Arlington Domestic Violence Lawyer

Let Us Protect You Against Serious Allegations

Domestic violence allegations can have life-altering implications for the accused, including criminal penalties, restraining orders, and damage to one's personal and professional reputation. Without the help of an experienced defense attorney, you can easily be convicted of domestic violence charges, even if you are innocent.

At the Law Office of Mark M. Childress, we have successfully defended hundreds of clients against domestic violence charges, and we can help you too. Our team of experienced domestic violence defense lawyers in Arlington is well-versed in Texas laws related to domestic violence and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and preserve your future.

Call (817) 497-8148 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule an initial consultation and learn how we can defend you.

What is Domestic Violence in Texas?

In Texas, like in many other states, domestic violence is a serious and legally defined issue. It encompasses a range of abusive behaviors and actions that occur within a domestic or family context, typically involving violence or threats of violence between individuals who have or had a close relationship. The Texas Family Code outlines domestic violence and protective orders in Title 4, Subtitle B, Chapter 71, Subchapter C, which defines family violence as "an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault."

Common examples of domestic violence in Texas include:

• Physical Abuse: This is one of the most recognizable forms of domestic violence. It involves the intentional use of physical force to harm a family member or household member. Physical abuse can result in injuries, such as bruises, cuts, broken bones, and more. It may include hitting, slapping, punching, choking, or any other form of physical harm.
• Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Domestic violence is not limited to physical acts. Emotional and psychological abuse can be just as damaging. It includes behaviors like intimidation, manipulation, isolation, constant criticism, humiliation, and threats, which can cause severe emotional and psychological distress to the victim.
• Sexual Abuse: This involves non-consensual sexual acts or sexual harassment within a domestic relationship. Sexual abuse can include rape, unwanted sexual advances, coercing the victim into sexual activities, and other forms of sexual assault.
• Verbal Abuse: Verbal abuse often accompanies other forms of domestic violence. It includes shouting, name-calling, belittling, and using derogatory language to intimidate or control the victim.
• Stalking: Stalking is a pattern of behavior intended to instill fear and distress in the victim. It may involve repeated unwanted contact, monitoring, or threats, both in person and through various communication methods.
• Financial Abuse: Some perpetrators of domestic violence control their victims by controlling their finances. This can involve limiting access to money, preventing the victim from working, or coercing the victim into giving up control over their financial resources.
• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: With the rise of digital technology, cyberbullying and online harassment have become significant issues in domestic violence cases. Perpetrators may use social media, emails, or other online platforms to harass, threaten, or intimidate their victims.
• Threats: Threats of violence or harm, whether verbal or written, can create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Perpetrators may threaten to harm the victim, their children, pets, or property to exert control over them.
• Child Abuse: Domestic violence not only affects the adult victims but also endangers children in the household. Child abuse can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or exposing children to violent behavior.
• Elder Abuse: In cases involving elderly family members, elder abuse may occur. This can involve physical, emotional, or financial abuse directed at an elderly family member.

Penalties for Domestic Violence in Texas

Simple domestic assault against a family or household member is considered a Class A misdemeanor in Texas. A conviction carries up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.

If a person has committed a prior domestic assault offense or the assault involved choking or strangulation, then it is a third-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment ranging from 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. 

An assault can be elevated to a second-degree felony if it causes serious bodily injury. This felony is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

When a deadly weapon is used in an aggravated assault that causes serious bodily injury, it is charged as a first-degree felony, which carries a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

A conviction for domestic violence can also result in a permanent criminal record. In addition to jail time, you may also be required to pay restitution to the victim for any medical bills or property damage.

Other penalties for domestic violence can include:

• Loss of gun ownership rights
• Loss of child custody rights
• Loss of visitation rights
• Loss of immigration status
• Loss of professional licenses
• Loss of government benefits
• Loss of student loans
• Loss of housing assistance

Our Approach to Domestic Violence Defense

When you hire our Arlington domestic violence defense lawyers, we take a strategic and comprehensive approach to build the strongest defense possible.

Our process includes:

• Investigation: We thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining any available documentation to establish the facts.
• Legal Strategy: Based on the information gathered, we develop a robust legal strategy tailored to your specific situation. We will explore all available legal defenses to protect your rights and reputation.
• Negotiation: In many cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution to reach a favorable outcome, such as reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
• Litigation: If necessary, we are prepared to vigorously defend your case in court, ensuring that your rights are upheld and your voice is heard.
• Support: Throughout the process, we provide our clients with support and guidance, addressing any concerns or questions as they arise.

Contact a domestic violence attorney in Arlington from the Law Office of Mark M. Childress today to schedule an initial case evaluation.