Domestic Violence Attorney in Lubbock

Former Federal Defender. Free Case Review. Fighting for You in Lubbock.

A domestic violence arrest in Lubbock sets off consequences before you ever step into a courtroom. Bail conditions, a no-contact order, and an open criminal record can affect your job, your family, and your future within hours of an arrest. At King Law, P.C., we defend clients facing family violence charges throughout Texas and offer a free case review so you can understand your options from the start.

Attorney Michael King served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Texas from 2007 to 2013, representing clients across a wide spectrum of federal charges. That federal court experience gives King Law, P.C. insight into cross-system consequences that matters when domestic violence charges carry federal dimensions such as firearm prohibitions or immigration consequences. Michael King holds a 10.0 Avvo rating and is recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

Facing domestic violence charges in Lubbock? Call (806) 370-7800 for a free case review with our defense team today.

How Texas Defines Family Violence

Texas doesn’t use the term “domestic violence” in its statutes. Under Texas Family Code Section 71.004, family violence is defined as an act by a member of a family or household against another that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, or a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm. Criminal charges are then prosecuted under the Texas Penal Code. Covered relationships include spouses and former spouses, dating partners, parents and children, roommates, and co-parents.

The charge classification depends on what occurred and the accused’s prior history. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony isn’t always obvious from the facts of an incident alone, which is why understanding the full spectrum matters early.

Charge Classifications & Penalties Under Texas Law

Texas family violence charges range from a fine-only misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. Here is how the classifications break down:

• Class C Misdemeanor (Offensive Contact): Fine up to $500, no jail time, but the offense creates a permanent criminal record.
• Class A Misdemeanor (Bodily Injury to a Family Member): Up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000. This is the most common entry-level charge for a first offense.
• Third-Degree Felony: Two to 10 years in prison. A prior family violence conviction or an offense involving choking or strangulation (legally defined as impeding the breath or circulation) elevates the charge to this level.
• Second-Degree Felony (Aggravated Assault): Two to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• First-Degree Felony (Aggravated Assault): Five to 99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.02, this applies when a deadly weapon is used and serious bodily injury is caused to a family or household member.

Consequences That Outlast the Sentence

The penalties above are only part of what a family violence conviction carries. Several consequences follow the sentence and can affect a person for the rest of their life.

• No Expungement in Texas: A family violence conviction can’t be expunged in Texas. It remains permanently visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards.
• Federal Firearm Ban (Lautenberg Amendment): Federal law permanently prohibits anyone convicted of a qualifying family violence offense from possessing a firearm, including misdemeanor convictions.
• Child Custody: A family violence conviction is weighed by family courts in custody proceedings and can result in loss of or restrictions on parental rights.
• Professional Licensing: Many occupations requiring state licensure treat family violence convictions as disqualifying or grounds for disciplinary action.
• Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens convicted of a family violence offense face potential deportation and permanent bars to certain immigration benefits.

Because Michael King’s background includes federal court representation, we’re positioned to analyze the full picture of consequences a charge carries, including those that cross into federal law.

How Domestic Violence Cases Move Through Lubbock County Courts

Texas law requires officers to make an arrest when there is probable cause to believe a domestic assault occurred, even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges. After arrest, the accused is booked at the Lubbock County Detention Center. Within 48 hours, a magistrate hearing is held where charges are read and bail conditions are set. Those conditions routinely include a no-contact order, and violating it is an independent criminal offense that can result in additional charges.

Where Cases Are Heard

Misdemeanor family violence cases proceed in the Lubbock County Courts at Law. Felony family violence charges are heard in the district courts of Lubbock County.

Protective Orders

Either the alleged victim or the court can seek a protective order separate from any no-contact condition on bail. Protective orders can prohibit contact, restrict access to a shared home, and bar firearm possession. They are issued as emergency, temporary, or final orders and can remain in effect for up to two years. Violating a protective order is its own criminal offense, typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor for a first violation and as a felony for repeat or aggravated violations.

Lubbock County prosecutors pursue family violence charges aggressively. Cases don’t resolve automatically, even when the alleged victim declines to cooperate.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Accused

What you do in the hours and days after an accusation directly affects the strength of your defense. The most important steps are:

• Don’t Speak to Police Without an Attorney: Anything you say can be used against you in court, including statements made at the scene or during a voluntary interview afterward.
• Don’t Contact the Alleged Victim: Attempting to reach the other party, even to explain or apologize, can result in additional charges or a violation of an active no-contact order.
• Preserve Evidence: Secure any text messages, photos, call logs, or communications that may support your account of events. Do this before anything else.
• Comply Strictly With Any Court Orders: If a no-contact or protective order is issued, follow it without exception. Any violation creates new criminal exposure and affects how the court perceives you going forward.
• Contact a Defense Attorney as Early as Possible: Early involvement gives your attorney the most time to investigate, challenge the evidence, and engage with prosecutors before the case solidifies.

At King Law, P.C., we’re available from the first call. The free case review is the right first step. Call (806) 370-7800 to speak with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Lubbock?

A first-offense assault causing bodily injury to a family member is a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000. If the accused has a prior family violence conviction or the offense involved strangulation, the charge rises to a third-degree felony with two to 10 years in prison. Aggravated assault against a family member involving a deadly weapon and serious bodily injury can reach five to 99 years for a first-degree felony. Every conviction also triggers a permanent federal firearm ban under the Lautenberg Amendment, including misdemeanor convictions.

How Can a Domestic Violence Lawyer Help My Case?

A domestic violence attorney investigates the facts independently, reviewing police reports, 911 recordings, witness statements, and physical evidence. We examine whether the mandatory arrest was legally justified, challenge evidence that doesn’t hold up, and negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, deferred adjudication, or dismissal. If the case goes to trial, we represent you in court. Early involvement matters because the defense has the most leverage before charges are formalized.

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped?

Charges can be reduced or dismissed, but the decision belongs to the prosecutor, not the alleged victim. The victim declining to cooperate doesn’t automatically result in dismissal. Prosecutors may proceed using other evidence, including 911 recordings and officer testimony. A defense attorney can challenge key elements of the state’s case and negotiate outcomes, but there are no guarantees. Acting early gives the defense the best opportunity to shape how the case develops.

What Should I Do If I’m Falsely Accused?

Remain calm and don’t engage with the person who made the accusation. Any contact, even to dispute the claim, can be used against you or violate a court order. Preserve every piece of evidence that contradicts the accusation: messages, photos, records of your location, or communications showing the context of the relationship. Contact a defense attorney immediately so the investigation starts before evidence is lost or memories fade.

What Happens During a Free Case Review at King Law, P.C.?

Attorney Michael King or our team reviews the charges against you, examines the available evidence, and explains how Texas law applies to your situation. We outline realistic defense strategies and likely outcomes based on the specific facts of your case. There’s no obligation to retain us, and the information you receive is yours to use. Call (806) 370-7800 to schedule yours.

Speak With a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Lubbock Today

A domestic violence charge carries consequences that reach far beyond any sentence, including a permanent record, a federal firearm ban, and potential effects on custody and immigration status. The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the more options remain open. King Law, P.C. offers a free case review for anyone facing family violence charges in Lubbock, and we handle both state and federal court matters.

Call (806) 370-7800 to schedule your free case review with King Law, P.C. today.