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Texas Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: how do i drop charges?

i am the complaining witness, and pressed charges against someone while severely intoxicated. i do not remember the events as they correctly happened though i told the police officer who originally took my statement i believed i was put in a chokehold. but i want to take it back and they told me if... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 30, 2024

Theoretically, you can submit an affidavit of non-prosecution to the district attorney prosecuting your case. In cases involving domestic violence, that does not always work because the victim and perpetrator typically know one another and may be in a relationship. That raises a concern that the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: What do I do to finalize my divorce. It's already filed in Williamson county
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 26, 2024

It depends on whether your spouse has been served, has waived citation, has answered, or has agreed to the terms of a decree of divorce.

If your spouse has not been served, you will need to request issuance of citation and make arrangements to have your spouse served. Or, in the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: DA is assessing whether to press charges on a case in which complainant lied. How can my brother get ahead of it?

My brother is currently serving at an TDCJ ISF for 90 days for parole violation . We just found out that DA may be considering pressing charges against him on a case in which the other party lied to police about domestic violence, has since completed an affidavit attesting that their original... View More

Madolyn García Falone
Madolyn García Falone
answered on Sep 20, 2024

The only way to meaningfully address the issue is to hire a criminal defense attorney. Sometimes, if you catch a case before criminal charges are formally filed, a defense lawyer can convince the DA not to file the case at all. There isn't a lot of time to waste, though. You'll need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: assault family violence case where I was arrested even though I’m the victim. I have provided my court appointed attorne

attorney with multiple videos of her coming up and hitting me unprovoked and being the aggressor every time and I’m still being punished. It seems like he’s helping the DA instead of me. What can I do? I also have multiple witnesses who are ready to testify against her and he’s basically... View More

Madolyn García Falone
Madolyn García Falone
answered on Sep 7, 2024

If your court-appointed attorney isn't giving you a defense you're comfortable with, then you're absolutely free to hire a private criminal defense attorney. No attorney-- appointed or private-- will be able to guarantee any particular outcome. That said, because you get to choose... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: I have a 5 yr PO; I’d like to get out of my lease. My dad is a co-signer on my apartment; will they go after him?

I have a 5 year protective order, I lived in this apartment with my abuser and want to move out. He no longer lives there; however I fear he may send people my way- and I would like to live somewhere he can’t pursue me. My dad is a co-signer on my lease but NOT a resident- will they go after him?... View More

Michelle  Lugo
Michelle Lugo
answered on Sep 6, 2024

If your Dad is a cosigner on the lease, they can contractually pursue him for any amounts agreed to in the lease, including any attorneys' fees incurred by the complex owner(s) pursuing the damages suffered as a result of the broken lease. That stated, you should consult with a landlord... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: can a family assault strangulation charge charge/worsen if the victim is a minor and he’s still awaiting pre trial

he is 25 and i am 17 we’ve been together for a year and i did not call it in it was a traffic stop where i was bleeding and found in the car with him. he also got caught with hard drugs. i said i did not want to press charges but the state did anyways

Madolyn García Falone
Madolyn García Falone
answered on Aug 14, 2024

If by "we've been together for a year" you mean that you, then 16, and he, then 24, have been in a sexual relationship, then yes-- things can certainly get worse for him because he can be charged with various sexual crimes against a minor. I can picture the charges being aggravated... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: Am I able to sue my c.l.husband, his dad, his friends for stealing , trashing and ruining my belongings while I was out

Of town? Then to keep me from filing criminal charges for what they had done my c.l. husband had sent me pictures of a 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat SRT with the 6.2 supercharged engine in it and told me that it was mine all mine he hoped I loved it. He has refused to give me the title for it all... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 8, 2024

You can file a divorce proceeding against your husband and include these claims in your divorce proceeding. You should contact an experienced attorney who practices in the area of family law or divorce in or near the county where you and your husband live.

You don't mention exactly...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: What can I do to protect myself, my pets and my belongings from an angry vindictive boyfriend that I live with?

I've lived with my bf for over a year. Whenever we argue he kicks me out..sometimes for days. I have to sleep in my car with my two dogs. I dont work so I have no money. Sometimes I'm stuck for days without food or anyway to communicate with anyone (he takes my phone) . He also throws... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 5, 2024

While you can get a protective order from physical violence and the destruction of your property, that will require you and your boyfriend to live apart.

Legally, it sounds like the best thing for you to do is to secure a job, find another place to live, get your license reinstated, and...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: In Texas, can I remove my child from a dangerous environment (home of my ex-wife’s convicted felon BF)

During ex-wife’s periods of possession they stay at their home w/ BF overnight (not restricted in our div decree), or on weekends they stay with him at his home 250 miles away in DFW. My 10 y/o son just told me with certainty that the BF has been smoking marijuana around him in both homes and... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 21, 2024

Because you have an existing court order and a new case seeking primary custody, you need to file a motion for temporary orders or, if there is an imminent threat to your child, a motion for a TRO. The facts stated in your question do not justify your violation of an existing court order in my... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: In Texas, can I remove my child from a dangerous environment (home of my ex-wife’s convicted felon BF)

During ex-wife’s periods of possession they stay at their home w/ BF overnight (not restricted in our div decree), or on weekends they stay with him at his home 250 miles away in DFW. My 10 y/o son just told me with certainty that the BF has been smoking marijuana around him in both homes and... View More

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Jun 23, 2024

If you believe your child is being abused, neglected, or exposed to harmful conduct due to your ex-wife's boyfriend's behavior, you should file for a modification of the custody order and request a temporary order. Present evidence of the boyfriend's drug use and criminal history.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Elder Law for Texas on
Q: How can revoke the granting of a power of attorney?

