Stephenville Domestic Violence Lawyer

Erath County Defense From a Stephenville Native With Thousands of Cases Behind Him

A domestic violence charge in Stephenville carries consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom. Your freedom, career, firearm rights, child custody, and immigration status can all be affected by how this case is handled from day one. At Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton, we represent people facing these charges with the local court knowledge and hands-on attention that out-of-area firms can’t offer. Brady L. Pendleton is a Stephenville native with a physical office here in the city, and our firm has handled thousands of criminal and family law cases across Erath County.

We offer free initial consultations and are available 24/7. The decisions you make early in this process matter.

Allegations of domestic violence can impact your life, career, and freedom. Let a Stephenville domestic violence lawyer fight for you. Call (888) 246-6869 or reach out online for a case review.

How Texas Law Defines Domestic Violence Charges

Texas criminal statutes don’t use the term “domestic violence”: the formal legal term is “family violence,” defined under Texas Family Code Section 71.004. In practice, both terms describe the same category of offenses, and understanding how the law defines them matters for your defense.

The covered relationships are broad. Under Family Code Section 71.0021, family violence applies to acts committed by a family member, household member, or current or former dating partner. The primary assault statute is Texas Penal Code Section 22.01; a charge becomes a family violence offense when the victim has a qualifying relationship with the accused. That distinction affects the charges filed, the penalties available, and the collateral consequences that follow. For more on how the underlying assault statute works, see our assault defense page.

Texas law recognizes three primary charge categories in domestic violence cases:

• Domestic Assault: An intentional, knowing, or reckless act causing bodily injury, or a threatening or offensive physical contact, against a qualifying family or household member
• Aggravated Domestic Assault: Involves serious bodily injury or the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon
• Continuous Family Violence: Codified under Texas Penal Code Section 25.11, this charge applies when two or more qualifying assault incidents occur against a family or household member within a 12-month period

Penalties for Domestic Violence Offenses in Stephenville

Penalty ranges depend on the specifics of the alleged offense, the relationship between the parties, and the defendant’s prior record. What looks like a misdemeanor at the outset can escalate quickly based on the facts.

Misdemeanor Domestic Assault

• A first-offense domestic assault causing bodily injury is typically a Class A misdemeanor
• Up to one year in county jail
• Fines up to $4,000
• Probation and mandatory counseling may apply

Felony Domestic Violence Charges

• A prior family violence conviction elevates a new charge to a third-degree felony
• Strangulation or choking during an assault elevates the charge to a third-degree felony even on a first offense
• Continuous Family Violence under Texas Penal Code Section 25.11 is charged as a third-degree felony
• Third-degree felony sentences range from two to 10 years in prison, with fines up to $10,000

Collateral Consequences Beyond Sentencing

A family violence conviction doesn’t end when the sentence does. Under both federal and Texas law, a conviction results in the loss of firearm rights. Employment background checks, child custody proceedings, and immigration status can all be affected. In Texas, even a deferred adjudication in a family violence case can’t be sealed or expunged. Under Texas Government Code Section 411.074, any offense involving family violence is ineligible for an order of nondisclosure, meaning the record stays public. For many defendants, these are the consequences that shape daily life long after the case closes.

Our Defense Approach for Domestic Violence Cases

The first 48 hours after an arrest are critical. What you say to law enforcement, whether a protective order has already been issued, and how quickly you secure representation can all shape the trajectory of your case. We start with an immediate review of the facts and a clear explanation of what you’re facing.

Defense Strategies We Use

Common defense strategies in family violence cases include challenging the sufficiency or credibility of the evidence, demonstrating self-defense or mutual combat under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9, identifying procedural errors by law enforcement, and disputing whether the alleged conduct meets the statutory definition of bodily injury. Our team includes attorney Lisa Madkins, a former felony prosecutor and Baylor Law graduate who has been with the firm since 2021. Her experience on the prosecution side informs how we anticipate and counter the state’s approach at every stage.

We also collaborate with forensic experts and interview specialists to challenge the evidence presented, and we can connect clients with resources outside of legal representation when needed. Protective orders issued at or after arrest carry immediate compliance obligations, and a violation is a separate criminal offense under Texas Penal Code Section 25.07. We advise clients on those obligations from the start and can seek to contest emergency protective orders where grounds exist.

Talk to a Domestic Violence Attorney in Stephenville Today

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton provides the personalized attention and responsive communication that clients facing serious charges need. Clients work directly with the attorney, not support staff, and we respond promptly when you reach out.

We serve clients throughout Erath County and surrounding counties. Spanish-speaking representation is available. Se habla Español.

Ready to talk? Call (888) 246-6869 or reach out online for a free consultation with a domestic violence lawyer in Stephenville.