What penalty does "Continuous violence against family" fall under?

"Continuous violence against family" is classified as a 3rd Degree Felony under Texas law. This statute is designed to address cases where an individual has engaged in a pattern of behavior that involves committing two or more acts of family violence against a person with whom they have a familial relationship within a 12-month period. The law recognizes the seriousness of ongoing domestic abuse, thus imposing more severe penalties compared to single incidents of violence.

A 3rd Degree Felony carries significant consequences, including potential imprisonment for 2 to 10 years and substantial fines. This classification reflects the legislature’s intent to protect victims and deter future violence, underscoring the importance of addressing repeated offenses within family scenarios.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different levels of severity and types of offenses. A State Jail Felony involves less serious crimes than a 3rd Degree Felony. Class B misdemeanors carry lighter penalties and do not apply to the serious nature of continuous violence. A 1st Degree Felony encompasses even more severe crimes, typically involving serious bodily injury or death, which does not align with the specifics of continuous family violence situations. Thus, labeling "continuous violence against family" as a 3rd Degree Felony accurately captures its severity