Texas Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Build a strong defense with Martine Law’s experienced domestic violence attorneys focused on protecting your future.

Domestic Violence Cases

What Kind of Family Violence Case Are You Facing?

The specific domestic violence allegation you face can affect the potential charges, penalties, protective orders, and defense strategy.

Assault Family Violence

The case involves an allegation of bodily injury, threats of imminent bodily injury, or offensive physical contact involving a qualifying family or household relationship.

  • Misdemeanor or felony charges
  • Possible jail or prison time
  • Protective order consequences
  • Long-term record implications

Aggravated Family Violence Assault

The allegation involves assaultive conduct causing serious bodily injury or involving the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon.

  • Potential felony charges
  • Significant prison exposure
  • Protective order consequences
  • Long-term record impact

Strangulation / Impeding Breathing

The allegation involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impeding another person’s normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck or blocking the nose or mouth.

  • Potential felony charge
  • Possible imprisonment
  • Protective order consequences
  • Serious criminal record implications

Continuous Violence Against the Family

The allegation involves two or more instances of conduct constituting bodily-injury assault against qualifying family or household members within a 12-month period.

  • State jail felony
  • Possible imprisonment
  • Protective order consequences
  • Significant record implications

Protective Order Violations

The case involves an allegation that a person violated a court-issued protective order or related court condition in a domestic violence matter.

  • Possible criminal charges
  • Additional court restrictions
  • Potential jail or prison consequences
  • Further impact on related proceedings

Child Abuse or Injury Allegations

The allegation involves causing bodily injury or serious bodily or mental harm to a child, including certain conduct by act or omission.

  • Potential felony charges
  • Possible imprisonment
  • Family court consequences
  • Long-term record implications

WHY CHOOSE US

Why Choose Our Texas Domestic Violence Attorneys?

Experience With High-Stakes Cases

We examine the allegations, evidence, and circumstances surrounding your domestic violence case to identify appropriate defense options.

Straightforward Legal Counsel

You receive practical explanations of the charges, potential consequences, and available legal paths without unnecessary legal jargon.

Defense Built Around Your Case

We develop a case strategy based on the specific allegations, evidence, prior history, and circumstances involved.

Guidance From Start to Finish

From the initial stages through court proceedings, we help you understand what to expect and what decisions may require attention.

Facing a domestic violence allegation? Discuss your case.

Meet Our Team

THE PROCESS

What to Expect in Domestic Violence Cases

Understanding the process can help you stay informed and prepared as your case moves forward.

1

Report, Investigation or Arrest

A domestic violence matter may begin with a report to law enforcement, an investigation, or an arrest. The circumstances determine how the matter proceeds.
2

Criminal Charges or Protective Order

A domestic violence allegation may lead to criminal charges, a protective-order proceeding, or both. These proceedings are separate and may involve different legal standards.
3

Initial Court Proceedings

A criminal case may involve an initial appearance, arraignment, or other court proceedings. A protective-order case may involve a temporary ex parte order and a later hearing.
4

Evidence Review & Defense Preparation

Your attorney may review police reports, witness statements, photographs, communications, recordings, and other available evidence to evaluate the allegations and prepare your defense.
5

Hearings, Motions & Negotiations

Your attorney may challenge evidence, file appropriate motions, participate in hearings, or negotiate with prosecutors concerning the criminal case.
6

Trial or Case Resolution

A criminal case may end through dismissal, a plea, trial, or another disposition. A protective-order proceeding may result in a final protective order after the required court process.

Know the Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. An allegation can result in a criminal prosecution and a separate protective-order proceeding. These are different legal matters with different procedures and standards. A court may also issue a temporary ex parte protective order if it finds a clear and present danger of domestic violence.

Generally, a protective order may remain effective for the period stated in the order, up to two years. The law permits longer protective orders in certain circumstances, including some cases involving a felony offense involving domestic violence, serious bodily injury, or qualifying prior protective orders.

Yes. Although some assault offenses are misdemeanors, the law provides circumstances in which an assault against a qualifying family or household member can be enhanced to a felony, including when the defendant has certain prior convictions involving domestic violence. Other allegations, such as aggravated assault or continuous violence against the family, carry separate felony classifications.

Know Your Next Steps

Talk to a Texas Domestic Violence
Defense Attorney

Understand the allegations, potential consequences, and legal options with guidance from Martine Law.