Being accused of domestic violence is stressful and potentially life-altering. In an instant, your relationships and reputation are in jeopardy. Whether you’ve been falsely accused or made a mistake in the heat of the moment, you deserve a strong legal defense—and a team that’s ready to fight for your side of the story. Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian’s experienced domestic violence lawyer in Addison understands what’s at stake. With extensive experience handling domestic violence cases across Collin County, we’ve helped countless people facing similar charges protect their rights.
Our team is committed to representing clients in domestic violence cases, providing personalized support throughout the legal process. We are available 24/7 to provide immediate support, answer your questions, and start building your defense. Call us now at (972) 369-0577 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation to speak directly with a seasoned domestic violence attorney serving Addison. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your options and take the first step toward your defense.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Addison
In Texas, domestic violence is legally called “family violence.” Family violence occurs when one family or household member causes or threatens to or does cause physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault.
Texas law recognizes three categories of domestic violence offenses: domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, and continuous violence against the family. Domestic assault involves intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury, threatening another with imminent bodily injury, or causing physical contact that the victim finds provocative or offensive. Aggravated domestic assault is a more serious offense that includes circumstances such as the use of a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury. Continuous violence against the family refers to two or more acts of assaultive conduct within a 12-month period against a family or household member.
Furthermore, domestic violence isn’t limited to hitting or physical aggression. It can include:
- Spousal abuse or partner violence
- Pushing, slapping, and throwing objects
- Verbal threats of physical harm
- Restraining or blocking someone from leaving a room
- Destruction of property during an argument
- Harassment or stalking
- Violations of protective orders
- Physical abuse or physical contact that may result in charges
Texas law takes a broad view toward potential domestic violence situations. Even a heated verbal exchange, if perceived as threatening, can lead to criminal charges. Note that the alleged victim does not need to have visible injuries for police to make an arrest. Law enforcement is often required to arrest someone if they believe violence occurred, even if both parties insist it was a misunderstanding. Aggravated domestic offenses involve more severe circumstances, such as the use of a weapon or serious injury.
Relationships That Domestic Violence Applies To
While many assume domestic violence only refers to spousal abuse, it actually applies to many more relationship types. Texas domestic violence law applies to:
- Current or former spouses
- Ex spouse
- Past or present romantic and intimate partners
- Dating partner
- Roommates or household members living in the same household
- Parents of the same child
- Foster children
- Family members by blood, adoption, or marriage
- Individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption
The attorneys at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian understand how one moment can change everything. Our Addison domestic violence attorneys are here to listen to your side and fight for your rights.
Read more: Domestic Violence Cases on the Rise
Why You Need an Experienced Domestic Violence Lawyer in Addison
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Addison, you need a knowledgeable Addison domestic violence lawyer fast. The stakes are too high, and the consequences can affect every part of your life. It is crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
A conviction for family violence can result in jail or prison time, fines, mandatory counseling, loss of gun rights, and a permanent criminal record. Having an experienced attorney by your side is essential to handle the complexities of domestic violence cases and to secure the best possible outcome. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal recourse and the options available for your defense.
Even if the accusation seems minor or exaggerated, the effects can be devastating:
- Emergency protective orders can remove you from your home or prevent you from seeing your children
- Custody and divorce proceedings can be influenced by the accusation, even without a conviction
- Your career, professional licenses, and reputation may be irreparably damaged
- You could lose your right to own firearms under Texas and federal law
- A conviction for family violence may impact immigration status or result in future felony enhancements
Timing is everything. The earlier you involve one of our skilled Addison criminal defense attorneys, the better your chances of minimizing or dismissing the charges. In some cases, our team can intervene before formal charges are filed, working directly with law enforcement or prosecutors to clarify what happened, present exculpatory evidence, or challenge weak or false accusations. This early intervention can make all the difference.
Once formal charges are filed, we get to work immediately: gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing the police report for errors or constitutional violations, and preparing a personalized defense strategy.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Domestic Violence in Texas
Texas domestic violence charges can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on how severe the offense is. Texas courts handle both misdemeanor and felony cases of domestic violence, with the surrounding circumstances also playing a big role.
A Class A misdemeanor is the most common domestic violence charge. This charge typically involves bodily injury without a weapon and no prior convictions. This can carry up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine under Texas Penal Code § 22.01.
A domestic violence charge is a felony when the alleged incident involves serious bodily injury, the use of a deadly weapon, or if the accused has prior convictions for family violence. When determining the level of the charge, the court considers the nature of the alleged violence, including the severity and circumstances of the incident. For example, a family assault charge with a previous conviction is a third-degree felony. This is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If deadly weapons and serious bodily injury were involved, you could face up to 99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Subsequent offenses can result in enhanced penalties, including longer imprisonment and higher fines.
