Houston Criminal Defense Attorney » Arrested for a Domestic Violence Assault Offense? Here are Ways to Beat It. | Houston Lawyer

If someone within your family has been charged with assault, you most likely aren’t sure the best place to turn or what you can do next. While your family member’s offense is a daunting situation, you can do several things right away to obtain advice and control. Should you (or another family member) had been the victim of the assault, that only complicates the situation.

A positive starting point is to speak to the Leading Houston Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston, Texas who can guide you through the complicated maze of the justice system.

Simple Steps

You might take several straightforward measures which will provide the support you and your family need.

Contact an Attorney
As pointed out, securing a criminal defense lawyer for your arrested family member is the first order of business. The earlier you seek legal advice, the more effective it may be. The right criminal defense attorney will strive to protect the protection under the law of your family member, thereby aiding you in taking care of your family’s best interests. The criminal defense attorney will want to know where your family member is being held (if he or she is still in jail) and could possibly want to meet with you to discuss the situation. The criminal defense lawyer will need to gather the relevant facts to prepare a defense.

Take Care of Your Loved ones
Your family may possibly be strongly affected by the offense, especially if you have children. If one of you was the victim of the assault, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Whether or not or not the assault happened within the family, you may wish to obtain assistance; local social services or mental health professionals might provide valuable advice. Friends and extended family members can offer comfort — and help with child care, household tasks and other duties.

Support Your Arrested Family Member
Being arrested can be an upsetting experience, and your family member will probably need to have your support. If you are able to speak with each other after the arrest, remind your relative not to answer questions until a lawyer is present; everything he or she says can be used against him or her in court. Try to help your family member remain calm. Tell your family member what you are doing on his or her behalf.

Contact the Jail
If your loved one is still in custody, contact the jail to discuss visiting hours; whether or not you will need to provide additional information; any type of prescription drugs your loved one is taking; any type of physical or mental illness that your family member may have; and whether assignment to a mental health unit is appropriate. Find out whether your family member will stay in this jail and if there is a pending court date.

Make a Bail Decision
In most instances, the judge will set bail at a hearing. If you cannot pay cash, you may perhaps be able to post a bond for the amount of the bail; this may, however, require that you pledge your home or other valuable property to secure the bail bond. If your family member does not appear for court dates, your property may then be seized by the bond company. It is up to you to choose whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks.

Hire the Most Respected Houston Lawyer

Dealing with the assault criminal arrest of a family member is difficult and time consuming. A professional criminal defense attorney in Houston, Texas may help you plan your next move.