Domestic Violence Lawyer in Houston, Taking Legal Action to Keep Our Clients Safe

No one gets into a relationship expecting violence to occur. Unfortunately, this outcome is far from uncommon. In fact, statistics show that intimate partner violence has been on the rise in recent years. If you or your children are suffering abuse — or if you’re facing wrongful allegations — a domestic violence lawyer in Houston may be able to help.

At Von Dohlen Law Firm, we have years of experience in family law. Unfortunately, this means we’ve seen many examples of domestic violence occur in the cases we handle. It’s disheartening to see relationships devolve into such abuse, but when they do, it’s important that you understand your legal rights and take immediate action. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

What Should You Do if a Partner Becomes Violent?

There are many legal issues to consider regarding abuse, stalking, threats, and other types of violence in a relationship. These issues can include how child custody decisions are made, the effect of allegations on court cases, and many other matters. However, it’s more important to start out by saying that — if you’re experiencing violence — you need to get out.

Over half of women murdered in America are killed by current or former partners. If violence is ongoing, reaching out to the police and getting a protective order could literally save your life and protect any children you may have. A Houston domestic violence lawyer can help you with all the legal issues you’ll encounter, but your personal safety should be your primary focus at all times.

What Types of Protective Orders Does Texas Offer?

An order of protection is the best way that a person dealing with violence can protect themselves. This has some differences from a restraining order — mainly that restraining orders always involve civil cases — but it still restricts a person from taking certain actions. Such actions can include contacting a former spouse, following them, or engaging in other activities.

There are three types of protective orders in Texas. They are:

• Temporary ex-parte: This type of order most typically lasts 20 days and is effective upon the Respondent as soon as it is served on the Respondent. It’s a temporary order issued by a judge so that the Respondent can be served and a fair hearing can be conducted.
• Permanent order: Also known as a final order of protection, this is issued at the end of a case and typically lasts two years. Under extreme circumstances, Permanent Orders may extend to the lifetime of the Protected Person.
• Magistrate order of emergency protection: Unlike temporary and permanent orders, an emergency order of protection is issued after a person is arrested for certain crimes. These orders typically last from one to two months.

It’s important to note that your unique situation could affect these orders. For instance, an emergency protection order can last up to 91 days if an accused abuser used a deadly weapon in their assault. Temporary orders can also be extended if the target of the order hasn’t been served. Obviously, the law can prove complex in this area. This is why you should reach out to a domestic violence lawyer in Houston immediately for legal advice.

Can Allegations of Domestic Violence Affect Court Cases?

Domestic violence cases are their own legal matters. A person can be arrested and prosecuted for abuse, and a victim can even sue for damages. Of course, intimate partner violence can also affect civil cases. A court may make important decisions in cases involving spousal support, child custody, child support, and even property division based on accusations of abuse.

Unfortunately, statistics show that this can sometimes lead to false allegations. This reality can make a judge’s job much more difficult — as they are tasked with getting to the truth. Letting a judge make major decisions in family law cases is sometimes avoidable if former partners can come to an agreement, but this is often impossible if abuse has occurred.

Your best option in such situations may be to seek legal counsel. Domestic violence is a serious issue in its own right, and it can complicate family law matters that are currently being resolved. An experienced attorney can help you understand your situation and all your options.

Contact a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Houston Today

If abuse is occurring in your relationship or you’ve been accused of violence, the process of ending the relationship can become more complex. This is true even if you’re unmarried and have no children with the abuser. Unfortunately, you could also face serious legal repercussions if you’re wrongfully accused of such actions. Regardless of your situation, a Houston family law attorney may be able to help.

At Von Dohlen Law Firm, we understand that romantic and familial relationships can get complicated. The most important thing to remember is that you should never remain in a violent relationship. This can endanger your safety and make family law issues more problematic than they need to be. Contact us today by calling (713) 844-8396 to schedule a consultation. A domestic violence lawyer in Houston may be able to help.