How can one revoke the granting of a power of attorney in which four out of five children did not participate when at the time of granting the power of attorney the principal presented symptoms of dementia and after one year the diagnosis has been Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 21, 2024

The maker of the power of attorney can revoke the power of attorney at any time by signing a revocation of the power of attorney and notifying the agent and all relevant parties. In some circumstances, it may be advisable to record the revocation in all relevant counties. The maker should also... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: Can my husband put me.in jail lying to police saying I did drugs planting them on me in my sleep

My husband, diagnosed as a clinical psychopath since his youth, has controlled me for 25 years. He limits my access to money, forces me to handle all financial responsibilities, and threatens eviction if I don't comply. Despite supporting him through addiction treatments and legal issues,... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 17, 2024

With respect to the criminal charge, if you are indigent, you will receive a court-appointed attorney.

Since you maintain that you are innocent of the charges, you should secure a hair follicle drug test as soon as possible to corroborate your testimony that the drugs were planted and do...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can my husband put me.in jail lying to police saying I did drugs planting them on me in my sleep

My husband, diagnosed as a clinical psychopath since his youth, has controlled me for 25 years. He limits my access to money, forces me to handle all financial responsibilities, and threatens eviction if I don't comply. Despite supporting him through addiction treatments and legal issues,... View More

Vonnie Clay Dones III
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Vonnie Clay Dones III
answered on Jun 17, 2024

It is unfortunate that your husband would do such a thing after supporting him for 25 years. You will need to hire an attorney to argue your legal defense and obtain the best possible outcome which should be the dismissal of your case under the provided facts and circumstances. If you do not have... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: i have been charged for a class A misdemeanor in Texas. Warrant out for arrest i no longer live in texas

I have since moved out of state and i am unable to return to texas due to not being able to get time off from work. Can a Lawyer represent me on my behalf. The charge is for domestic violence.

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr. pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 25, 2024

If there is a warrant for your arrest, you will need to face it, and show up for a surrender. Otherwise, it will linger, and be a problem for you. Most police departments in the US, will not waste their time, if they run into you. But, you will be at risk for an arrest.

Some judges allow...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: What is continuous violence of a family member?

I was convicted to five years in prison for continuous violence of a family member I have never had or family violence on my record

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 20, 2024

A person commits an offense if, during a period that is 12 months or less in duration, the person two or more times engages in conduct that constitutes an offense under Section 22.01(a)(1) against another person or persons whose relationship to or association with the defendant is described by... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: Do I have to file from Texas?

I finally got an address for the dad that’s been absent for a year can I file in his state or is it better to file in Texas? If so what do I file to keep my child and I safe from domestic violence on my end.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 30, 2024

Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, the state which is the "home state" of the child has jurisdiction over any court proceeding to establish paternity or conservatorship and possession of the child. A child's "home state" is the state where the child has... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: Can I remove my kids from their mom's custody if think the household is a toxic environment? Or do I need to go to court

My kids live with their mom and her parents. On Saturday the kids called me saying that their mom was arguing with her parents. I showed up to pick them up and called the police because she got physical with her parents and she got arrested. Only spend 1 day in custody. Can I just keep the kids... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 11, 2024

As long as there is not already a custody order in place and you are the legal father of the children, you can retain possession of the children until a court tells you otherwise. That being said, you'd be wise to retain an experienced and competent attorney practicing in the area of family... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Domestic Violence and Legal Malpractice for Texas on
Q: Is there some way to back out of a plea bargain is defendant signed for his sentencing?

My husband had a paid attorney, case was open for a little over a year. He sounded confident at first and sounded like he knew what he was doing he advised him to not take his first plea which was 5 years, way better deal then what he ended up signing for. His second plea bargain was 20 years. He... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 25, 2024

If your husband feels he was coerced into accepting a plea bargain that he did not fully agree with, there may be options to challenge the plea, but these options are limited and depend heavily on the specifics of the case and the jurisdiction. One common ground for withdrawing a plea is if it can... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: Is there any reason that a court appointed attorney cannot request a dismissal of a charge in an indictment hearing?

I am a disabled man (P.T.S.D.) who was arrested and charged with a felony assault for defending myself against someone who had been mentally abusing me (intentionally triggering me for almost 5 months). At this time I have not been indicted and the case is still in court. I have requested that my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

Your public defender may have a point regarding their ability to request a dismissal of the charge. Generally, it is the prosecutor's responsibility to decide whether to pursue charges or dismiss them based on the evidence and circumstances of the case. However, your public defender can... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: The other parent and I are married. We don’t have any custody order. The other parent keeps denying the child but…

took a dna test and it came back that the child is his. I haven’t had support at all since separating and now he’s asking for another test but, at this point I don’t want to deal with him. The non custodial parent denies to do anything regarding support or seeing the child. There’s abuse in... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Feb 12, 2024

You should contact an attorney who regularly practices in your county family court. It sounds if you wish to file for divorce. This Attorney can help prepare divorce complaint and the motion for temporary orders including spousal support and child support. This will come at a substantial cost,... View More

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