Domestic Violence

Georgetown Domestic Violence Lawyers

Former Family Violence Prosecutors on Your Side

In Texas, domestic violence allegations are charged as Assault Family Violence, and a conviction can affect your freedom, family, and future.

Winters & Chidester is a team of former prosecutors who understand how the state builds its case and how to fight back.

We have extensive trial experience in family violence courts.
We understand the special rules of evidence and procedure that apply in Assault Family Violence cases.
We know how Williamson County and other local prosecutors and courts handle family violence allegations, including practices like attachments for alleged victims.
We communicate openly with our clients and explain each step of the process.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which strengthens our positioning in negotiations and in the courtroom.
We represent clients in Georgetown, Williamson County, and the surrounding areas.

When you meet with us for a free consultation, we'll take the time to listen to your side of the story, review any police reports or protective orders, and discuss what has already happened in court. We'll then outline the likely path of your case in Georgetown, including possible diversion programs, counseling requirements, or trial settings, so you know what to expect and how we will work together at each step.

We'll also explain realistic defense options that may be available in your situation, such as challenging the legality of an arrest, questioning the reliability of witness statements, or presenting evidence that law enforcement overlooked in the rush to make a family violence arrest.

We consider ourselves your partners through this ordeal, and our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to actively participate in your defense, rather than feel like a bystander in the process.

Call (512) 961-4555 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with our team. Hablamos español.

Strategic Representation When Your Case is “Upside Down”

In family violence prosecutions, we use the phrase “upside down” to describe a case in which the person charged with family violence is actually the victim. Because we have prosecuted and defended these cases, we know how to recognize when a case is upside down and how to use the rules of procedure and evidence to document that reality in court.

When handled correctly, upside-down cases can go from serious felony charges, like aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and Assault Family Violence by strangulation, to case dismissal, as was the case for one of our past clients. And while past results don't guarantee future outcomes, we use them to represent what's possible when you approach the case with experience, strategy, and local insight.

Protection for “Attached” Family Violence Victims in Williamson County

Unlike many other counties, Williamson County will attach alleged victims in family violence cases. