You may know that a domestic violence conviction in Texas comes with serious penalties but might not realize just how much the charge and potential conviction could impact your life. The consequences are often much more than the penalty you are given on paper, which is why it is important to mount a strong defense if you are accused of domestic violence.
Domestic violence in Texas
Texas has several types of criminal charges related to domestic violence, with varying penalties for each. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with domestic assault or continuous violence against the family. Penalties can be increased with aggravating factors.
Although some charges are misdemeanors, some are first-degree felonies. You will likely face some jail or prison time, ranging from one year in jail to up to 99 years in prison. Fines for a domestic violence conviction can be thousands of dollars.
However, in addition to the potential jail time and monetary cost, a domestic violence conviction can ruin your life in other ways you may not have considered.
Employment
After a domestic violence conviction, you should expect to have trouble finding employment. If you were employed before the conviction, the chances of getting that job back are rare.
Many jobs perform background checks as part of routine hiring practices. When a potential employer sees a domestic violence conviction on your record, they could decline to hire you.
You should never lie about your background if asked. Employers will generally discover the conviction anyway and your dishonesty will only give the employer another reason not to hire you.
Education
A domestic violence conviction could also impact educational opportunities. Perhaps you get out of jail or prison and want to make a fresh start by obtaining an education and embarking on a new career.
As with employers, some universities perform background checks and will deny you admission if they see a criminal conviction for a violent crime such as domestic violence.
Child custody
If you have children and are fighting for child custody, a domestic violence conviction could demolish your chance of obtaining the type of custody you seek. A Texas family court judge will question your ability to properly parent your children if you are viewed as a domestic abuser.
Sadly, sometimes parents accuse another of domestic violence to gain an advantage in custody proceedings, sometimes going as far as to manufacture evidence. Although you can mitigate any negative inferences of a domestic violence charge or conviction through steps such as anger management classes, many times the damage has already been done.
Voting and firearms
If your domestic violence conviction was a felony, you lost your right to vote. You could be forced to hand over your guns and firearms when you are convicted of domestic violence and could be banned from owning firearms even after your sentence is complete.
Even if you are not convicted, being accused of domestic violence can haunt you for the rest of your life. It could take years to convince friends, family and others that the charge was false and you are not a violent person. You must fight the charge to legally clear your name.