Waco Domestic Violence Attorney

We understand domestic violence and spousal abuse from our depth of experience in family law and criminal defense. That combination gives us a unique perspective on family abuse. Since 1925, Central Texas families have trusted Dunnam & Dunnam with their most important matters. We have the skill, experience, and results to get the job done right. If you are in a situation involving domestic violence, please immediately contact one of our Waco domestic violence attorneys at 254-753-6437.

How does Texas determine domestic violence? 

Texas recognizes three different crimes of domestic violence: domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, and continuous violence against the family. An act of violence constitutes domestic violence if it is committed against a family member, a household member, or someone, the offender, is currently dating or dated in the past, including:

•  a current or former spouse
• a child of a current or former spouse
• a person with whom the offender has a child or children
• a foster child or foster parent of the offender
• a family member of the offender by blood, marriage, or adoption
• someone with whom the offender lives, and
• a person with whom the offender has or had an ongoing dating or romantic relationship.

Domestic Assault in Waco Texas

A person is guilty of domestic assault in Texas if he commits an assault against a family member, household member, or a current or past dating partner. An assault consists of:

• intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person
• deliberately or consciously threatening another person with imminent bodily injury; or
• intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another that the offender knows or reasonably should know the victim will find provocative or offensive. (Tex. Penal Code Ann. §22.01.)

Domestic assault is a Class A misdemeanor if the defendant has no prior domestic assault convictions. The crime is a third-degree felony if the defendant has any prior domestic assault conviction.

Aggravated Domestic Assault in Waco Texas

The State of Texas considers a person as guilty of aggravated domestic assault if he commits an aggravated assault against a spouse, family member, or romantic partner, as listed above.

A person commits aggravated assault in Texas if he:

• intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another person or
• uses or exhibits a deadly weapon in committing any assault crime, including threatening another with physical harm or engaging in conduct that the victim likely will find offensive. (Tex. Penal Code Ann. §22.02.)

If the defendant commits an aggravated domestic assault with a deadly weapon and causes serious bodily injury to the victim, it is a first-degree felony. Any other aggravated domestic assault is a second-degree felony.

Continuous Violence Against the Family

In addition to assault crimes, a person in Texas can be convicted of continuous brutality against the family if he commits two domestic assaults in twelve months. A defendant can be convicted of this crime without either assault has resulted in an arrest or conviction, and the two assaults need not have been committed against the same victim. This crime is a third-degree felony.

Family Law and Criminal Defense Attorneys Experienced with Domestic Violence in Waco Texas 

Our law firm is home to both criminal defense and family law attorneys. That experience gives us the knowledge that our clients need to resolve a matter involving domestic violence successfully. When you find yourself in a situation involving family violence, you should get a lawyer on your side. Call us at 254-753-6437.