Domestic Violence Arrest Houston Texas

When charged with a crime involving domestic violence or child abuse, the public can quickly attach a negative stigma to a defendant regardless of his or her innocence. Because he has worked for both the District Attorney’s office and now represents clients in his own criminal defense firm, Attorney Tad Nelson is sensitive to the public’s reaction to crimes involving domestic violence or child abuse.

Domestic violence is described as inflicting physical harm on a member of a household or family, by another member of the same household or family such as a husband hitting his spouse. Domestic violence, often referred to as spousal abuse, may involve continuous physical and psychological abuse. Such violence includes assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or murder of one household member by another household member.

In 2004, the Family Violence Program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission served 83,349 victims of domestic abuse. Of those receiving services, 80% of victims were female, 75% of victims were Anglo or Hispanic, 71% of victims were under the age of 40, 53% of victims reported physical and/or sexual abuse and 40% of victims reported psychological or verbal abuse.

As incidences of domestic violence continue in Texas, law enforcement officials do not take allegations lightly. They have a duty to investigate domestic abuse reports and protect victims. If you are under investigation for an act of child abuse or domestic violence, do not speak with police or an investigator without contacting an attorney. A conviction for child abuse may have long-term devastating effects on your career and livelihood. Never become angry at police or feel threatened into speaking to a law enforcement official.

Courts often determine the severity of punishment for domestic violence crimes by evidence of the victim's injuries, whether or not another child was present, and whether a protective or restraining order was violated. Attorney Tad Nelson is familiar with the penalties for domestic violence which range from fines and community service to incarceration and even a death sentence.

Mr. Nelson is experienced in representing clients accused of domestic violence and child abuse and can determine whether or not your crime will be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. While judges often look to past criminal activity, generally those charged with felonies may serve significant jail time whereas misdemeanor crimes require a shorter jail term, probation and or fine.