Valentine’s Day shines a grand spotlight on relationships. For some, that means an extravagant celebration or a romantic vacation. For others, it can lead to a date with the justice system.
As the focus on interpersonal connection ramps up, LaHood Norton Law Group is warning people about the potential criminal offenses that can occur behind closed doors or when someone expects to have privacy.
1. Domestic violence generally refers to a pattern of abusive behavior within a relationship or family. It can include physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic control, and psychological intimidation. In Texas, domestic violence is prosecuted as an assault crime, with the punishment depending on the details of the assault, prior criminal history, whether a weapon was used, and whether the victim was physically injured. The charges can rise to a first-degree felony.
2. Stalking refers to the act of repeatedly following, harassing, or threatening another person in a way that causes them to fear for their safety or the safety of others. Stalking can include physical surveillance, unwanted communication, cyberstalking, and tracking a person’s movements. This crime is classified as a felony in Texas, with a rising degree for prior convictions for stalking or similar offenses.
3. Romance scams are a type of fraud in which an individual deceives another person into a false romantic relationship for financial gain or personal benefit. This crime often involves online deception, where the scammer builds emotional trust before requesting money, personal information, or other forms of assistance. These cybercrimes can be classified as white-collar offenses, which are investigated and prosecuted at the federal level if any criminal activity crosses state or country borders.
4. Sex crimes are a broad category of offenses that involve illegal or non-consensual sexual conduct. This includes crimes such as sexual assault, indecent exposure, and possession or distribution of illegal sexual material, among other offenses. Sex crimes are typically classified as misdemeanors or felonies based on the severity of the act. In Texas, these crimes are classified as felonies, with the degree depending on the specific circumstances and severity of the crime.
5. Theft is the unlawful stealing of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Typically theft that occurs within relationships will involve someone taking something from their date while they are away from their belongings, stealing from someone’s home, or even burglarizing the property of a former partner. The value of what was taken and the victim of the theft are usually the main factors in determining whether the crime is classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
If you find yourself in a complicated relationship with the law, LaHood Norton Law Group is available to help.
If you have been accused of any of the crimes described above, you can contact LaHood Norton Law Group for a free consultation online or by calling 210-797-7700.
This article is educational in nature and should not be considered official legal advice.
