It may be that the conflicts bringing about the end of your Texas relationship are also causing unhealthy and even potentially dangerous reactions for you or your spouse. At Rybicki Law Firm, PLLC, we often help spouses whose relationships involve accusations of domestic violence.
The law acknowledges the dangers and defines behaviors that may lead to criminal charges and penalties in the Texas Penal Code regarding domestic violence, per FindLaw. When it comes to spousal abuse, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that one or more of the following occurred:
- The accused spouse acted with intent or in a reckless way that caused physical injury
- The accused spouse intentionally threatened physical injury
- The accused spouse physically touched the other spouse in a way that he or she knows or should know would provoke or offend the other spouse
The law takes domestic violence accusations very seriously. It is critical to protect those who suffer abuse from a spouse. Documentation such as photographs of physical harm and the testimony of witnesses may provide evidence of domestic violence.
Domestic violence accusations can cause irreparable harm to the spouse who faces these charges if he or she is not guilty of the alleged actions. Evidence may not support the charge if the accused spouse can prove one of the following:
- The action was accidental
- The spouse could not reasonably be expected to know that the action would cause harm or come across as threatening or frightening
- The action was made in self-defense
- The action did not happen
For more information about domestic violence and protective orders, please visit our webpage.
