Dallas Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
Has a family member or partner accused you of domestic violence in Dallas, TX? If so, you could be facing consequences that include the possibility of a protective order that restricts your rights, and criminal charges that could lead to fines, incarceration, or other penalties. Don’t try to resolve matters on your own. Instead, contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP for a free initial case review with a knowledgeable Dallas domestic violence lawyer. Serious charges demand sophisticated defenses, and we can design one to fit the unique circumstances of your case.
How Broden & Mickelsen, LLP Defends Domestic Violence Cases in Dallas
At Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, our attorneys have over 60 years of combined legal experience in criminal defense. Our legal team includes attorneys certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in criminal law and criminal appellate law, a testament to our in-depth knowledge and skills in criminal matters, including cases involving domestic violence charges. Behind our lengthy track record of victories are real people with real stories, like our former client T.S., who had this to say about the representation we provided:
“Being accused of a crime that I didn’t commit was one of the worst things to ever happen to me. Once accused of something, you literally have to prove yourself innocent. Without a good lawyer like Mr. Mickelsen, I would probably be on some type of probation. Mr. Mickelsen got my charges dismissed. I feel so vindicated. I can’t describe how happy I am with the outcome. Thank you so very much!!!” – T.S.
A domestic assault defense attorney from Broden & Mickelsen, LLP can help you face allegations of domestic violence by:
- Independently investigating your charges, rather than relying on the police and prosecution’s evidence file
- Interviewing witnesses to uncover all available evidence that can help build a robust defense
- Evaluating potential defenses in your case and legal strategies that might help you secure the best possible resolution under the circumstances
- Explaining your charges and what to expect during the legal process to you in plain English, so that you’re empowered to make informed decisions for your interests at each stage of your case
- Aggressively defending your rights during criminal proceedings and pursuing a favorable outcome to your charges, even if that means going to trial when you decide to contest the allegations
Having an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney and a strong defense is crucial to achieving a positive outcome in domestic violence cases.
Understanding Domestic and Family Violence Charges Under Texas Law
Under Texas law, domestic violence can fall into the categories of “dating violence” and “family violence.” Dating violence includes any act (other than self-defense) that is meant to result in a victim’s physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, or fear thereof, and is committed:
- Against a victim with whom the perpetrator has or had a dating relationship, or
- Because of the victim’s dating relationship or marriage to an individual with whom the perpetrator has or had a dating relationship or marriage
Family violence includes any act against a member of the perpetrator’s family or household intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, or to place the victim in reasonable fear of imminent harm. Family violence also includes child abuse toward a child of the actor’s family or living in the child’s household.
Examples of family violence charges in Texas include:
- Domestic assault/aggravated domestic assault
- Assault by strangulation
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Injury to a child
- Child endangerment
- Violation of protective orders
Common Situations That Lead to Domestic Violence Arrests in Dallas
Police may arrest someone on suspicion of committing domestic violence in Dallas for a range of actions, including:
- Striking, hitting, or causing physical injury to a family member, household member, or current or former intimate or romantic partner
- Threatening physical harm or violence
- Engaging in psychological or emotional abuse, such as isolation tactics, intimidation, humiliation, or manipulation/”gaslighting”
- Damaging or destroying a family or household member or current/former partner’s property
- Following a family or household member or current/former partner in public
- Placing a tracking device on a family or household member’s or current/former partner’s vehicle
- Repeatedly driving past or knocking/ringing the door of a family member’s or current/former partner’s home
- Sending offensive or alarming text messages, emails, or social media messages
- Texting or calling a family member or current/former partner at inconvenient hours
- Repeatedly texting or calling after a family or household member or current/former partner asks the person to stop
- Violating an existing restraining order
If you are arrested or accused of domestic violence, it is crucial to remain silent and contact a family violence defense attorney immediately to protect your rights. Documenting evidence to support your side of the story is also essential in these cases. False allegations of domestic violence can occur and may lead to serious legal consequences for the accused. Remember, this can be a difficult period, and seeking help from a law firm with experience in family violence cases is important. In some situations, self-defense can be a valid defense, depending on the specifics of the case.
Potential Penalties and Long-Term Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A conviction for a domestic violence offense in Texas can result in various criminal penalties, depending on the grading of the offense. Some offenses qualify as misdemeanors, which can impose penalties that include up to a year of jail time and fines of hundreds or thousands of dollars. More serious domestic violence crimes constitute felony offenses, which can impose penalties that include multiple years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Having a criminal history can also increase the potential penalties for a domestic violence conviction.
Domestic violence convictions can also have other long-term consequences beyond these penalties. A conviction can have lasting impacts on employment opportunities, future opportunities, and your reputation, making it difficult to secure jobs or advance your career. Domestic violence charges can also threaten child custody and future housing opportunities.
Courts may issue protective orders on a defendant requiring them to vacate a family home, refrain from contacting the victim and other members of their family, or surrender their firearms. Domestic violence convictions can also disqualify a defendant from owning or possessing firearms. Additionally, a criminal conviction can affect a non-citizen’s immigration status.
Contact a Dallas Domestic Violence Lawyer for Immediate Legal Defense
If you’ve been accused of committing domestic violence in Dallas, you deserve dedicated legal representation to advocate on your behalf and help you defend your reputation and freedom. Don’t wait to get the help you need to resolve your case. Contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP today for a free, confidential consultation with a Texas domestic violence defense lawyer to learn more about how our firm can fight to protect your rights and interests. Our Texas Board of Legal Specialization–certified lawyers are standing by to help you.