Family Violence

Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Houston, TX

The phrase domestic violence typically refers to violent behavior committed against a spouse, family member, or partner. In Texas, such cases are generally prosecuted under family violence or dating violence laws as defined in the Texas Family Code. Law enforcement officers responding to these cases often make an arrest at the scene, sometimes based on exaggerated or entirely false accusations.

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If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence in Harris County or anywhere in Southeast Texas, do not speak to the police before speaking with a lawyer. Contact Salinas Defense, your trusted domestic violence defense attorneys in Houston, right away.

Types of Domestic Violence Offenses in Texas

Certain offenses become domestic violence charges based on the alleged victim’s relationship to the accused or the context of the incident. The severity of the charges may depend on the level of injury reported and any past criminal history.

Common domestic violence-related charges we handle include:

• Continuous Violence Against the Family
• Child Abuse
• Kidnapping
• Domestic Assault
• Assault with Strangulation
• Stalking
• Protective Order Hearings
• Violation of Protective Order

Domestic Violence Definitions in Texas

Texas law defines family violence as any act by a family or household member that:

• Intends to cause physical harm, injury, assault, or sexual assault; or
• Threatens another person with imminent harm, injury, or assault (excluding actions taken in self-defense)

Depending on the nature of the offense, domestic violence penalties in Texas range from a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) to a first-degree felony (5 to 99 years in prison).

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Here are some important legal definitions:

Family – Includes individuals related by blood or marriage, ex-spouses, parents of the same child (regardless of marital status), and foster families.

Household – Any group of people living together in the same residence, regardless of familial relationship.

Member of a Household – Includes individuals who previously lived in the household.

Dating Violence – Refers to acts (other than self-defense) committed against someone with whom the offender has or had a romantic or intimate relationship. This includes:

• Physical harm, bodily injury, or assault
• Threats that reasonably cause fear of imminent harm or assault

The existence of a “dating relationship” is determined based on the length, nature, and frequency of interactions between the people involved.

Harris County Domestic Violence Resources

Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)

AVDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending family violence through advocacy, safety planning, legal assistance, and more.

Address:
1001 Texas Ave., Suite 600
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 224-9911
Website: avda-tx.org

Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)

HAWC offers shelter, counseling, and advocacy services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in the Houston area.

Address:
1010 Waugh Dr.
Houston, TX 77019
Phone: (713) 528-6798
Website: hawc.org

Contact Our Domestic Violence Attorneys in Houston, TX

If you or a loved one has been arrested for domestic violence in Harris County or surrounding areas, speak to a defense attorney before speaking to law enforcement.

Salinas Defense proudly defends clients in Houston, Pearland, Baytown, Pasadena, Seabrook, Friendswood, La Porte, Galena Park, and nearby Texas communities.

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We’ll review your case thoroughly and work to secure the best possible outcome for you.

📞 Call us today at 832 202-8409 or submit a confidential form online for a free consultation.