It can be heartbreaking to be arrested for animal cruelty, especially if you are someone who loves animals. Many people feel that animal cruelty is never justifiable, but in Texas, even if you are attacked, state laws can still prevent you from fighting back. As a result, you could find yourself under arrest for mistreating a wild animal even after you suffered severe injuries from them.
A conviction for a crime involving cruelty or neglect of an animal can come with harsh penalties that could affect you for the rest of your life. Suppose you or someone you care about has been arrested for an animal cruelty crime in the San Antonio area. In that case, Former District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez can build a strong defense strategy to protect your rights.
Were You Arrested for Animal Cruelty or Neglect in the San Antonio Area?
Any of the following acts can lead to a conviction for animal cruelty in Texas:
- Working an animal more than what is considered humane
- Torturing or abandoning an animal
- Seriously injuring or killing an animal
- Neglecting to provide an animal with adequate shelter, care, food, or water
Although most of these offenses apply to domesticated animals and livestock, Texas animal cruelty laws can apply to wild animals in some cases, such as if the animal was previously under the care of humans. Exceptions are generally given to animals used in circus acts or research purposes.
How Are Animal Cruelty Crimes Penalized in San Antonio and Throughout Texas?
The State of Texas is tough on animal cruelty crimes. Texans are subject to some of the harshest penalties for animal cruelty offenses in the country. The State’s animal cruelty laws were also written to be vague, as a means of encouraging convictions for weaker cases.
Animal cruelty crimes can be charged as either civil or felony offenses in Texas. Civil convictions for animal cruelty crimes are not as severe as felony animal cruelty charges. Typically, civil animal cruelty charges stem from accusations of neglect. A judge will often order the animal’s owner to surrender them to local authorities or an animal welfare organization when this happens. In many cases, the judge may order the defendant to also pay restitution.
Felony animal cruelty cases generally come with much harsher sentencing guidelines than their civil counterparts. The penalties and fines for felonious animal cruelty crimes in Texas vary depending on the specific crime in question but can include:
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- $10,000 in fines
- Restitution payments
- Lifelong status as a convicted felon
- Community service
Not all consequences for criminal acts are official punishments doled out by the State. Secondhand societal punishments often come with crimes involving cruelty to animals, as the media often tends to sensationalize cases like these. The public can also be extremely judgmental of people convicted for crimes involving animals. Because of this, there are few offenses that can change the way your friends, family, and future employers see you quite like a conviction for animal cruelty can.
Defend an Animal Cruelty or Neglect Charge With a San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney
When facing a serious charge like animal cruelty, do not risk trying to represent yourself. Crimes of this caliber have high-stakes penalties, and people who represent themselves often fail, winding up with strict sentences despite the facts of their case.
Partnering with Sophia Martinez Law means partnering with a practiced criminal defense attorney who has the knowledge needed to argue your case in court successfully. With over 25 years of experience, Former District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez speaks Spanish as well as English, and she understands the stress her clients feel when facing such charges. She will work to mitigate the impact an animal cruelty charge may have on your personal life.
Call (210) 226-3000 or complete a contact form today so Criminal Defense Attorney Sophia C. Martinez can begin building your defense strategy.