Austin Domestic Violence Lawyers
Facing Domestic Violence Charges in Austin
Being accused of family violence (domestic violence) in Austin is serious and time‑sensitive. Travis County prosecutors often pursue cases even if the complaining witness later asks to “drop” charges. Early intervention by an experienced Austin domestic violence lawyers can help protect your rights, preserve favorable evidence, and position your case for dismissals, reductions, or other favorable outcomes. For a deeper local overview, see What is the Punishment for Domestic Violence in Austin, Texas?.
What Counts as Domestic Violence in Texas?
Under Texas law, a person can be charged with assault family violence when they allegedly cause bodily injury, threaten imminent bodily injury, or make offensive/provocative contact against a family or household member or dating partner. Relationships covered by the statute include spouses, dating partners, relatives, roommates, and former spouses—so cases are not limited to married couples or people living together. For a plain‑English explainer, see Domestic Violence in Texas, and for Austin‑specific charging levels, see What is the Charge for Domestic Assault in Austin?
What is Continuous Family Violence?
Continuous violence against the family is an enhancement that applies when two or more domestic assaults are alleged within a 12‑month period (even if against different people). When charged, it is typically a third‑degree felony. Learn more about how Texas defines these offenses in Domestic Violence in Texas.
What is the Punishment for Domestic Violence in Texas?
Jail Time and Fines
Penalty ranges depend on the charge level, any prior family‑violence findings, and specific allegations (for example, assault impeding breathing/strangulation). See our Austin guide: Punishment for Domestic Violence in Austin.
- Class C Misdemeanor – Fine up to $500 (typically for offensive/provocative contact without bodily injury).
- Class A Misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine (often based on bodily injury allegations such as pain, bruising, or scratches).
- Third Degree Felony – 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine (e.g., prior family‑violence finding, alleged strangulation, or continuous family violence).
- Second Degree Felony – 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine (e.g., alleged strangulation with a prior qualifying conviction).
Why fighting the first charge matters
Texas enhancements can escalate punishment quickly. It takes relatively little to trigger an arrest, so it’s critical to push for a dismissal or reduction on your first case. For charge elements and examples, see What is the Charge for Domestic Assault in Austin?
What are the Other Consequences of a Family Violence Conviction?
Restrictions on Firearm Possession
Texas and federal law impose firearm prohibitions after certain family‑violence convictions. Texas generally restricts possession for five years after completion of sentence for specific offenses; federal law can impose a broader, longer‑term disability for qualifying misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. For a practical overview of collateral penalties, see Potential Penalties for Domestic Violence in Texas.
Protective Orders, Bond Conditions & Custody
Many Austin cases involve no‑contact orders that affect where you can live, who you can see, and parenting time. A conviction—or even pending charges—can complicate custody and visitation. If you’re helping a loved one who was just arrested, see How Do I Get Someone Out of Jail in Travis County?
Criminal Record & Employment
Family‑violence findings can hinder job prospects and professional licensing. Ask your attorney about eligibility for record sealing or expunction if your case is dismissed.
Can I Get Deported for Family Violence?
Under U.S. immigration law, certain domestic‑violence‑related convictions can make a non‑citizen deportable and create additional barriers during international travel, status adjustments, or naturalization. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, tell your attorney immediately so immigration consequences can be considered in any plea negotiations.
Can the Other Person Just Drop the Charges?
No. In Austin, the decision to file or dismiss charges belongs to the prosecutor, and cases frequently continue even if the complaining witness recants or signs an affidavit of non‑prosecution. Defense strategy—not wishful thinking—drives outcomes. Learn more in Can a Domestic Violence Case Be Dismissed in Texas? and Domestic Violence in Court: What to Expect.
AUSTIN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEYS
If you are being investigated or have been arrested for domestic violence, hire a criminal defense attorney immediately. The lifelong consequences of a family‑violence finding cannot be overstated. As former police officers, Stephen T Bowling and David Thomas have handled numerous DV cases and understand how officers investigate and how prosecutors build these cases. They also know the mistakes police make—and how to challenge unreliable evidence, raise legal defenses, and leverage pretrial motions and courtroom strategy to your advantage.
The team at Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys will use their experience to negotiate a just result—or take your case to trial when needed. If you or a loved one is charged with domestic violence, speak with an experienced Austin family violence attorney today.
Experienced Austin Domestic Violence Lawyers
The consequences for domestic violence have become more severe over the last few decades. An arrest in Austin is disruptive, embarrassing, and can trigger immediate no‑contact orders. If you’ve just learned someone you care about is in custody, our jail‑release resources can help: Travis County Jail Release Guide and How to Get Someone Out of Jail in Austin. Then speak with an Austin family violence attorney about preserving evidence, managing protective orders, and building your defense.
Domestic violence allegations are often built on fast‑moving statements, 911 audio, and body‑worn camera video. In many cases, there are credibility issues, self‑defense arguments, or missing context that a skilled defense can expose. Prosecutors can—and often do—continue cases without the complaining witness.
THE CHARGES CANNOT BE DROPPED
There’s a common misconception that the “victim” can drop charges. In reality, Austin prosecutors decide whether a case goes forward. Outcomes depend on evidence and defense strategy: targeted motions, credibility challenges, and negotiation leverage. Read more: Can a Domestic Violence Case Be Dismissed in Texas? and What to Expect in Court.
HIRE AN AUSTIN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY
If you are being investigated by the police or have been arrested for Domestic Violence, hire a criminal defense attorney. As former law enforcement, Stephen T Bowling and David Thomas know how cases are built—and how to dismantle weak ones. The team at Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys uses that experience to fight for dismissals or reductions; when necessary, we take cases to trial.
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KEPT US UP TO DATE EACH STEP OF THE WAY
Stephen Bowling, reviewed our case and discussed his recommendations clearly. He kept us up to date each step of the way with continued explanations. He was readily available for questions/concerns through the process. We would reach out to them again in the future for any legal concerns.
Helen
VERY COMMUNICATIVE AND VERY UNDERSTANDING
Stephen is Great, Great , Lawyer!! He give you weekly updates on not just your case but also on what’s going on with his firm as well!!! Stephen is also very communicative and very understanding on any situation!! I would hands down Refer Stephen to anyone with any situation!!! Great job Stephen words can’t describe what you have done for me!!!!
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