Offenses Against the Family

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Chapter 25 of Title 6 in the Texas Penal Code is dedicated to offenses against the family. Some of the crimes listed in this section of the Penal Code may include alleged violence, neglect, or sexual offenses.

When a person is accused of one of these crimes, it is important to understand other family members do not have the power to “drop the charges.” A prosecutor alone will make that decision.

Lawyer for Offenses Against The Family in Georgetown, TX

Were you arrested in Central Texas for any kind of alleged offense against a family member? Exercising your right to remain silent until you have contacted an experienced law firm like Price & Twine, PLLC can be the difference between being convicted or having your charges dropped.

Michael J. Price is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Georgetown who defends clients accused of domestic violence offenses in communities all over Bell County and Williamson County, including Hutto, Round Rock, Georgetown, Belton, Taylor, and many others. You can have our lawyer provide a complete evaluation of your case when you call (512) 354-1880 to receive a free initial consultation.

Overview of Offenses Against The Family in Texas

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Types of Offenses Against The Family in Williamson County

Chapter 25 of Title 6 in the Texas Penal Code lists 15 different crimes as being offenses against the family. These statutes include:

  • Bigamy, Texas Penal Code § 25.01 — Third-Degree Felony (Second-Degree Felony if alleged victim is 17 years of age, First-Degree Felony if alleged victim is 16 years of age or younger);
  • Prohibited Sexual Conduct, Texas Penal Code § 25.02 — Third-Degree Felony (Second-Degree Felony if the alleged offender engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with another person he or she knows to be, without regard to legitimacy, his or her ancestor or descendant by blood or adoption);
  • Interference with Child Custody, Texas Penal Code § 25.03 — State Jail Felony;
  • Agreement to Abduct From Custody, Texas Penal Code § 25.031 — State Jail Felony;
  • Enticing a Child, Texas Penal Code § 25.04 — Class B Misdemeanor (Third-Degree Felony if alleged offender intended to commit a felony against the child);
  • Criminal Nonsupport, Texas Penal Code § 25.05 — State Jail Felony;
  • Harboring Runaway Child, Texas Penal Code § 25.06 — Class A Misdemeanor;
  • Violation of Certain Court Orders or Conditions of Bond in a Family Violence, Child Abuse or Neglect, Sexual Assault or Abuse, Stalking, or Trafficking Case, Texas Penal Code § 25.07 — Class A Misdemeanor (Third-Degree Felony if alleged offender has previously been convicted two or more times of this offense or two or more times of an offense under Texas Penal Code § 25.072, or has previously been convicted of this offense and an offense under Texas Penal Code § 25.072; or has violated the order or condition of bond by committing an assault or the offense of stalking);
  • Violation of Protective Order Preventing Offense Caused By Bias or Prejudice, Texas Penal Code § 25.071 — Class A Misdemeanor (Third-Degree Felony if alleged offender has previously been convicted under this section two or more times or has violated the protective order by committing an assault);
  • Repeated Violation of Certain Court Orders or Conditions of Bond in Family Violence, Child Abuse or Neglect, Sexual Assault or Abuse, Stalking, or Trafficking Case, Texas Penal Code § 25.072 — Third-Degree Felony;
  • Sale or Purchase of Child, Texas Penal Code § 25.08 — Third-Degree Felony (Second-Degree Felony if the alleged offender commits the offense with intent to commit an offense under Texas Penal Code § 20A.02 [trafficking of persons], Texas Penal Code § 43.02 [prostitution], Texas Penal Code § 43.05 [compelling prostitution], or Texas Penal Code § 43.25 [sexual performance by a child]);
  • Unregulated Custody Transfer of Adopted Child, Texas Penal Code § 25.081 — Third-Degree Felony (Second-Degree Felony if the alleged offender commits the offense with intent to commit an offense under Texas Penal Code § 20A.02 [trafficking of persons], Texas Penal Code § 43.02 [prostitution], Texas Penal Code § 43.05 [compelling prostitution], Texas Penal Code § 43.25 [sexual performance by a child], Texas Penal Code § 43.251 [employment harmful to children],Texas Penal Code § 43.26 [possession or promotion of child pornography]);
  • Advertising For Placement Of Child, Texas Penal Code § 25.09 — Class A Misdemeanor (Third-Degree Felony if alleged offender has previously been convicted of this offense);
  • Interference With Rights Of Guardian Of The Person, Texas Penal Code § 25.10 — State Jail Felony; and

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Offenses Against The Family Penalties in Georgetown

The possible punishments of a conviction for an offense against the family will depend on the classification of the alleged crime. Generally, Texas punishes grades of crime as follows:

  • Class B Misdemeanor — Up to 180 days in jail and fine of up to $2,000;
  • Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 180 days in jail and fine of up to $2,000;
  • State Jail Felony — Up to 180 days in jail and fine of up to $2,000;
  • Third-Degree Felony — Up to 180 days in jail and fine of up to $2,000;
  • Second-Degree Felony — Up to 180 days in jail and fine of up to $2,000; and
  • First-Degree Felony — Up to 180 days in jail and fine of up to $2,000,

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Texas Offenses Against The Family Resources

Texas Penal Code Chapter 25 | Offenses Against The Family — View the full text of the chapter of the Texas Penal Code dedicated to offenses against the family. Each statute provides a description of the offense as well as applicable penalties. Certain laws also include notes of amendments that modified the statutes.

Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) — TCFV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that claims to be one of the largest domestic violence coalitions in the nation. On this website, you can learn more about the organization’s family violence programs. You can also find information about TCFV’s legislative agenda and access various publications.

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Find an Offenses Against The Family Defense Attorney in Georgetown, TX

If you were arrested for an offense against a family member in Central Texas, do not delay in seeking legal counsel. Price & Twine, PLLC represents individuals in Harker Heights, Killeen, Temple, Cedar Park, Leander, and several other nearby areas in Williamson County and Bell County.

Georgetown criminal defense lawyer Michael J. Price is dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you achieve the most favorable possible resolution to your case. Call (512) 354-1880 or submit an online contact form to have our attorney review your case and help you understand all of your legal options during a free, confidential consultation.

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