Assault Family Violence
Ellis County Assault Family Violence Defense Attorney
Protecting Your Rights and Your Future
Facing an assault family violence charge in Texas can feel overwhelming and frightening. At Heff Law, we understand the emotional and legal complexities these cases present. If you have been accused of assaulting a family member, household member, or someone you’re dating, you need a strong, compassionate legal advocate on your side. Our Ellis County criminal defense attorney has years of experience successfully defending clients against family violence charges and is committed to protecting your rights, reputation, and future.
What Is Assault Family Violence in Texas?
Under Texas law, “assault family violence” occurs when someone intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury—or threatens to cause bodily injury—to a family member, household member, or someone they are or were dating. Importantly, no visible injury is required for an arrest or charge. A simple accusation, even without physical evidence, can result in serious legal consequences.
Family violence under Texas Penal Code § 22.01 can involve:
Spouses and former spouses
Family members related by blood or marriage
Individuals living together
Individuals who share a child
People in a current or former dating relationship
Examples of assault family violence charges include pushing, slapping, punching, choking, or even a threat perceived as credible.
Consequences of an Assault Family Violence Conviction
An assault family violence conviction carries serious, long-lasting consequences in Texas, including:
Jail or prison time
Significant fines
Mandatory domestic violence counseling
Loss of the right to own or possess firearms
Protective or restraining orders
Damage to your employment, education, and housing opportunities
A permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged
Additionally, a second offense or an accusation involving strangulation or suffocation can result in felony charges, dramatically increasing the potential penalties.
Why You Need a Skilled Ellis County Defense Attorney
Texas law takes allegations of family violence extremely seriously. Police officers often arrest someone at the scene even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges. Prosecutors may move forward with a case even if the accuser recants or refuses to cooperate.
You need an attorney who understands the complexities of family violence cases—someone who will thoroughly investigate the facts, protect your constitutional rights, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.
At Heff Law, we:
Challenge weak or insufficient evidence
Examine inconsistencies in witness statements
Advocate for case dismissals or reductions
Negotiate alternative resolutions when appropriate
Aggressively defend your case at trial if necessary
We also recognize the personal side of these accusations. Whether the charges stem from a misunderstanding, false accusation, or a heated moment, we treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve.
Common Defenses Against Assault Family Violence Charges
Every case is different, but potential defenses against assault family violence allegations include:
Self-defense: You were protecting yourself or others from harm.
Defense of property: You acted to defend your property from being damaged or taken.
False accusations: The alleged victim fabricated or exaggerated the events.
Lack of intent: The incident was accidental, not intentional or reckless.
Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Early legal intervention is critical. The sooner we get involved, the more options we may have for fighting the charges or negotiating a favorable outcome.
Serving Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, Red Oak, and All of Ellis County
Our office proudly defends clients throughout Ellis County, including in Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, Red Oak, and surrounding areas. We know the local courts, prosecutors, and judges—and we use that knowledge to your advantage.
When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, you cannot afford to wait or hope the situation resolves itself. Let an experienced Ellis County criminal defense attorney fight for you.
Contact Us Today for a Confidential Consultation
If you or a loved one has been charged with assault family violence in Ellis County, contact Heff Law today. We offer compassionate, judgment-free guidance and aggressive defense strategies tailored to your unique circumstances.
Your defense starts now.
Frequently asked questions
In Texas, assault family violence refers to an act where a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to a family or household member, or threatens them with imminent bodily injury. This includes spouses, former spouses, individuals related by blood or marriage, those living together, and individuals in a dating relationship.
Assault family violence can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony in Texas, depending on the circumstances. A first-time offense causing bodily injury is typically a Class A misdemeanor. However, if the offense involves choking, suffocation, or if the accused has prior convictions for family violence, it can be elevated to a third-degree felony
Once charges are filed, the decision to proceed lies with the prosecutor, not the alleged victim. Even if the victim wishes to drop the charges, prosecutors may continue with the case if they believe there is sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
