FAMILY VIOLENCE ACCUSATIONS
DEFENSE ATTORNEYS IN DALLAS, TEXAS

Do you know what to do if are you facing family violence accusations?

It is important that you reach out to an experienced and trustworthy Texas criminal defense attorney before speaking with law enforcement. Early contact with an experienced domestic violence defense attorney could make a significant difference in whether a case is indicted or even filed. We also may be able to help you collect evidence early in the process, or avoid an embarrassing arrest.

Family violence allegations can have immediate and long-term consequences that threaten your freedom, reputation, and personal and professional future. Even if an accusation does not seem serious at first, it's critical that you take it very seriously. A defendant convicted of family violence could face hefty fines, a lengthy prison sentence, a protective order, loss of custody rights, and possible deportation. Under Texas law, a person may be charged with domestic violence or family violence for committing abuse or violent acts against a family member, household member, or dating partner.

At MC Criminal Law, we have the experience and resources to guide and represent clients facing domestic violence cases. As former high-level prosecutors in Dallas County, we have extensive jury trial experience and long-standing relationships with local law enforcement that could make a critical difference in your case. We offer highly-personalized legal counsel, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to working every angle of your case to achieve the best possible results. You can trust us to defend your rights, while also helping you address any issues or behaviors that may have led to such frightening circumstances. 

MC Criminal Law proudly represents clients in Dallas, Texas, and throughout North Texas, including Fort Worth, Denton, and McKinney.

Understanding Family Violence Charges in Texas:

Under Texas Family Code Section 71.004, family violence charges includes any of the following:

• An act by one family or household member against another family or household member that threatens or results in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault

• Child abuse involving a family or household member

• Dating violence

Family violence does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.

Continuous Family Violence

Another kind of domestic violence punishable under Texas law is "Continuous Family Violence." According to Texas Penal Code Section 25.11(a), a person commits an offense of continuous violence against the family if he or she commits assault (intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another) two or more times against a family member, household member, or dating partner within 12 months.

General Provisions of the Law

A family or household member may be any of the following persons:

• A current or former spouse

• A child of a former or current spouse

• A foster parent or foster child of the defendant

• Parents of the same child

• Persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption

• A person who currently lives or previously lived in the household

• A current or former dating or romantic partner

Consequences and Penalties

In Texas, the charges and punishments for a domestic violence offense often depend on the magnitude of the bodily injury, harm, or threat to the victim; the number of prior family violence convictions; and other factors. If convicted, the possible penalties could include jail or prison time, fines, and any of the following consequences depending on your circumstances:

• Mandatory anger management classes

• Loss of custody rights or parenting privileges

• Inability to obtain a hunting or fishing license in the state

• Loss of firearms or gun-carrying rights

• Loss of child custody rights or parental privileges

• A domestic violence restraining or protective order

• Jeopardy of current or future employment opportunities

• Possible deportation or inability to enter the United States (if you’re a non-U.S. citizen)

• A permanent criminal record

Unfortunately, the consequences listed above are not rare occurrences. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, between 2006 and 2015, there were 20,738 active protection orders in the National Crime Information Center for Texas.

Possible Defenses Against Family Violence Charges

When facing family violence accusations, your attorney may be able to fight your charges by showing:

• False accusations

• Self-defense

• Defense of others

• Defense of property

• Innocence (You didn't do it)

• No offense occurred

• Lack of knowledge

• Lack of intent

• An unintentional act, or mistake

• Irregularities in the evidence

• Error during the investigation

• Inability to prove the offense beyond reasonable doubt

• The incident occurred due to the victim's actions or behavior

An experienced criminal defense attorney can intervene quickly, taking preemptive measures to prevent the prosecutor from filing the case, or negotiating a more favorable deal with the Texas court.

Work With an Experienced Family Violence Defense Attorney

Defending yourself against family violence allegations without experienced representation can expose you to the risks of maximum punishment. Hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is crucial to help craft a strong defense strategy that fits your unique circumstances.

At M|C Criminal Law, we will work through every detail of your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and determine your best defense strategy to fight the allegations against you. Our experienced and caring team will help you navigate every aspect of the Texas criminal justice system. We will fight for the best possible results, and we will help you address any personal issues that may have contributed to your case. We want to help you achieve the cleanest criminal record possible, and keep it that way.