Domestic Assault and Family Violence Defense Lawyer in Denton, TX


Domestic assault and family violence in the United States cover a range of dangerous and unlawful behaviors. These harm individual victims and whole families, leading to serious physical and mental health consequences for the adults and children who live with it. Some forms of family violence can involve years of emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. Consequently, the law takes domestic assault and family violence very seriously and punishes it harshly.

Unfortunately, accusations often erupt from heated moments, or arise from other underlying family dynamics such as jealousy or leveraging in divorce or custody disputes. This leaves many individuals being falsely accused of family violence leading to serious charges, jail time, and leaving them with permanent criminal records. Even when things have gone too far, one mistake should not impact a person’s entire future.

If you have been charged with family violence charges in Texas, it is critical that you have a skilled Denton domestic assault defense lawyer on your side. At the Law Office of Brent D. Bowen, we can help.

How Family Violence is Defined in Texas

In the state of Texas, Family Code sections 71.004 and 71.0021 define family violence as

  • An act or threat by a member of a family or household against another member of the family of physical harm, injury, assault or sexual assault
  • Abuse by a family member of a child in the family or household
  • Dating violence where there is an act or threat by a person against another in a current or former dating relationship to cause physical harm, injury, assault or sexual assault

While many cases of family violence go unreported each year, conversely, many individuals are wrongly accused and face serious punishment if convicted. In addition, someone with a family violence conviction can lose custody of their children, have their reputation tarnished, and limit their future employment and housing abilities.

Classifications and Penalties of Domestic Violence Charges in Texas

In Texas, there are three classifications of domestic violence. These are

  • Domestic assault -- when an individual has committed or threatened bodily injury against a family or household member or a past or current dating partner. Depending on prior convictions, or if the actions indicate a choking, this crime can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a 3rd-degree felony.
  • Aggravated domestic assault -- when an individual has committed a serious bodily injury or used or exhibited a deadly weapon against a family or household member or a past or current dating partner. Depending on whether a deadly weapon was used or not, this crime can range from a 2nd-degree felony to a 1st-degree felony.
  • Continuous violence against the family -- when an individual has committed two or more domestic assaults within a twelve-month period, even if those assaults were not against the same person or an arrest or conviction was made. This is considered a 3rd-degree felony.

Domestic assault and family violence crimes in Texas can be punishable as follows, depending on the charges and level of offense:

  • A Class C Misdemeanor will result in no jail time but fines of up to $500.
  • A Class A Misdemeanor can result in up to one year in jail and/or fines of up to $4,000.
  • A 3rd-Degree Felony can result in 2 to 10 years in state prison and/or fines of up to $10,000.
  • A 2nd-Degree Felony can result in 2 to 20 years in state prison and/or fines of up to $10,000.
  • A 1st-Degree Felony can result in 5 to 99 years in state prison and/or fines of up to $10,000.

There are also collateral consequences in that Federal Law will prohibit you from owning or possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Skilled Family Violence Defense Lawyer in Denton

If you have been charged with domestic assault or other family violence offense in Texas, your future will be in the hands of your criminal defense team. Don’t leave this to chance. Choosing the right Denton domestic assault defense lawyer can make all the difference. As a former prosecutor, attorney Brent D. Bowen understands both sides of the criminal defense equation, fully appreciating how evidence can be used by the prosecution against you. Contact us at (940) 222-2488 or our online form for a free case evaluation.