Assault & Family Violence
Family violence is a real and growing problem across the United States, and numbers in Bell County, Texas – although lower than average – are on the increase.
Bell County by the Numbers
The Killeen-Temple metropolitan area is the 16th most populous in the state of Texas. Bell County is also home to Fort Hood, one of the world’s largest military bases, with nearly 6000 resident families. In 2012, there were just over 3600 incidents of family violence reported to local law enforcement. About 20% of those incidents originated in families living at Fort Hood.
Accused of Assault?
If you are accused of assault and/or family violence in Bell County, you need legal representation immediately.
These accusations can result in extremely serious charges — and convictions carry stiff penalties.
Call Robert McCabe
(512) 240-5385
Family Violence Law
Bell County, Texas
In the state of Texas, there are three different types of domestic violence crimes: domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault and continuous violence against the family. The state of Texas doesn’t take domestic violence lightly, and a conviction for any type of domestic violence will carry heavy penalties.
Domestic Assault
A first-time conviction for domestic assault is considered a Class A misdemeanor. If you’ve been convicted of domestic assault in the past, a second conviction will be treated as third degree felony.
Aggravated Domestic Assualt
Aggravated domestic assault is treated as a second degree felony, unless the assault was carried out with a deadly weapon and resulted in serious injury. Those cases are treated as first degree felonies.
Continuous Violence Against the Family
If you’ve committed two domestic assaults within a year, you may be convicted of continuous violence against the family — even if you were not charged or convicted for those assaults. This crime is considered a third degree felony.
These are the penalties for conviction of domestic violence crimes in Texas:
- Class A misdemeanor: up to a year in prison, or a fine up to $4000, or both
- Third degree felony: between 2 and 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- Second degree felony: between 2 and 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- First degree felony: between 5 and 99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
