Peter Barrett Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney
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214-506-2896
Peter Barrett Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney
Contact Us

Experience Makes The Difference

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Hire A Family Violence Defense Lawyer With Decades of Experience

Family violence charges in Texas must be taken seriously. The accusations alone can ruin your life, as society is quick to make negative judgments about those alleged to have harmed a family or household member or dating partner. Additionally, even before your case is decided, you can be subject to a protection order placing various restrictions on you, making it difficult to live your life. If you are found guilty, you could face incarceration and/or fines. Because of the gravity of the situation, you must get a knowledgeable lawyer on your side as soon as possible.

Our attorney, Peter Barrett, has over 25 years of legal experience and has handled thousands of cases, including more than 100 jury trials. He has represented clients accused of domestic violence throughout Dallas and the surrounding counties, including Collin County, Tarrant County, Ellis County, Kaufman County, and Denton County. He knows Texas’s laws and local court processes. He can help navigate your case and explain your charges and legal options. Recognizing that every situation is unique, he will work directly with you to understand your circumstances and develop an innovative solution for your case.

What Is Family Violence In Texas?

In Texas, family violence is an act against a family or household member or dating partner that causes or could cause them harm. Specifically, Texas Family Code § 71.004 defines family violence as:

  • Engaging in conduct intended to result in:
    • Physical harm
    • Bodily injury
    • Assault
    • Sexual assault
  • Making threats causing the other person to fear imminent injury or sexual assault
  • Abusing a child in the actor’s family or household
  • Committing dating violence

For any of the acts listed above to be considered family violence, they must have been committed against a family or household member or a person with whom the actor is in a dating relationship.

Under Texas Family Code §§ 71.003 and 71.005, family and household members include:

  • Persons related by blood or marriage
  • Spouses
  • Former spouses
  • Parents of the same child (regardless of marital status)
  • Foster parents and children (regardless of whether they live together)
  • Persons living in the same residence (regardless of whether they are relatives)

Dating partners are individuals currently or previously in a romantic or intimate relationship.

At Peter Barrett: Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney, we know that accusations of family violence can be made in the heat of the moment or to gain the upper hand in a separate legal issue, such as a child custody matter. Attorney Barrett wants to hear your side of the story.

Punishments Associated With A Family Violence Conviction in Dallas, Texas

The potential penalties for family violence depend on several factors. For instance, whether the offense was a misdemeanor or felony or serious injury was caused to the family or household member or dating partner.

Below are a few examples of the penalties that can be imposed for family violence:

  • Threatening the other individual or touching them in a provocative or offensive way is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
  • Causing injury to the other person is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or up to $4,000 in fines.
  • Causing injury when the actor has a prior conviction, or they impeded the other person’s breath or blood circulation is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.
  • Continuous violence against the family is also a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.
  • Causing serious injury or using or displaying a weapon is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.
  • Causing serious injury and using or displaying a weapon is a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.

In building your defense, we consult with investigators and experts to get a full picture of the alleged incident. By reviewing the details from various angles, we can spot the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case and strengthen our defense.

Speak To A Skilled Attorney About Your Case

You have been charged with a serious offense, but options may be available to counter the allegations. Do not lose hope in your case. Instead, reach out to Peter Barrett: Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney for help planning a course of action and fighting your charge. To discuss your options during an initial consultation, contact the firm online or call 214-506-2896.