Domestic Violence Lawyer Serving Addison
Being accused of domestic violence is stressful and potentially life-altering. In an instant, your relationships and reputation are in jeopardy. Whether you’ve been falsely accused or made a mistake in the heat of the moment, you deserve a strong legal defense—and a team that’s ready to fight for your side of the story.
Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian’s experienced Addison domestic violence lawyers understand what’s at stake. As one of the most trusted criminal defense firms in Collin County, we’ve helped countless people facing similar charges protect their rights.
Our team is available 24/7 to provide immediate support, answer your questions, and start building your defense. Call us now at (972) 369-0577 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation to speak directly with a seasoned domestic violence attorney serving Addison.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Addison
In Texas, domestic violence is legally called as “family violence.” Family violence occurs when one family or household member causes or threatens to or does cause physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault.
Furthermore, domestic violence isn’t limited to hitting or physical aggression. It can include:
- Spousal abuse or partner violence
- Pushing, slapping, and throwing objects
- Verbal threats of physical harm
- Restraining or blocking someone from leaving a room
- Destruction of property during an argument
- Harassment or stalking
- Violations of protective orders
Texas law takes a broad view toward potential domestic violence situations. Even a heated verbal exchange, if perceived as threatening, can lead to criminal charges. Note that the alleged victim does not need to have visible injuries for police to make an arrest. Law enforcement is often required to arrest someone if they believe violence occurred, even if both parties insist it was a misunderstanding.
While many assume domestic violence only refers to spousal abuse, it actually applies to many more relationship types. Texas domestic violence law applies to:
- Current or former spouses
- Past or present romantic and intimate partners
- Roommates or household members
- Parents of the same child
- Family members by blood, adoption, or marriage
The attorneys at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian understand how one moment can change everything. Our Addison domestic violence attorneys are here to listen to your side and fight for your rights.
Why You Need an Experienced Domestic Violence Lawyer in Addison
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Addison, you need a knowledgeable attorney fast. The stakes are too high, and the consequences can affect every part of your life.
A conviction for family violence can result in jail or prison time, fines, mandatory counseling, loss of gun rights, and a permanent criminal record.
Even if the accusation seems minor or exaggerated, the effects can be devastating:
- Emergency protective orders can remove you from your home or prevent you from seeing your children
- Custody and divorce proceedings can be influenced by the accusation, even without a conviction
- Your career, professional licenses, and reputation may be irreparably damaged
- You could lose your right to own firearms under Texas and federal law
- A conviction for family violence may impact immigration status or result in future felony enhancements
Timing is everything. The earlier you involve one of our skilled criminal defense attorneys, the better your chances of minimizing or dismissing the charges. In some cases, our team can intervene before formal charges are filed, working directly with law enforcement or prosecutors to clarify what happened, present exculpatory evidence, or challenge weak or false accusations. This early intervention can make all the difference.
Once formal charges are filed, we get to work immediately: gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing the police report for errors or constitutional violations, and preparing a personalized defense strategy.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Domestic Violence in Texas
Texas domestic violence charges can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on how severe the offense is. The surrounding circumstances also play a big role.
A Class A misdemeanor is the most common domestic violence charge. This charge typically involves bodily injury without a weapon and no prior convictions. This can carry up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine under Texas Penal Code § 22.01.
A domestic violence charge is a felony when the alleged incident involves serious bodily injury, the use of a deadly weapon, or if the accused has prior convictions for family violence. For example, a family assault charge with a previous conviction is a third-degree felony. This is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If deadly weapons and serious bodily injury were involved, you could face up to 99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Felony charges also carry collateral consequences, including the loss of civil rights and a permanent criminal record. That’s part of the reason why you need to hire a skilled domestic violence lawyer in Addison as early as possible.
Understanding Protective Orders in Addison
Domestic violence charges often come with protective orders. These orders can protect the alleged victim, but they often severely impact the subject’s life. Protective orders are court-issued mandates. They restrict contact between you and the alleged victim. That means you must leave your home, surrender any firearms you own, and avoid communication with the victim—even if you didn’t do anything wrong.
There are two types of protective orders in Texas:
- Emergency protective orders (EPOs) are issued immediately after an arrest and can last up to 91 days
- Final protective orders follow a hearing and can remain in place for two years or longer
Violating a protective order is a criminal offense. Charges may result in jail time and other collateral consequences.
The Bail Process for Domestic Violence in Collin County
After arrest, law enforcement takes the accused into custody and held until they appear before a magistrate, usually within 24 to 48 hours. During this hearing, the judge will review the charges and decide whether to set bail—and at what amount.
Bail amounts vary based on the severity of the allegations, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether a protective order is requested. In some cases, bail conditions like GPS monitoring and no-contact provisions may be imposed.
Our Legal Approach to Domestic Violence Defense
At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we take a strategic, evidence-based approach to every domestic violence case we handle.
From the moment you hire us, our team begins a thorough investigation designed to uncover the full story—not just what’s in the police report. We examine every detail: 911 calls, witness statements, body camera footage, and the accuser’s story.
Domestic violence accusations can arise from misunderstandings, high-conflict relationships, and outright false allegations. We work to challenge unreliable evidence, expose inconsistencies, and present your side of the story.
Our firm builds strong defenses based on:
- False or exaggerated claims
- Self-defense or mutual combat
- Lack of intent or misunderstanding
- Absence of physical evidence or injuries
The best way to find out which defense works best for you is to call our firm as soon as possible for a free consultation.
What to Do If You’re Facing False Allegations
Facing domestic violence allegations can be one of the most painful and destabilizing experiences of your life. False accusations can damage your personal relationships, your career, and your reputation. It’s common to feel a mixture of shock, anger, fear, and despair. These are high-stakes situations, and they require a calm, strategic response.
False claims don’t always arise from malice. Sometimes they stem from miscommunications or distorted perceptions. In other cases, especially in high-conflict situations like custody disputes or breakups, accusations can be weaponized for leverage or revenge.
If you are facing domestic violence allegations, here’s how you can help your defense:
Gather Exculpatory Evidence
Start collecting anything that proves your version of events. This may include text messages, emails, social media posts, GPS data, receipts, and photos. Time-stamped records are especially powerful.
Identify Witnesses
Try to find someone who might have seen what happened—or didn’t happen. Neutral third parties are often the most persuasive. Your attorney can help reach out and take formal statements.
Construct a Detailed Timeline
Map out the events in question minute-by-minute, if possible. A clear, consistent timeline can poke holes in a false narrative and strengthen your credibility.
Finally, document how the allegation has affected your life. This might include employment issues, emotional stress, or changes in your day-to-day existence. These details may be relevant later in civil claims, or to support a request for restitution if the accusation is proven false.
Stay Silent and Ask for an Attorney
It’s tempting to talk to law enforcement, especially when you’re trying to clear your name. However, you shouldn’t try to “set the record straight” with law enforcement, your accuser, or anyone except your attorney. Anything you say could be misinterpreted or used against you. Let your attorney do the talking.
Why Clients Trust Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian
Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian offers strategic insight shaped by years on both sides of the courtroom. Founding attorney Jeremy Rosenthal is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds domestic violence cases—and how to dismantle them.
Our firm is one of the largest criminal defense practices in Collin County, with a full team of trial attorneys dedicated exclusively to criminal law. That means we know how to challenge complex domestic violence cases and give your case the attention that it deserves. We have a track record of success handling complex and high-stakes domestic violence cases across Addison.
Contact a Domestic Violence Attorney in Addison Today
Don’t face your domestic violence charges alone. Contact us online or call (972) 369-0577 to learn how we can help.