San Antonio Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Household & Family Assault or Violence

Texas laws regarding domestic violence are very severe. These offenses are taken seriously by Texas courts. A conviction will likely affect all aspects of your life, from your family relationships to your personal and professional reputation. Furthermore, domestic violence incidents often result in restraining orders, protective orders, or orders to vacate your home. Such orders further constrain your freedom. Domestic violence charges, like nearly all criminal charges, are financially burdensome but in this case, they result in emotional distress as well.

If you have been charged or are being investigated for domestic violence assault, we urge you to contact Smith & Vinson Law Firm immediately. Our San Antonio criminal defense lawyers can ensure that your rights are protected and will begin a thorough investigation into the incident. It is important to remember to never speak to law enforcement officers, the alleged victim, cellmates, or any other party. Anything you say may be used against you in court. Speak only to your attorney.

Contact our legal team immediately in any domestic violence situation. Call for a free consultation at (210) 960-9557.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Under Texas law, the three types of domestic violence are:

Domestic assault: Domestic assault causes physical injury, threatens to cause imminent physical harm, or makes physical contact with the victim that is provoking or offensive. In all cases, it is intentional, knowing, or reckless. The alleged victim and assailant must be family or household members or dating partners. A first offense of domestic assault is classified as a Class A misdemeanor while repeat offenses may be charged as a third-degree felony
Aggravated domestic assault: This offense results in serious bodily injury or is committed with the use of a deadly weapon. It involves members of the same family or household or dating partners. Aggravated domestic assault is charged as a second-degree felony. When it includes both a serious bodily injury and the use of a deadly weapon, it is charged as a first-degree felony.
Continuous family violence: After having committed two previous acts of domestic violence, a third incident will result in what is called continuous violence against the family. This can occur without an arrest or conviction of the previous two incidents and the complaining witnesses in all incidents may be different family or household members or dating partners. This offense is charged as a third-degree felony.

Possible Defenses

The defense of a domestic violence charge is comparable to the defense of an assault charge. You may have been arrested based on little evidence. This is especially true in cases where the complaining family member has accused you of alleged physical harm or threats. The only “evidence” may be his or her statement to the arresting officers. These statements often will change later on as the complainant changes his or her mind.

The defenses that apply to general assault cases also apply to those involving domestic violence. It often makes more sense to pursue a case dismissal. But even in cases where the complaining family member prefers not to press charges or wishes to stop the prosecution, Texas prosecutors have the power to pursue the charges through the court system.

With this in mind, having a proficient attorney in your corner is crucial. Our San Antonio domestic violence defense attorneys can skillfully work to interview the alleged victim, talk with any other witnesses, put together critical evidence that can help your case, and engage in negotiations with the prosecutor.

Seek Immediate Legal Support in the Wake of Domestic Violence Charges

If you have been accused of committing an act of domestic violence, you should seek immediate legal help. Our attorneys are here to listen to your side of the story, assert your legal rights, and do whatever possible to secure a favorable resolution. Let us use our arsenal of legal skills and knowledge to fight for you.

Call Smith & Vinson Law Firm today to speak to a San Antonio domestic violence defense lawyer at (210) 960-9557.

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Outstanding Lawyer
“He is well versed in evidence and criminal law nuances, skills which allow him to level the playing field for his clients and make certain they get a fair chance at justice.”

Matt
He's a real lawyer!
“A civil issue arose in Austin with a family member. We sought the advice of a well named Austin attorney. This unnamed attorney provided egregious legal advice. In court, a lifetime civil injunction was ruled by the judge on this non-criminal civil issue. Once learning of this judgement we immediately started looking for another attorney and found Brad Vinson, with Smith and Vinson. Simply put, Brad had this entire debacle reversed and a new judgement set for what is customarily ruled in similar cases. It didn't take long either. I only wish we had called Brad first. He's a real lawyer!”

David
Exceptionally versed in the intricacies of Texas criminal law
“Having never been exposed to the criminal system, hiring an attorney was daunting task. Attorney Brad Vinson was informative, professional yet sympathetic with his approach to my case. Mr. Vinson was open to opinion and ensured that all legal avenues were considered and addressed before presenting a course of action. Ultiamtely, Mr. Vinson was able to negotiate a reasonable settlement dispite many hoops and hurdles presented by the prosecuting county. I would highly recommend Smith and Vinson for representation in a criminal matter.”

Michael
Professional representation at its best!
“I am grateful for the representation both men have provided me and without hesitation, I would speak volumes of their service. Thank you so much!”

Victor
5 Stars in making me feel like a top priority!
“Jarrod Smith of Smith and Vinson Law Firm provided me with the best service I could have possibly asked for. Having no background in law and finding myself in a situation that left me feeling extremely vulnerable, I felt quickly at ease in their care. They were very reasonable with my situation and helped work around my needs in providing me the most support and information on how to best handle my case. I'd recommend this firm to anyone seeking help with a traffic violation of any kind. I feel that if it weren't for them I would have been heavily misguided and probably would not have made it through the system with the best possible outcome for me. 5 Stars for their service, generosity, and in making me feel like a top priority!”

Andrew