Arlington Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence charges in Arlington may involve assault, sexual abuse, and similar offenses among individuals who previously or currently live together. The extremely serious penalties for a conviction can include fines, jail time, and probation. The court may prohibit convicted individuals from having contact with their loved ones, including their children.

If you face a criminal charge for domestic violence, the skilled legal team at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys is ready to help. We can aggressively advocate for your interests and pursue a favorable result in your case.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Arlington domestic violence attorney, please call (817) 877-3030 or contact us online today.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Why Choose Our Arlington Domestic Violence Attorneys to Represent You?

When facing a domestic violence charge, you want an aggressive team of lawyers advocating for you.

At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have a strong track record of success when it comes to negotiating favorable plea deals and achieving favorable results in court for individuals accused of domestic violence crimes. View some of our most recent client reviews by clicking here.

As former prosecutors, we know how the government builds a case and use that knowledge to our clients’ advantage. We have more than 100 years of combined criminal law experience and more than 500 successful jury trials under our belts.

We currently have physical offices in Weatherford, Bedford, and Fort Worth, Texas. Let us represent your interests, present a strong defense, and seek a favorable result in your case immediately.

What Are the Potential Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction in Arlington?

In Arlington, Texas, a domestic violence conviction can lead to serious penalties. 

However, the consequences of a conviction may vary depending on the severity of the offense and the individual’s criminal history.

• One potential penalty for a domestic violence conviction is incarceration. Offenders may face jail time, ranging from a few days to several years – especially if the violence resulted in severe physical harm or if the accused has previous convictions on their record. 
• In addition to jail time, individuals convicted of domestic violence may face fines. These fines can be substantial, often amounting to thousands of dollars. The financial burden of these fines can have long-lasting effects on the offender and their family.
• Another potential penalty for domestic violence convictions is probation. Offenders may be required to follow strict probation conditions, such as attending counseling, completing community service, or staying away from the victim. Violating probation can result in further legal consequences, including additional jail time.
• Furthermore, individuals convicted of domestic violence may face a protective order. This legal document prohibits the offender from contacting or coming near the victim. Violating a protective order can lead to further criminal charges and penalties.

Individuals convicted of domestic violence may need to attend counseling or rehabilitation programs to address their behavior, prevent future instances of violence, and promote better relationships.

If you ultimately sustain a conviction for a domestic violence offense, the skilled lawyers at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys can represent you during your sentencing hearing and argue for the lightest possible penalty on your behalf. 

What are Some Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Case in Arlington?

A domestic violence conviction in Arlington, Texas, can bring about collateral consequences that extend beyond the legal penalties. These collateral consequences can affect various aspects of an individual’s life, including their personal relationships, employment prospects, and reputation within the community.

One significant collateral consequence of a domestic violence case is the strain it can place on personal relationships.

Allegations of domestic violence can damage trust and communication between the accused and their family members, friends, or romantic partners. The emotional toll of the legal proceedings and the stigma associated with domestic violence can lead to estrangement and isolation from loved ones.

Moreover, a domestic violence case can have adverse effects on an individual’s employment. Employers may view a domestic violence charge or conviction as a red flag, affecting the accused’s current job or future employment opportunities. 

Some professions, such as those requiring a security clearance or working with vulnerable populations, may have specific regulations or policies regarding criminal charges related to domestic violence.

Additionally, individuals involved in a domestic violence case may face financial repercussions. Legal fees, court costs, and fines associated with the case can significantly burden the accused and their family.

Moreover, if the accused is unable to work due to incarceration, probation requirements, or damaged reputation, they may experience a loss of income and financial instability.

Furthermore, the social stigma attached to domestic violence can lead to ostracization within the community. The accused may face judgment, gossip, and discrimination from neighbors, acquaintances, or community members.

This social stigma can affect their sense of belonging and mental well-being, exacerbating the challenges they face during and after their legal proceedings.

Moreover, individuals convicted of domestic violence may be required to undergo counseling or rehabilitation programs as part of their sentence. These programs tackle the underlying issues that contribute to the violence, but they can also consume a lot of time, intrude on the lives of the accused and their family, and emotionally drain them.

What Offenses Constitute Domestic Violence in Arlington, and What Does the Government Need to Prove to Obtain a Conviction?

In Arlington, Texas, domestic violence encompasses various offenses that occur within certain types of relationships, such as those between spouses, family members, or individuals in romantic partnerships.

The government must prove specific elements to establish a domestic violence offense.

