In Texas, it’s against the law to physically abuse your family members. While it may be socially and culturally acceptable to punish one’s spouse or child in many other countries, that does not mean it’s acceptable here in the United States. In the last 40 years, our culture has increasingly changed its attitude towards family violence.
In the 1950s, for example, what would be considered “someone else’s personal business” is no longer viewed that way today. These days, if a teacher or a doctor, or another mandatory reporter learns of child abuse, they are required by law to report it to the authorities.
Under Texas law, domestic violence is called “family violence,” but people use the terms interchangeably. So, what does the state consider to be family or domestic violence?
- Willful intimidation
- Physical assault or battery
- Child sexual assault
- Sexual assault (including rape of one’s spouse)
- Abusive behavior towards an intimate partner or child
Family violence is not limited to a husband and wife or parents and their children. It occurs between stepparents and stepchildren, adoptive parents and adopted children, foster parents and foster children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, relatives, people in a dating relationship, and people who live in the same household.
To learn more about family violence in Texas, click here.
Immigration Consequences of Family Violence
Suppose you are a Green Card holder and you were recently arrested for family violence. The neighbors heard you arguing with your spouse or disciplining your child and they called 911. It wasn’t long before the police were knocking at your door and they took you away in handcuffs. Now, you’re facing criminal charges under Section 22.02 (aggravated assault) of the Texas Penal Code, and you’re wondering, “Can I get deported?”
All Green Card holders or lawful permanent residents can be deported if they commit a “crime of moral turpitude,” which basically means depraved crimes that go against the mores of society. Such crimes include fraud, human trafficking, child molestation, identity theft, intoxication manslaughter, murder, and domestic violence.
Can you be deported for abusing your spouse or child, or even another family or household member? In a word, yes. If you were arrested and charged with an assaultive offense under Title 5, Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code, your immigration status is at stake. Our advice to you is to speak with a Plano deportation defense attorney from our firm right away.
To get started, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC today.