Domestic Violence

Stephen Gustitis

Criminal Defense Attorney
Bryan – College Station

• Free Initial Consultations
• Phone Answered 24 hours a Day
• Thousands of Cases Defended

Domestic Violence2024-12-12T09:49:23-06:00

AREAS OF PRACTICE – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ASSAULT

AREAS OF PRACTICE – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ASSAULT

Domestic Violence and Assault Defense Attorney.

Defending domestic violence and assault charges in Brazos County and surrounding areas is often very sensitive. Many times the accused person is a friend, roommate, significant other, or spouse of the victim. These cases require tact and finesse to properly defend to a satisfactory conclusion. I have successfully represented scores of persons accused of assault charges during my 25 years experience.

In Bryan-College Station, Brazos County, and surrounding jurisdictions I defend persons accused of these charges. Using strategies of reconciliation and counseling, I’ve obtained many dismissals or charge reductions in domestic dispute and assault cases. A skilled domestic violence criminal defense attorney is a must to help you navigate these dangerous waters.

Domestic Violence Cases are Sensitive.

In Bryan-College Station you can be arrested for domestic assault even if the victim does not want to prosecute. Prosecutors can proceed with a case against you even if the victim decides not to go to court. A variety of offenses may fall under the general category of domestic assault, including: assault, battery, stalking, kidnapping, sexual assault, harassment, and false imprisonment. Restraining orders, protective orders, and non-contact orders often relate to domestic violence cases as well. Statistically, women are most often the victims of domestic assault, but men make up a small percentage of victims.

Call now for help with your case. Our staff is available to take your call immediately.

Domestic Violence FAQ’s

Have you been criminally charged with Unlawful Restraint?2024-09-26T03:31:52-05:00

Unlawful Restraint is a serious criminal charge. However, it does not mean your situation is hopeless. To the contrary, we know there are defenses that can be utilized on your behalf. My firm is prepared to look into every aspect of your case to advise you of the best course of action. For example, one of the principle defenses in this type of case is that the allegations were false.

In the same vein, domestic violence allegations can be false. Perhaps an ex-spouse is attempting to gain the upper hand in a family law case or perhaps they are simply angry. In any case, should they make a false allegation, you can trust that we will do everything possible to combat the charges and to help you protect your legal rights.

Another common defense utilized in these cases is that you were not imprisoning the child, but rather were disciplining them. As a parent, you have the right to discipline your child – you have the ability and the right to do such things as putting them in a “time out.” Just because they were being detained in their room does not mean you are guilty of a criminal offense.

Contact a Domestic Violence Attorney in Bryan-College Station!

When dealing with charges relating to domestic violence, it is important you remember what is at stake. These are some of the most harshly stigmatized criminal offenses and will carry penalties that match. To ensure you are given the best possible chance of defending yourself, I recommend contacting my office and involving us as soon as possible. Over the years, we have proven we can be trusted with criminal cases of all kinds. You can be confident knowing, should we decide to accept representation in your case, that we will go the distance in our efforts to defend you.

Have You been accused of Violating A Protective Order?2024-09-26T03:32:34-05:00

Due to the high stakes situations, the state of Texas takes protective orders extremely seriously. Their guidelines are strict and should it be determined you have violated one of its terms, you may face severe criminal penalties. According to the Texas Family Code, the following activities can be addressed by the protective order:

  • Enjoining or preventing contact between individuals;
  • Excluding certain persons from a dwelling, employment location, or school;
  • Enjoining contact between a parent and their minor child;
  • Establish temporary custody or support;
  • Order counseling and the suspension of firearm licenses; and
  • Order payment of reasonable court costs and attorney fees.

Visit this link for common types of protective orders.

Violating a protective order is considered a misdemeanor crime, and sometimes a state jail felony. A person could be sentenced up to a year in jail and $4000 fine for a misdemeanor. For a state jail felony, the person could be sentenced up to two years in prison and a $10,000.oo fine. If you have been criminally charged, it is important you realize just how much is at stake. You simply cannot afford to be flippant with your future – you need aggressive defense from a knowledgeable Bryan-College Station criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Talk to an College Station Protective Order Lawyer today!

If you have been charged with violating a restraining or protective order, don’t hesitate to contact my Firm as soon as possible. Over the years, we have been successful in handling criminal cases of all kinds and have demonstrated we can defend the most complex of prosecutions. If we decide to accept your case, rest assured we will go the distance in our efforts to provide you with the high-quality and reliable legal assistance you truly deserve.

 

Arrested for Stalking in College Station, Texas?2024-09-26T03:24:03-05:00

Threatening behavior is the gravamen of a stalking allegation. Following is a list of the kinds of threats the law prohibits :

  • Threats can be explicit (saying you are going to kill the victim) or implied (veiled threats or hurting the family pet);
  • Threats must be aimed a a specific person, they cannot be general threats;
  • Threats may be conveyed by the stalker or by someone acting on behalf of the stalker.

Stalking charges serious criminal charges. A person convicted faces felony punishments. It’s important you obtain the help of a Brazos County criminal defense attorney you can trust to help you protect your legal rights when charged with the offense of stalking

Brazos County Stalking Defense Attorney!

There are defenses we can utilized when facing stalking charges. For example, we could argue the criminal accusations are not credible and that your accuser should not be taken seriously. We could argue your behavior would not have caused a reasonable person fear. Similarly, we could argue the activity you were participating in was protected by the Constitution or that you were protecting and exercising your legal rights.

Regardless, if you find yourself facing criminal charges like stalking, contact a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer you can trust. At my Firm, we are proud to be client-focused and results-driven – meaning that in everything that we do, we put your needs and your best interests first and foremost. If we decide to accept representation in your case, rest assured you will have an experienced advocate on your side, fully prepared to go the distance to defend your legal rights.

 

Arrested for Harassment in College Station, Texas?2024-09-26T03:34:42-05:00

According to Texas Penal Code Section 42.07, a person committing harassment must have an intent to “harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment or embarrass” another person. The second component of the act is the actual behavior itself.

If there are no aggravating circumstances to elevate the charge, most harassment charges are misdemeanor level offenses which face a maximum of 180 days in county jail. The charge can be punished as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to a year in jail, if the person was convicted previously for the same offense.

Bryan-College Station Harassment Defense Attorney!

There are defenses that can be utilized to your benefit by an experienced defense attorney. For example, we could argue the complaining witness was not credible and their statements to police should not be believed. Alternatively, we could argue your behavior was not intended to annoy, alarm, or abuse the alleged victim, or that the behavior was not reasonability likely to alarm anyone. Other defenses might include exploiting the lack of direct proof that you did anything at all!

Nevertheless, if you find yourself facing criminal charges like this, contact a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer you can trust. At my Firm, we are proud to be client-focused and results-driven, meaning that in everything we do we put your needs and your best interests first and foremost. If we decide to accept representation in your case, rest assured you will have an experienced advocate on your side, fully prepared to go the distance to defend your legal rights.

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