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If you were arrested for domestic violence in Frisco or anywhere in Collin County, the charge on your paperwork says assault family violence, and your case is already moving. Within hours of an arrest, a magistrate can issue an emergency protective order that removes you from your home, and the Collin County District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit will be evaluating the case long before your first court date. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, our Frisco domestic violence defense practice is led by Justin Wilson, a former Collin County prosecutor who prosecuted these exact cases. We know how they are built, how bond conditions and protective orders actually get modified, and how dismissals actually happen in this county. Call 214-764-5535 for a free consultation today.
Domestic violence accusations can arise quickly, often from misunderstandings, false allegations, or moments when emotions run high. The consequences of a conviction reach far beyond criminal penalties, affecting your right to own a firearm, your employment and professional licenses, and your relationship with your children. The earlier we get involved, the more options you have.
Domestic violence accusations can arise quickly and often stem from misunderstandings, false allegations, or situations where emotions run high. The consequences of a conviction extend far beyond criminal penalties, affecting your ability to own firearms, secure employment, maintain professional licenses, and even see your children. Our team recognizes the urgency of your situation and provides 24/7 availability to help you receive immediate legal guidance when you need it most.
Our Frisco firm offers distinct advantages in domestic violence defense. Former prosecutor Justin Wilson’s experience provides invaluable insight into prosecutorial strategies, enabling us to build strong counter-strategies from the outset. We provide free consultations to review your case, explain the charges, and outline potential defenses. Our 24/7 availability ensures you have immediate access to legal support.
Our firm has a proven history of securing dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea deals across a range of domestic violence charges, from simple assault to complex felonies.
If you are facing domestic violence charges in Frisco, it is imperative to secure an experienced domestic violence attorney immediately. The initial period after an arrest is crucial, as evidence can be lost and statements made without counsel can be detrimental. Our defense team is well-versed in the Collin County court system and will act swiftly to protect your constitutional rights and investigate the charges against you.
Texas law, under Family Code § 71.004, defines family violence broadly. It includes intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to a family member, household member, or someone in a current or past dating relationship. This encompasses a wide range of relationships, including spouses, relatives, cohabitants, and dating partners. Texas law covers physical injury, threats of harm, or actions that create a reasonable fear of imminent physical harm; even minor physical contact can lead to charges.
Understanding the specific domestic violence charge you face is integral for your defense. The charges vary in severity and carry significant, often permanent, consequences and penalties.
This is the most common assault charge, involving intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to a family or household member or dating partner. It carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record that cannot be sealed. A second offense is enhanced to a third-degree felony, punishable by two to ten years in prison.
This charge applies when an assault causes serious bodily injury or involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. As a second-degree felony, it is punishable by two to twenty years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Convictions lead to long-term consequences, including the loss of firearm rights and significant impacts on employment and child custody.
An individual can face this charge for committing two or more domestic assaults against the same family or household member within a 12-month period. This allows prosecutors to combine multiple alleged incidents into a single felony case, which carries a penalty of two to ten years in prison.
Breaching the terms of a court-issued protective order is a serious offense. Violations, such as contacting the protected person or going to a prohibited location, can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, depending on the circumstances and prior history. This can lead to immediate arrest and additional criminal penalties.
This charge is a class C misdemeanor under Texas law and involves intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another that the person knows or should reasonably believe the victim will find provocative or offensive. In a domestic context, this could be something as seemingly minor as poking, pushing, or grabbing a partner during an argument. Domestic assault charges can arise from even minor physical contact in these situations. While this is punished by up to $500 in fines and no jail time, a family violence finding can have lasting consequences, including firearm restrictions and enhanced penalties for future charges. We work to get the charges dismissed without a conviction.
This charge, legally referred to as family violence assault, is filed when someone intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to a family member, household member, or dating partner. “Bodily injury” can include any physical pain, illness, or impairment, bruises, scratches, or soreness may be enough. Physical harm and physical violence are key elements in these cases, as Texas law defines family violence based on acts intended to cause injury or bodily harm. This Class A misdemeanor can be punished by up to one year in jail, community service, and $4,000 in fines. Plus, you’ll attend mandatory counseling.
