This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Brian LaVine following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Brian LaVine the Founding Partner, 10+ years of legal experience as criminal defense attorney.
At LaVine Law Firm, our Galveston County domestic violence lawyer defends people who face the serious and immediate consequences of a family violence accusation. A domestic violence charge in Galveston County can upend your life in hours. Courts move fast, protective orders take effect before trial, and prosecutors push for harsh penalties. Texas reports over 200,000 family violence offenses each year, and even a first-offense domestic assault charge can carry up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine under the Texas Penal Code. Felony-level domestic violence charges can mean decades in prison.
We are the criminal defense team that Galveston County residents and families turn to when everything is on the line. Our law firm brings aggressive legal representation, proven results, and deep family law experience to every case. Below, we explain how we fight for your rights.
We defend clients facing domestic violence accusations throughout Galveston County, from Galveston Island and League City to Texas City, Dickinson, Santa Fe, and surrounding communities along Galveston Bay. A charge is not a conviction. Every accused person deserves a strong defense, and we build one from day one.
We understand how local prosecutors and the assistant district attorney build these criminal cases in Galveston County courts. That knowledge shapes our defense strategy for every client. We offer 24/7 consultations and personalized legal services designed to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Call us at 713-489-7734 for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Understanding your charge is the first step in any defense strategy. Texas domestic violence laws are layered, and Galveston County courts take these offenses seriously. The penalties, collateral consequences, and family law issues that follow a conviction touch every part of your life. Below, we break down the types of offenses and the penalties you may face.
Under the Texas Penal Code, domestic violence, also called family violence, covers a range of specific criminal offenses. These include assault of a family or household member, aggravated domestic assault, continuous violence against the family, and interference with an emergency call. Each charge carries different elements and penalty ranges.
The Texas Family Code defines who qualifies as a protected person under these laws. The list includes spouses, dating partners, household members (people who share a home), family members by blood or marriage, and co-parents. Foster children also fall under this protection. The broad scope of these definitions means that assault charges in many relationships can trigger the family violence label.
The classification of the offense depends on the facts. A first-offense domestic assault is a Class A misdemeanor. A repeated assault with a prior conviction becomes a third-degree felony. Aggravated domestic assault involving serious physical harm or a deadly weapon is a first-degree felony. Even a Class C misdemeanor for offensive contact can lead to a criminal record that follows you for years.
The penalties for a domestic violence conviction in Texas depend on the charge classification. Each level carries different jail or prison time, fines, and long-term consequences:
The consequences extend well beyond the sentence. A conviction triggers mandatory protective orders that restrict your contact with family members and children. Federal law strips your right to firearm ownership, even for a misdemeanor conviction. Non-citizens face immigration consequences, including deportation. Your custody rights, visitation schedule, and standing in family court all take a hit.
These collateral consequences make early legal counsel critical. The sooner you bring a criminal defense attorney into your case, the better your chances of protecting your future.
No two domestic violence cases look the same. A family dispute that leads to criminal charges involves unique facts, relationships, and evidence. We take a tailored, investigation-first approach to building each client's defense in Galveston County. Below, we explain how we challenge the state's case and fight protective orders on your behalf.
False allegations are a real problem in domestic violence cases. Accusations sometimes surface during contentious divorce, child custody, or separation disputes. A person may exaggerate or fabricate claims to gain leverage in family law cases. We take these situations seriously and investigate every detail.
Our defense process targets the weak points in the state's case:
The prosecution bears the burden of proof. We work to expose every weakness in the state's criminal case. Aggressive defense of these domestic assault charges does not mean minimizing real victims. It means ensuring due process and protecting the rights of every accused person under the legal process.
A protective order can change your life before you ever step into a courtroom. In Galveston County, a magistrate's order for emergency protection or an emergency protective order can take effect within hours of an accusation. These court orders often come before the accused is convicted or even arraigned. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services may also become involved when children are part of the household.
A protective order can affect you in several ways:
We challenge, modify, and contest emergency protective orders at bail hearings and follow-up hearings in Galveston County. The difference between a temporary ex parte order and a final protective order matters. A temporary order is issued without your input. A final order is issued after a hearing at which both sides present evidence. We fight at both stages to protect your access to your home and your children.
