Have you been arrested for domestic battery (called assault-family violence)? A conviction in Plano, TX, can result in severe penalties that may significantly impact your life for years to come. However, you still have time to protect yourself with help from the experienced trial attorneys at Texas Defense Firm.
Our Plano domestic battery lawyers have over 200 years of combined experience defending clients against serious criminal charges, including those involving assault-family violence. We thoroughly understand how these cases are prosecuted and know what it takes to fight back under state law.
Contact us today or call (469) 772-9509 to schedule a consultation.
How Texas Defense Firm Can Help if I’m Facing Domestic Battery Charges in Plano, TX
At Texas Defense Firm, we are recognized for our courtroom experience and unwavering commitment to defending the rights of individuals accused of crimes. Everyone deserves the best defense possible, no matter the facts and circumstances of their case.
When you hire our Plano criminal defense lawyers, we can:
- Thoroughly investigate your charges and the evidence against you
- File motions as appropriate to strengthen your case
- Gather any available exculpatory evidence
- Work to have your assault-family violence charges reduced or dismissed
- Ensure you understand your legal rights and options at every stage
- Represent you at all court hearings and at trial, if necessary
Domestic violence cases in Plano, Texas, can move quickly, and law enforcement often assumes the accused is guilty from the beginning. Fortunately, the state still carries the burden of proving each element of the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt. A trusted Dallas domestic violence attorney with our team can use that standard to your advantage.
Reach out to our criminal defense law firm in Plano, Texas, today to get started.
Overview of Domestic Battery Laws in Texas
Texas law refers to domestic battery under its “assault” and “family violence” statutes. These laws apply when the alleged victim is a spouse, former spouse, family member, household member, or someone you share a dating relationship with.
A person can be charged with assault causing bodily injury if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause physical harm to another person. When the alleged victim qualifies as a protected household or family member, the charge becomes more serious
What Are the Penalties for Domestic Battery in Texas?
Depending on the severity of your charges, domestic battery in Texas can be charged as:
- Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year in county jail and up to $4,000 in fines
- Third-degree felony: 2–10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine in cases involving prior family-violence convictions or strangulation
- Second-degree felony: 2–20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine when the assault impedes breathing/circulation, and there is a qualifying prior family-violence conviction
These penalties can increase significantly if certain other factors are alleged as well, such as strangulation.
What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Battery Conviction in Plano?
A domestic violence conviction can follow you long after the court case ends. Possible long-term consequences include:
- Loss of firearm rights under federal law
- Barriers to employment and housing
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Child custody complications
- Damage to your personal and professional reputation
Since these consequences can be severe and long-lasting, it’s important to speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you’re facing charges.
What Defenses Can I Raise Against Domestic Battery Charges in Plano, Texas?
Your defense strategy will ultimately hinge on the unique facts of your case, but some general options may include:
- Self-defense if you reasonably believed force was necessary
- Defense of a third person
- Lack of intent or misunderstanding of the physical contact in question
- False allegations made out of anger, retaliation, or family conflict
- Mistaken identity or unreliable eyewitness testimony
- Constitutional violations during the investigation
If you hire our law firm, we can thoroughly research and investigate your case to determine the defense(s) that stand the best chance of success.
What to Do After Being Accused of Domestic Battery in Plano, TX
Your actions immediately following an arrest can significantly impact how your case unfolds. Keep the following in mind:
- Do not contact the alleged victim.
- Follow all terms of any protective orders.
- Avoid discussing your case with friends or family over the phone, via text, or on social media.
- Attend all of your court dates.
- Set up a consultation with a criminal defense attorney as early in the process as possible.
Seeking professional legal advice from the outset can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Schedule a Consultation With a Plano Domestic Battery Attorney
Domestic battery charges in Texas carry serious legal and personal consequences, but you may still have options to fight back. You are innocent unless and until the state proves otherwise, and a strong defense can make all the difference in what happens next.
Texas Defense Firm boasts over 200 years of combined experience in defending individuals accused of violent offenses. Call our Plano domestic battery lawyers today to schedule an initial consultation.