Allegations that someone impeded another person’s normal breathing or blood circulation, commonly called strangulation or choking, constitute one of several felony offenses related to family violence. These cases often rely heavily on the alleged victim’s statement and physical evidence (such as redness or bruising on the neck). Under Texas law, threats or actions that cause imminent physical harm or sexual assault can also result in serious charges and are included in the broader legal framework for domestic violence. If convicted, you could spend two to 10 years in prison and pay up to $10,000 in fines. Our team challenges the evidence and seeks independent medical review when necessary.
This charge applies when someone is accused of committing two or more acts of family violence within a 12-month period, regardless of whether the incidents led to arrest or prosecution. The law applies to all parties involved, not just those living together; the relationship between the accused and the victim determines if the case qualifies as family or domestic violence. Even if you were originally charged with a misdemeanor, a continuous violence against the family charge is a third-degree felony that carries up to 10 years of prison time. If you have prior convictions for family violence, these can escalate the severity of the charges and result in harsher sentencing for continuous violence offenses. This statute allows the State to introduce prior allegations as evidence, not just convictions. We aggressively fight to keep unsupported claims out of court.
If you’ve been released on bond or are under a protective order, violating its terms, by contacting the protected party or being in a prohibited location, can result in a separate criminal charge. Protective orders may include restraining orders and requirements such as paying spousal support, which can significantly impact your daily life and relationships. This is typically a Class A misdemeanor but can be elevated to a state jail felony if you have prior violations or used a deadly weapon. Violations may result in re-arrest and additional charges. Our team investigates whether the violation actually happened and pushes back against overly broad protective orders.
Repeated violations within a year, whether of a protective order or bond condition, can result in a third-degree felony charge, even if no new violence occurred. Multiple charges can be stacked or prosecuted together. We challenge the underlying order and seek case consolidation or dismissal where appropriate.
Assaulting someone known to be pregnant automatically enhances the charge to a third-degree felony, even if the injury is minor. These cases often hinge on whether the accused knew the person was pregnant and the extent of the alleged harm. We explore every possible defense, including lack of knowledge and insufficient evidence of injury.
A domestic violence conviction carries consequences far beyond initial court-imposed penalties. These long-term impacts are critical to understand when forming a defense strategy.
Penalties for domestic violence in Collin County are based on the severity of the charge and any prior criminal history.
Defendants may receive probation, which often includes conditions like no-contact orders, counseling, and community service. Violating probation can lead to the imposition of the original jail or prison sentence.
Beyond criminal penalties, a conviction has lasting effects:
Handling the domestic violence legal process in Frisco can be complex. Understanding the key stages is essential for building a strong defense.
In Collin County, police typically make an arrest if they have probable cause of family violence, often based on limited, one-sided information. After booking, an initial court appearance occurs within 48 hours. During this hearing, the defendant is formally charged, and a judge sets bond conditions, which frequently include a no-contact order. Our attorneys work to secure reasonable bond amounts and conditions.
A magistrate can issue an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) immediately after an arrest, especially in cases involving serious injury or a deadly weapon. EPOs prohibit contact with the alleged victim and restrict access to certain locations like homes and workplaces. For orders issued on or after September 1, 2025, the duration is 61–91 days (or 91–121 days if a weapon was involved). Temporary protective orders, which can last up to two years, are issued after a court hearing. Bond conditions often include similar restrictions, and any violation can lead to re-arrest.
The court process begins with an arraignment, where a formal “not guilty” plea is typically entered. Following this, the defense and prosecution exchange evidence under the Michael Morton Act. Our attorneys thoroughly review all evidence with you, though legal restrictions prevent defendants from keeping personal copies of sensitive materials. Throughout this process, we engage in plea negotiations from a position of strength, informed by our investigation, while simultaneously preparing a comprehensive trial strategy.
