altering consequences. However, the reality is that many domestic violence charges are based on misunderstandings, false accusations, or exaggerated claims. In some cases, individuals may fabricate allegations to gain an advantage in family law matters or out of anger towards their partner. It is critical that you retain an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one has been accused of domestic violence or family violence, Joey Tellez is here to provide you with dedicated, personalized legal defense. He is a Laredo criminal defense attorney with experience handling domestic assault and family violence cases. Joey understands the gravity of these charges and will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
What Is Domestic Violence in Texas?
In Texas, domestic violence or family violence generally refers to physical harm or the threat of harm against a family or household member, which includes spouses, children, parents, and individuals with whom the defendant shares a home or has a romantic relationship.
Texas law divides domestic violence into different categories, each with varying levels of severity and penalties:
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Class A Misdemeanor (First Offense): If the defendant is accused of assaulting a family member or someone they live with without the use of a weapon or causing serious injury, the charge is usually a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty for a conviction may include up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $4,000.
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Aggravated Domestic Assault: If a weapon was used or the alleged victim suffered serious bodily injury, the charge may escalate to second-degree felony aggravated domestic assault. This can carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
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Continuous Violence Against the Family: If the accused has been charged with domestic assault on two or more occasions within a 12-month period, they may face continuous violence against the family charges. This offense can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Additionally, a domestic violence conviction may result in the loss of firearm rights, both under state and federal law.
Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence Charges
If you've been accused of domestic violence, it's important to understand that there are often valid defenses that may result in a favorable outcome. Here are some common defenses used in domestic violence cases:
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False Allegations: In some situations, the alleged victim may have fabricated the claim to gain an advantage in family court or out of personal retaliation.
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Self-Defense: If you acted in self-defense or to protect others, you may not be guilty of assault. This is often a strong defense in domestic violence cases.
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Lack of Evidence: In many domestic violence cases, there may be no physical evidence of harm or witnesses to the incident. If there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations, charges may be dismissed.
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Constitutional Violations: If the police violated your rights during the arrest or investigation (e.g., illegal search and seizure, failure to administer Miranda rights), your attorney can file motions to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence.
Joey Tellez will carefully review your case, investigate all angles, and explore the best legal strategy to help you fight the charges.
The Domestic Violence Legal Process
The process for handling domestic violence charges typically involves the following steps:
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Investigation & Arrest: After an arrest for domestic violence, your attorney will begin reviewing the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photos of the alleged injuries, and any other relevant documentation. If you were improperly detained or evidence was obtained unlawfully, Joey will fight to exclude that evidence.
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Pre-Trial Motions: During the pre-trial phase, your attorney may file motions to challenge key aspects of the prosecution's case, including evidence, witness testimony, or police procedures.
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Plea Negotiations: In some cases, plea negotiations may take place in an attempt to reach a more favorable outcome without going to trial. Joey will work to ensure any plea deal is in your best interest.
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Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, Joey will present a strong defense on your behalf. This may involve challenging the credibility of the alleged victim, presenting evidence of self-defense, or demonstrating that the charges are based on false or exaggerated claims.
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing will follow. Domestic violence convictions carry severe consequences, but Joey will work to minimize the penalties, potentially negotiating for reduced sentences, probation, or counseling.
Why Choose Joey Tellez for Your Domestic Violence Defense?
Joey Tellez is a Laredo criminal defense lawyer with a proven track record in defending clients facing serious domestic violence charges. Here's why Joey is the right choice to handle your case:
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Experience in Domestic Violence Cases: Joey is well-versed in handling domestic violence and family violence cases. He knows how to navigate the complexities of these charges and create strong defenses tailored to your unique situation.
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Personalized Attention: Joey handles all aspects of your case personally. He will take the time to understand the specific circumstances of your arrest, gather evidence, and build the best possible defense for you.
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Strong Communication: Joey believes in maintaining open lines of communication with clients. He is quick to respond to calls, emails, and messages. He often provides clients with his cell phone number to ensure you have direct access to him when needed.
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Compassionate and Respectful Service: Facing domestic violence charges can be a stressful and emotional experience. Joey is committed to treating each client with the utmost respect and providing the emotional support needed during this difficult time.
Contact Joey Tellez for Domestic Violence Defense in Laredo
If you have been arrested or charged with domestic violence in Laredo, Texas, you need an experienced attorney who will protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Joey Tellez is dedicated to providing strong legal representation and personal attention to those accused of family violence and domestic assault.
Call Joey Tellez at 956-717-8200 today to schedule a confidential consultation. Joey will discuss your case, explain your options, and provide the legal guidance you need to navigate this challenging situation.