Felony charges also carry collateral consequences, including the loss of civil rights and a permanent criminal record. That’s part of the reason why you need to hire a skilled domestic violence lawyer in Addison as early as possible.
Understanding Protective Orders in Addison
Domestic violence charges often come with protective orders. These orders can protect the alleged victim, but they often severely impact the subject’s life. Protective orders are court-issued mandates. They restrict contact between you and the alleged victim. That means you must leave your home, surrender any firearms you own, and avoid communication with the victim—even if you didn’t do anything wrong. In addition, protective orders and related charges can affect a parent’s visitation rights with their children.
There are two types of protective orders in Texas:
- Emergency protective orders (EPOs) are issued immediately after an arrest and can last up to 91 days
- Final protective orders follow a hearing and can remain in place for two years or longer
Violating a protective order is a criminal offense. Charges may result in jail time and other collateral consequences.
The Bail Process for Domestic Violence in Collin County
After arrest, law enforcement takes the accused into custody and held until they appear before a magistrate, usually within 24 to 48 hours. During this hearing, the judge will review the charges and decide whether to set bail—and at what amount.
Bail amounts vary based on the severity of the allegations, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether a protective order is requested. In some cases, bail conditions like GPS monitoring and no-contact provisions may be imposed.
Our Legal Approach to Domestic Violence Defense
At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we take a strategic, evidence-based approach to every domestic violence case we handle. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in such cases, understanding that each situation requires a tailored defense strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.
From the moment you hire us, our team begins a thorough investigation designed to uncover the full story—not just what’s in the police report. We examine every detail: 911 calls, witness statements, body camera footage, and the accuser’s story.
Domestic violence accusations can arise from misunderstandings, high-conflict relationships, and outright false allegations. We work to challenge unreliable evidence, expose inconsistencies, and present your side of the story.
Our firm builds strong defenses based on:
- False or exaggerated claims
- Self-defense or mutual combat
- Lack of intent or misunderstanding
- Absence of physical evidence or injuries
Defending domestic violence charges within the court system presents unique challenges, including handling specialized courts and addressing the attitudes of judges and prosecutors. Our approach is designed to effectively meet these challenges and protect your rights.
The best way to find out which defense works best for you is to call our firm as soon as possible for a confidential consultation.
What to Do If You’re Facing False Allegations
Facing domestic violence allegations can be one of the most painful and destabilizing experiences of your life. Being labeled as an ‘alleged abuser’ can have serious personal and legal consequences, even before any conviction. False accusations can damage your personal relationships, your career, and your reputation. It’s common to feel a mixture of shock, anger, fear, and despair. These are high-stakes situations, and they require a calm, strategic response.
False claims don’t always arise from malice. Sometimes they stem from miscommunications or distorted perceptions. In other cases, especially in high-conflict situations like custody disputes or breakups, accusations can be weaponized for leverage or revenge.
If you are facing domestic violence allegations, here’s how you can help your defense:
Gather Exculpatory Evidence
Start collecting anything that proves your version of events. This may include text messages, emails, social media posts, GPS data, receipts, and photos. Time-stamped records are especially powerful.
Identify Witnesses
Try to find someone who might have seen what happened—or didn’t happen. Neutral third parties are often the most persuasive. Your attorney can help reach out and take formal statements.
Construct a Detailed Timeline
Map out the events in question minute-by-minute, if possible. A clear, consistent timeline can poke holes in a false narrative and strengthen your credibility.
Finally, document how the allegation has affected your life. This might include employment issues, emotional stress, or changes in your day-to-day existence. These details may be relevant later in civil claims, or to support a request for restitution if the accusation is proven false.
Stay Silent and Ask for an Attorney
It’s tempting to talk to law enforcement, especially when you’re trying to clear your name. However, you shouldn’t try to “set the record straight” with law enforcement, your accuser, or anyone except your attorney. Anything you say could be misinterpreted or used against you. Let your attorney do the talking.
Why Clients Trust Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian
Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian is a reputable law firm and one of the most established law offices in the area, offering strategic insight shaped by years on both sides of the courtroom. Founding attorney Jeremy Rosenthal is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds domestic violence cases—and how to dismantle them.
Our law office is recognized for its expertise in criminal defense and is one of the largest criminal defense practices in Collin County, with a full team of trial attorneys dedicated exclusively to criminal law. That means we know how to challenge complex domestic violence cases and give your case the attention that it deserves. We have a track record of success handling complex and high-stakes domestic violence cases across Addison.
As recognized national trial lawyers, our law offices have earned a reputation for excellence and trusted representation in domestic violence and criminal defense cases nationwide.
Contact a Domestic Violence Attorney in Addison Today
Don’t face your charges without an experienced Addison domestic violence lawyer by your side. Contact us online or call (972) 369-0577 to learn how we can help with your domestic violence case.