Attorney Justin Wilson spent years as a Collin County prosecutor and personally prosecuted numerous assault family violence cases. As a misdemeanor prosecutor and court chief, he handled the courts where Class A assault family violence cases are tried, and as a felony prosecutor he prosecuted impeding breath strangulation cases, continuous violence against the family, and aggravated assault family violence. That background means we know how the State evaluates a family violence file, which weaknesses actually change a prosecutor’s mind, and what the Domestic Violence Unit needs to see before it will agree to a dismissal, a reduction, or a bond modification.
He is joined by attorney Kimberly Palmer, who spent eight years as a Dallas County prosecutor. Our clients get a defense team that has evaluated these cases from the State’s side of the courtroom for well over a decade combined. We prepare every case as though it is going to trial, because in our experience prepared cases get the best outcomes, whatever form the win takes.
Texas law has no offense called domestic violence. What everyone outside the courthouse calls a domestic violence charge is filed as assault family violence under Penal Code Section 22.01, so if you searched for a domestic violence attorney in Frisco, this is the practice that defends exactly that charge.
We have also published detailed, first-hand guides drawn from years inside the Collin County courthouse. Our complete guide to assault family violence in Collin County covers bond and no-contact orders, the DA’s Domestic Violence Unit, strangulation charges, CPS involvement, and how dismissals actually happen here. If your case sits near the county line, see how Collin and Denton County handle the same arrest differently. And for what it takes to win one of these cases outright, read our recent case result: Frisco assault family violence and 911 interference charges, both dismissed, a dismissal won without an affidavit of non-prosecution.
Recent outcomes in assault family violence and related cases across the counties we serve. The Frisco PD family violence results appear on our Frisco criminal defense page; the results below came from other agencies. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
The reviews below were posted by our clients on Google. Each one links to the original so you can verify it for yourself.
“Justin’s professionalism and calm demeanor is second to none. He does an amazing job of explaining the process in detail, fully explains the possible outcomes and does a great job of advising what the best course of action is. There was no sales pitch in the initial consultation. He approaches the initial meeting with care and it stays that way throughout. Above all else he and his team gets results. I was very pleased with the outcome and I assure anyone in need of his help that you will be too.”
“Justin Wilson helped make a stressful and scary situation seem manageable. He is very knowledgeable and was so thorough with explaining what each step was and what to expect with each of our court dates. He made it really easy on us. He really was the best choice we could have made! And he was able to get our case dismissed!! It was a better outcome than we could have hoped for. I would highly recommend him!”
“Justin is a super professional lawyer with positive results. I would refer Justin to anyone who needs help with anything. Justin gets it done with positive results.”
“I love this lawyer, he is truthful and accurate.”
“Highly recommend this law firm. Justin and the team handled my case with the upmost care, always kind and professional, and let me know all the details every step of the way.”
Facing an assault family violence charge outside Frisco, or a felony-level allegation anywhere in the county? Our Collin County assault family violence lawyer page covers the county-wide picture, including our grand jury defense packet strategy for felony cases.
Contact an experienced domestic violence attorney immediately. Do not speak to police without legal representation present. Exercise your right to remain silent and clearly request an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court, even if you believe you are providing helpful information or explanations.
While alleged victims cannot directly “drop” charges once they are filed, prosecutors may dismiss cases based on lack of evidence, witness cooperation issues, or other factors. An experienced attorney can work with prosecutors to present evidence and arguments that support dismissal of charges.
Most domestic violence cases resolve within three to twelve months, depending on their complexity and whether they go to trial. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve faster than felony cases. Factors affecting timeline include evidence complexity, witness availability, court scheduling, and plea negotiation progress.
Domestic assault involves causing bodily injury to a family member and is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor with penalties up to one year in jail and $4,000 in fines. Aggravated domestic assault involves serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon and is charged as a felony with penalties of two to twenty years in prison.
