956-504-2211

Domestic Violence

Instances or patterns of violent behaviors or abusive conduct by one person toward another individual in a household or domestic setting is commonly referred to as domestic violence, although the Texas Family Code refers to such incidents as “family violence.”

Domestic violence goes by a number of other names (including intimate domestic abuse, partner violence, or relationship abuse), and law enforcement agencies have taken greater steps in recent years to improve their response to these cases.

As a result of the increased national focus on domestic violence, police officers who are responding to a domestic situation will often feel compelled to place one person under arrest—even when there may be no signs or evidence of any physical injuries.

Attorney for Domestic Violence in Brownsville, TX

Were you arrested or do you think that you might be under investigation for an alleged domestic violence crime anywhere in South Texas? Even if you are completely confident in your innocence, you should still refuse to say anything to authorities until you have first contacted The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. .

Brownsville criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Gracia defends clients accused of family violence offenses in Cameron County, Hidalgo County, and Willacy County.

Call 956-504-2211 today to have our attorney provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.

Cameron County Domestic Violence Information Center

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Types of Domestic Violence Crimes in Texas

The phrase domestic violence applies to several different criminal offenses in Texas. The specific crime a person is charged with will depend on multiple factors, such as the alleged victim’s relationship to the alleged offender, the extent of injuries to the alleged victim, and the alleged offender’s prior criminal record.

Some of the most common domestic violence charges include, but are not limited to:

  • Continuous Violence Against Family;
  • Repeat Offenders; and
  • Stalking/Cyberstalking.

The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. also represents individuals facing protective orders (also referred to as restraining orders or protection orders) in domestic violence cases as well as people accused of violating protective orders.

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Domestic Violence Definitions in Brownsville

Texas Family Code § 71.004 defines family violence as meaning:

  • an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself;
  • abuse, as that term is defined by Texas Family Code §§ 261.001(1)(C), (E), (G), (H), (I), (J), and (K), by a member of a family or household toward a child of the family or household; or
  • dating violence, defined by Texas Family Code § 71.0021.

Under Texas Family Code § 71.003, the term family includes all of the following:

  • Individuals related by consanguinity (blood) or affinity (marriage);
  • Individuals who are former spouses of each other;
  • Individuals who are the parents of the same child, without regard to marriage; and
  • A foster child and foster parent, without regard to whether those individuals reside together.

A household is defined under Texas Family Code § 71.005 as “a unit composed of persons living together in the same dwelling, without regard to whether they are related to each other.” Texas Family Code § 71.006 defines member of a household as “a person who previously lived in a household.”

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Cameron County Domestic Violence Resources

Friendship of Women, Inc. (FOW) — FOW provides emergency temporary shelter and other supportive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Cameron County, but also accepts referrals from areas outside the county. FOW’s mission is “to provide leadership and comprehensive services to empower and promote safety, health, and the overall well-being of adults and children impacted by family and sexual violence.” On this website, you can learn more about FOW’s programs and services, including its sexual assault program, community outreach center, and supportive housing.

Friendship of Women, Inc.
95 E. Price Rd., Bldg. C
Brownsville, TX 78521
(956) 544-7412

Family Crisis Center | Helping victims of the Rio Grande Valley — The Family Crisis Center is a domestic violence and rape crisis center that provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including educational and violence prevention programs in Cameron County and Willacy County. The Family Crisis Center’s mission statement reads, “To empower adults and children experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault, and increase community awareness and responsiveness in Northern Cameron County and Willacy County through prevention, education, outreach and advocacy.” Visit this website to learn more about services offered by the Family Crisis Center, read recent news, and find links to other resources.

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The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. | Brownsville Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

If you were arrested for any kind of alleged crime of domestic violence in the Rio Grande Valley area, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal counsel. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. represents individuals in Willacy County, Cameron County, and Hidalgo County.

Jonathan Gracia is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Brownsville who will work tirelessly to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case that results in the fewest possible consequences.

He can review your case and discuss all of your legal options as soon as you call 956-504-2211 or submit an online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.


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