Houston Long Term Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

Crimes of family violence, or domestic violence, can result in huge punishment for alleged offenders, and they also can result in long term and far-reaching consequences. If you are accused of assault of a family member in Texas, it is critically important to hire a lawyer to try and fight to get the criminal charges dismissed to avoid the possible damage to your reputation and criminal record. If necessary, you may need to fight your case at trial to try to get the best result.

Effects of Domestic Violence Conviction on Life

The effects a family violence conviction have on an individual's daily life include some of the most profound consequences. These convictions, in multiple ways, can affect many aspects of a their daily life.

Examples of how a domestic violence conviction can affect an individual's regular life include:

You cannot obtain a fishing or hunting license in Texas,

Your divorce or child custody proceedings could be adversely affected,

You may be unable to foster or adopt a child,

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you could lose your legal residence status,

You may be denied housing, and

You may be subject to the terms of either an Emergency Protective Order in the criminal or family court system.

Subsequent Offenses Can Be Enhanced to Felony Charges

It is also crucial to know that after being convicted of domestic violence or even successfully completing a deferred adjudication probation, all subsequent domestic violence charges can be enhanced. 

An affirmative finding of family violence on even a Class C Misdemeanor could allow the state to file a subsequent family violence case as a felony charge. Additionally, family violence charges cannot be expunged or sealed from your permanent record, so the conviction or even completed deferred probation will permanently tarnish your reputation for life.

Houston, TX Family Violence Lawyer

If you were recently arrested for a crime of family violence in the greater Houston area, you should quickly seek legal representation. Call James G. Sullivan & Associates so you can have the best chance of possibly getting your criminal case dismissed.

Our law firm understands family violence charges are extremely personal in nature and knows how overwhelming it can be for a person to try and resolve these problems on their own. We can be by your side throughout the court process, and we review your case as soon as you call (281) 546-6458 to schedule a free consultation.

Effects of Family Violence Conviction on Work

In addition to the effects that domestic violence convictions can have on a person’s daily life, there can also be an immediate and negative impact on a person’s ability to work. People usually spend most of their time in their daily lives at their workplace, and the impact a domestic violence crime has on a career can be crushing.

A domestic violence conviction could result in some of these possible consequences on work:

You could lose your current job,

You may not be eligible for public service positions,

You could lose professional licenses, and

You cannot own or possess a firearm, which may rule out employment in law enforcement.

If you are unemployed, it is crucial to know that a domestic violence conviction could affect your ability to find a job. The family violence charge will show up on most background checks and some employers refuse to hire a person because of such a conviction.