• One common offense constituting domestic violence is assault. Assault occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person, threatens imminent bodily injury, or makes physical contact that the other person finds provocative or offensive. To prove assault as domestic violence, the government must demonstrate that the assault occurred between individuals in a qualifying relationship, such as spouses or family members.
• Another offense is stalking. Stalking involves engaging in conduct that causes the victim to fear for their safety or someone else's safety. This conduct can include following, monitoring, or communicating with the victim. To establish stalking as domestic violence, the government must prove that the stalking behavior occurred within a qualifying relationship.
• Additionally, the offense of harassment can constitute domestic violence. Harassment involves repeatedly communicating with the victim in a manner that alarms or annoys them and serves no legitimate purpose. To prove harassment as domestic violence, the government must demonstrate that the harassment occurred within a qualifying relationship.

The government needs to prove several elements to establish a domestic violence offense.

First, they must show that the alleged victim and the accused have a qualifying relationship, such as family members, current or former spouses, or individuals in a dating relationship.

Second, they must prove that the alleged conduct meets the legal definition of the specific offense, such as assault, stalking, or harassment. This may include providing evidence of physical injuries, threatening behavior, or unwanted communication.

Furthermore, the government must demonstrate that the conduct occurred with the required intent or state of mind as defined by law. For example, a prosecutor may need to establish that the accused acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, depending upon the underlying offense.

What are Some Legal Defenses to a Domestic Violence Charge in Arlington?

Individuals may employ several legal defenses to challenge domestic violence allegations against them.

• One common defense is self-defense. If the accused can demonstrate that they acted in self-defense or defense of others, they may justify their actions. This defense asserts that the accused reasonably believed they were in imminent danger of harm and that their actions were necessary to protect themselves or someone else from harm.

• Another defense is lack of evidence. The accused may argue insufficient evidence supports the domestic violence charge. This defense may involve challenging the credibility of the alleged victim’s testimony, questioning the reliability of physical evidence, or highlighting inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
• Additionally, mistaken identity can serve as a defense to a domestic violence charge. If the accused can show that they did not commit the alleged offense, they can avoid conviction. This defense can involve providing an alibi or presenting evidence that someone else committed the offense.
• Furthermore, some domestic violence charges may be based on false allegations. The accused may argue that the alleged victim fabricated the accusations out of spite, revenge, or to gain an advantage in a family law matter, such as child custody or divorce proceedings. In such cases, presenting evidence of the alleged victim’s motive to lie or inconsistencies in their statements can support this defense.
• Moreover, consent may serve as a defense in certain domestic violence cases. If the alleged victim consented to the conduct in question, the accused may argue that they engaged in lawful actions. However, you cannot obtain consent through coercion, intimidation, or threats of violence.

Plea Deals in Arlington Domestic Violence Cases

In Arlington, Texas, plea deals are common in domestic violence cases.

A plea deal, also known as a plea bargain, is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a lesser charge or certain conditions in exchange for a reduced sentence or other concessions.

In domestic violence cases, prosecutors may offer plea deals to resolve the case without going to trial. This can benefit both parties by saving time and resources and avoiding the uncertainty of a trial outcome.

For example, the prosecution may offer a plea deal that allows the accused to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge instead of a felony or receive probation instead of jail time. In exchange, the defendant may agree to attend counseling or complete a batterer intervention program, pay fines, or comply with a protective order.

Accepting a plea deal in a domestic violence case is a significant decision that should be carefully considered with the guidance of legal counsel. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can help you decide whether to accept a pending plea deal or take your case to trial.

Steps to Take after a Domestic Violence Arrest in Arlington

After a domestic violence arrest in Arlington, Texas, to protect your rights and build a strong defense:

• Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent – Upon arrest, you have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions from law enforcement. Exercise this right to avoid saying anything that may potentially incriminate you.
• Contact Our Defense Lawyers – Seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our skilled Arlington defense attorneys experienced in domestic violence cases can provide guidance, protect your rights, and advocate for you in court.

• Document the Incident – If possible, gather evidence to support your defense. This may include photographs of any injuries, text messages or emails relevant to the case, and witness statements.
• Comply with Court Orders – Adhere to any court orders, such as restraining orders or conditions of release. Violating court orders can lead to additional legal consequences.
• Attend All Court Hearings – Attend all scheduled court hearings and cooperate with your attorney throughout the legal process. Failing to appear in court can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• Follow Legal Advice – Listen to the advice of our attorneys and follow their instructions. We will work hard to build the strongest defense possible for your case.

By taking these steps after a domestic violence arrest, you can protect your rights and work towards achieving the best possible outcome in your case.

Speak With Our Experienced Arlington Domestic Violence Attorneys Today

Domestic violence charges and convictions in Arlington are extremely serious. If you are currently pending one of these charges, our knowledgeable legal team at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys can aggressively represent you throughout your case and pursue the most favorable result.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with our experienced domestic violence attorneys in Arlington, please call (817) 877-3030 or contact us online today.

Schedule a Free Consultation