Do not wait. Restraining orders and court-issued orders go into effect quickly. A guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent the interests of children in these proceedings. Grandparent rights and custody rights can also be affected. Contact our law office as soon as you learn of a protective order so we can take action.
Galveston County residents choose us because we deliver results and treat every client with respect. Our criminal defense lawyer team brings specific advantages to domestic violence defense in this jurisdiction.
Local Knowledge That Matters:
We know the Galveston County court system, local judges, and prosecution tactics. This familiarity with the Texas legal system and local ordinances shapes how we approach every criminal case. Galveston County's smaller court system means the same prosecutors and judges handle a larger share of the docket. That makes local knowledge essential, and we have it.
Proven Track Record:
Our law firm has secured the dismissal of over 700 cases across all practice areas. We have earned not guilty verdicts in assault family member cases, aggravated assault cases, and murder trials. We handle both Class A misdemeanors and first-degree felonies with the same level of preparation and focus.
Accessible Legal Services:
We offer 24/7 availability for clients in crisis. Late-night arrests, emergency protective order hearings, and weekend incidents all demand a fast response. We provide free consultations with no financial barrier to getting initial legal guidance. Affordable payment plans make quality defense accessible to every client.
Full-Spectrum Defense:
We do not limit ourselves to domestic violence charges. Our criminal defense attorney team also handles sex crimes, sexual assault, sexual abuse, drug crimes, white collar crimes, criminal appeals, and grand jury proceedings. We bring deep criminal law knowledge to every case. We also understand the family law issues that overlap with domestic violence proceedings, including child custody, child abuse allegations, and child support matters.
One former client came to us after years of fighting criminal charges. We took over, built a new defense strategy, and got the case dismissed. Hiring a lawyer with specific experience in family violence, not just a general criminal defense attorney, makes a real difference. Reach out before taking any action on your case.
Yes. Charges can be reduced or dismissed based on evidence, witness credibility, and defense strategy:
- The prosecutor decides whether to pursue or drop domestic violence charges, not the accuser
- Weak evidence, inconsistent statements, or procedural errors can lead to case dismissal
- A plea deal may reduce charges when dismissal is not possible
Stay calm and do not contact the alleged victim. Call LaVine Law Firm right away. Anything you say to police officers or anyone else can be used against you:
- Exercise your right to remain silent during questioning
- Do not post about the incident on social media
- Do not violate any court orders or bond conditions
Yes. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge emergency protective orders at hearings in the Galveston County court system. We help clients contest and modify these orders by presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses. A temporary order lasts until a full hearing. At that hearing, we fight to protect your rights and your access to your home and family.
Yes. Under federal law, a domestic violence conviction, even a misdemeanor, can strip your right to own or carry firearms. Texas law adds a five-year ban on firearm ownership after release or completion of supervision. Firearm ownership restrictions are among the most serious collateral consequences of a family violence conviction.
Domestic violence charges alone can influence custody proceedings in family court. A judge may issue a temporary custody order, restrict visitation, or require supervised contact:
- Criminal history involving family violence weighs against you in custody decisions
- A protective order can limit access to your children during the case
- The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services may investigate when child abuse is alleged
- An affirmative defense or case dismissal can help protect your custody rights
- Securing legal representation early is essential to protecting your parental rights.
Yes. We serve clients across Galveston County, including Galveston Island, Texas City, League City, Dickinson, Santa Fe, La Marque, Hitchcock, Friendswood, and Kemah. We also handle cases in Harris County, Brazoria County, and surrounding communities. Our Houston law office gives us easy access to Galveston County courts for every hearing and court date.
A domestic violence accusation does not define you. It is a charge, not a conviction, and you have the right to fight back with a strong defense. The legal process moves fast in Galveston County. Emergency protective orders, bail hearings, and criminal charges can all land within days of an accusation. The sooner you act, the more we can do to protect your rights, your family, and your future.
Call LaVine Law Firm at 713-489-7734 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7, day or night. We offer affordable payment plans, proven results with over 700 cases dismissed, and deep experience in Galveston County. Our Super Lawyers-recognized criminal defense team will stand beside you from the first hearing to the final resolution. We serve clients across Galveston, Harris, Brazoria, Montgomery, and Fort Bend Counties. When your freedom and your family are on the line, Better Call Brian.
Free confidential consultations
Aggressive representation
Affordable payment plans
Highly rated
Track record of results
