Texas Domestic Violence Charges

The impact of domestic violence charges can destroy your life. An accusation alone can affect your career, your reputation, your family, and your freedom, even before stepping into a courtroom. You need an experienced domestic violence defense attorney right away.

At Rucker Law, we understand what’s at stake. For 19 years, our Board-Certified criminal defense attorney, Wes Rucker, has provided aggressive, strategic legal representation for individuals charged with domestic violence offenses. If you or someone you care about is facing Texas domestic violence charges, don’t wait.

Call (713) 330-1110 now for a free consultation.

What Counts as Domestic Violence in Texas?

In Texas, domestic violence, also called family violence, doesn’t only refer to physical attacks. The scope of law is very broad, and it isn’t limited to a spouse. These cases often involve romantic partners, exes, roommates, and family members, and can include pushing, verbal threats, or even making someone feel like they’re in danger.

You don’t need to leave a bruise or cause serious harm to be arrested. In fact, something as simple as a heated argument, a slap, or a text that could be interpreted as threatening could lead to serious charges.

Domestic violence isn’t always about what happened. It’s also about how the other person says they felt in the moment. Police can generally pass the case on to the prosecution if the alleged victim states that they felt scared or threatened.

It’s also critical to understand that the alleged victim doesn’t have to press charges. Once law enforcement is involved, the state can take over and prosecute even if the other person changes their mind. That’s why it’s so important to treat Texas domestic violence charges seriously and get legal help right away.

Common charges include:

• Assault on a family member
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
• Continuous violence against the family
• Violation of a protective order
• Strangulation or impeding breath

Each case is different, but one thing is certain: Texas domestic violence charges carry significant consequences that require immediate legal attention.

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

A guilty verdict can follow you for years, affecting your job, housing opportunities, your reputation, and even your right to see your kids. The legal penalties for domestic violence charges in Texas can range from misdemeanor fines to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the nature of the incident and your criminal history.

• Class A misdemeanor assault comes with up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000
• Third-degree felony assault can cost you 2 to 10 years in prison
• Second-degree felony assault could send you to prison for 2 to 20 years
• When you’re released, you’ll lose firearm rights
• Before and after conviction, you could be hit with protective or restraining orders
• A conviction can complicate child custody and visitation rights
• If a non-citizen is convicted, there will be immigration consequences
• You’ll have a permanent criminal record

The fallout of a conviction can ruin the course of your entire future. At Rucker Law, our seasoned domestic violence defense attorney can build a strong defense tailored to your situation.

Why Domestic Violence Cases Are So Complex

Domestic violence cases are rarely black and white. Emotions run high, stories don’t always match up, and what really happened isn’t always clear. Add in the fact that these cases often involve people who know each other well, and things can get complicated.

Misunderstandings, false accusations, and pressure from outside sources can all play a role. That’s what makes building a strong defense so challenging and important.

In many situations, domestic violence charges are emotionally charged and often develop from personal disputes where the facts are unclear or one-sided. In many situations:

• The alleged victim might recant or refuse to testify.
• The police could have arrested someone just to diffuse the situation.
• There may be no physical evidence beyond someone’s word.
• You may have acted in self-defense.

Despite these issues, antagonistic prosecutors often move forward aggressively, even if the accuser doesn’t want to press charges. That’s why a domestic violence defense attorney from Rucker Law is here to assist right away. We examine the facts, secure the evidence, and challenge every step of the investigation.

Defenses Against Texas Domestic Violence Charges

Being charged isn’t the same as being guilty. There are two sides to every story, and in domestic violence cases, that’s especially true. Maybe things didn’t happen the way the police report says. Maybe the accusation was made out of anger or malice to gain an advantage in a custody dispute.

Whatever the case, you have the right to defend yourself, and a domestic violence defense attorney from Rucker Law can help you fight back with a clear strategy.

• If you were protecting yourself from harm, we could argue self-defense.
• If you intervened to protect a child or another person, we could argue that you acted in defense of others.
• If the claim was fabricated out of anger, jealousy, or custody disputes, we could argue that it’s a false accusation.
• If the action was accidental or taken out of context, we could argue that there was a lack of intent.
• If the alleged victim wasn’t hurt or in actual danger, we could argue that there was no bodily injury.

Your defense should reflect the unique facts of your case. A seasoned domestic violence defense attorney from Rucker Law can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument and seek to get charges reduced or dismissed.

How Rucker Law Can Help

At Rucker Law, we approach every case with the seriousness it deserves. We understand that your reputation, relationships, and rights are on the line. Our legal team works closely with you to develop a plan that reflects your goals, whether that means going to trial or fighting for dismissal.

We do this through:

• Immediate case review and strategy session
• Detailed investigation of evidence and police conduct
• Assertive negotiations with prosecutors
• Courtroom advocacy to challenge unreliable witnesses and weak claims
• Guidance through every step of the process

Our goal is to ensure that one incident or one accusation doesn’t define your future.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorney at Rucker Law

Being accused of domestic violence is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our legal team is here to protect your rights, tell your side of the story, and fight for your future.

If you are facing domestic violence charges in Texas, contact Rucker Law today to schedule a free consultation at (713) 330-1110.