Search Site
Menu
130 E. Travis Street, Suite 425 | San Antonio, Texas 78205
Free Consultation (210) 227-1500

Domestic Violence Consequences

While it is not a popular topic of discussion, domestic violence touches many lives. Thousands of people suffer from its harmful effects every year, both as victims and as offenders. Domestic violence can be a devastating and traumatic event for any family to face and often ruins the lives of those affected. While the reasons for and details of the events vary from case to case, all domestic violence cases have one thing in common—they are difficult cases involving much more than the event, or events, that lead to someone getting charged with an assault.  Domestic violence consequences can leave lasting impressions on the lives of all parties involved. Care must be taken in handling such matters in order to ensure the best possible outcome.

What Qualifies as Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence doesn’t have a singular form. In fact, it can take on various forms that blur the lines between a heated argument to a criminal act. While most people view domestic violence to be the act causing obvious physical harm, it is important to know that a harmful act can mean even minor injuries or pain to constitute a serious offense—one that can lead to potential jail time and significant collateral consequences. As stated in the Texas Penal Code, section §22.01, domestic violence involves an assault against a member of the family, another person in your household, or someone you currently or previously dated; and can comprise of injury as a result of even reckless conduct alone.

Charges of domestic violence can include, but are not limited to:

  • Spousal abuse
  • Child abuse
  • Family violence assault
  • Use of a deadly weapon
  • Felony family violence
  • Making threats to a relative or intimate partner

What Are the Consequences?

Domestic violence consequences will vary depending on the severity of the charge. Most offenders will face one of the following consequences:

  • Class A Misdemeanor—potentially consisting of a 12 month jail sentence, up to a $4,000 fine, or both
  • Third-Degree Felony—potentially consisting of a 2-10 year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine
  • Second-Degree Felony—potentially consisting of a 2-20 year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine
  • First-Degree Felony—potentially consisting of a 5-99 year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine
  • Restitution—requiring the offender to pay the victim or their family for injuries sustained as a result of the offense
  • Community Supervision—the court might grant the offender probation or community supervision instead of jail or prison time
  • Deferred Adjudication—this is a term of probation, or community supervision, without a final conviction, or actual finding of guilt by the court.

Beyond the possibility of fines and confinement, one may also face other consequences such as the loss of the right to possess any firearms, a protective order that prevents you from seeing your children or going to their school, among other things.

Finding an Attorney You Can Trust

While domestic violence cases are messy and devastating, they occur more often than most people are aware. If you or someone you know is facing charges for domestic violence, contact my office today. I can start building your case and ensure that you will be ready to defend yourself against these accusations.  Domestic violence consequences can have damaging impacts on the lives of all people involved. My goal is to help you navigate through this legal process and assist you in putting your live back together. 

Testimonials
  • "Mr Shaeffer was up front from the beginning, and I respected that. He told me they have a solid case against me. He is a very out of the box thinker, and very organized. He told me the sad reality of" - Nicoli

  • "I found Mr. Shaeffer to be very responsive, effective, and strategic. There was never any doubt in my mind that he had my best interest at the forefront of his efforts in handling my case." - Ron

  • "When you have been wrongfully accused of having an affair with a student, you must acquire legal counsel before you even speak to the police, even if you are the person who reports the rumors. Tylden Schaeffer advised me to not have a second interview with the police department and found time in his schedule to meet with me that day. After the meeting, I had a path to move forward on and that included a well written statement that Mr. Schaeffer crafted. After submitting this in lieu of a second interview with the police, there were no more problems with the school district or police department. Mr. Schaeffer did a superb job and had me resting more easily following our meetings. I would highly recommend Mr. Schaeffer to anyone in need of a Criminal Defense Attorney." - Anonymous

  • "Tylden has been nothing but excellent while representing me. He’s been very upfront, honest, and cooperative with not only myself, but with my family as well. I don’t just feel like a number, he treats you like if you’re his only client. I’d definitely recommend him to anybody I know if they are in need of legal help. 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend Tylden Shaeffer!" - Joel

  • "Mr Shaeffer was up front from the beginning, and I respected that. He told me they have a solid case against me. He is a very out of the box thinker, and very organized. He told me the sad reality of what could potentially be the outcome of my case, and it was dim. However he asked me what i wanted and was creative enough to deliver at an extremely affordable price. He has the knowledge to defend you, and the experience to win. I’m very happy with how he handled my case. His office is also only blocks away from the court house and he is always prompt. I don’t usually write reviews, but Mr. Tylden Shaeffer deserves to be recognized." - Nicoli

  • "When I got charged with my DWI I already expected to go through a long, painful process from the beginning. But, Mr. Shaeffer and his staff made my whole experience quick and easy with their great communication and professionalism. He was always straight forward and I could tell he had my best interest in mind. He made sure I didn’t get charged with “extreme intoxication”, while also reducing my fines and the length of my probation. I highly recommend him to anyone!" - Alex

  • "Mr. Shaeffer is a great attorney , very professional, very nice and is willing to work with you and help u threw any situation u may have or need help with . I recommend Mr. Shaeffer to anyone who needs help with any kind of legal issues or problems. Anyone who has asked me about an attorney i most definitely tell them Mr. Shaeffer and give them his info. Thank you for all your help and everything u have done for me and my family. You are a awesome attorney! Highly Recommend" - Anonymous

  • "Tylden is a fantastic attorney. He thoroughly prepared for my case and did an amazing job of relating to the judge and jury. I highly recommend Tylden. Would recommend to anyone!" - Skyler

  • "Tylden got my felony reduced to a misdemeanor. He saved my life. I didn’t have to pester him for information and updates about my case and his staff is well informed and helpful. He personally attended each and every one of my hearings and was just as concerned about restoring my reputation as I was. He recently got a motion for non-disclosure filed and approved by the judge so I will never have to admit this mistake ever happened. I would recommend Tylden to anyone! He is a highly intelligent and competent attorney. The Best!" - Anonymous

  • "I was represented by Mr. Shaeffer years ago (2004). He would travel from San Antonio all the way to Del Rio to represent me. My father and I were accused of wrong doing by federal agents and we had done nothing. We, my father and I were on trial simultaneously. We had hired an attorney and found out later he was friends with the prosecutor and wanted us to accept a plea bargain. “We did nothing wrong”, I cried to him. He insisted that we accept due to it being impossible to beat the Government. My father and I were close to giving up when we met Mr. Shaeffer. Mr. Shaeffer believed in us and fought for us. Because of him, I never saw prison walls nor was I ever away from my family. It was one of the most difficult times in my life, but thankfully we met a Godsend attorney and justice prevailed." - Anonymous

Case Results
Intoxication Manslaughter – Reduced Sentence

While client was already on probation for DWI when arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter. Client pleaded guilty to the jury and jury awarded probation where State sought prison term from the jury.

Read More >
Contact us

Quick Contact Form