Domestic violence convictions cannot be expunged in Texas and remain on your criminal record permanently. However, cases that result in dismissal, not guilty verdicts, or no-bill decisions by grand juries may be eligible for expunction under current Texas law (as updated by HB 4504, effective January 1, 2025). While domestic violence convictions cannot be expunged, orders of nondisclosure may be available as an alternative for certain cases, subject to specific eligibility requirements and waiting periods. Generally, orders of nondisclosure are generally not available for family violence offenses. We can assess your specific case and help determine which paths are available to you.
Protective order violations are serious offenses that can range from Class A misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances and your criminal history. Penalties include jail time, substantial fines, and additional restrictions. Contact an attorney immediately if you are accused of violating a protective order.
Eddie C.
Justin is a truly talented lawyer. His ability to think critically, and analyze quickly, are just a couple of traits that make him an excellent advocate for anyone charged with a crime. I’ve sat next to him in the courtroom and it is truly amazing to see him connect with a jury. He is an absolute pro.
Kamran V.
This law firm did an outstanding job for me. From start to finish, they were professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. They delivered exactly what they promised, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help.
Thomas A.
Justin Wilson and Justin Harris were amazing. Highly recommend them.
Lybbie
I trust Justin for any legal related questions and he certainly delivers. I recommend him 100% as he is committed to you from start to end- no matter the situation.
Cristal D.
Absolutely the best team you could ask for. From start to finish, the entire office was professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated. They made me feel heard, respected, and confident during one of the most stressful times of my life. Their communication was consistent, and you can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their outcomes.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who is sharp, honest, and will fight for you like it’s personal – this is the team you want on your side. I can’t thank them enough for everything they did. They truly are the best in the business.
Natalie M.
Justin Harris was an exceptional lawyer- he is hardworking and dedicated and will reach your needs and more.
He was reliable and professional in every way. He makes sure that you are not only heard but seen. When working with Justin- it gave me strong trust that he cared and that he is a man of his word.
Highly recommend this law firm. Justin and the team handled my case with the upmost care, always kind and professional, and let me know all the details every step of the way.
Prof. Carlos R.
My first impression with Justin and Heidi was that they are a first class law firm, very professional and very open to answering questions and making a person feel appreciated. I am glad I met both at Formation in Frisco Texas.
Alex C.
I have come to know Justin and his team through my practice as a civil lawyer, and Justin has always impressed me with the way he treats his clients, and his ability to clearly explain options. He works tirelessly to be prepared for all his cases, and always treats others with professionalism and respect.
Joshua J.
Justin is a super professional lawyer with positive results. I would refer Justin to any one who needs help with anything. Justin gets it done with positive results.
Yoker V.
I highly recommend Justin 100%, the total positive experience started the moment we first spoke. Justin is a complete and total professional and a highly skilled lawyer outside and especially inside the courtroom. My case had its challenges but Justin skillfully did his research and presented the court and jury a master class. At the end of the trial the judge looked at the prosecutor and said, ” That’s how it’s done.” YLV
Collin County
May 2026
Dismissed
Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Member
Collin County
May 2026
Dismissed
Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Member Class A
Collin County
May 2026
Dismissed
Robbery
Collin County
April 2026
Dismissed
Tampering with Evidence
Collin County
April 2026
Dismissed
Assault Family Violence
Collin County
April 2026
Refused
Assault Family Violence
Denton County
March 2026
Refused
Continuous Assault Family Violence
Collin County
April 2026
Dismissed
Tampering with Evidence
My Dallas Criminal Lawyer offers free consultations for those facing domestic violence charges. In this meeting, we will review the facts of your case, explain the charges and penalties, and outline potential defense strategies.
Contact us today at 214-764-5535 to schedule your free consultation. We are available 24/7 and provide bilingual support in English and Spanish.
Falsely accused? Don’t hesitate: we can give you the justice you deserve.
| Our team is available by phone 24/7 | Office Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Tuesday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Wednesday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Thursday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Friday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Our team is available by phone 24/7 | Office Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Tuesday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Wednesday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Thursday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Friday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Our team is available by phone 24/7 | Office Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Tuesday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Wednesday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Thursday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Friday | 8AM – 5PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
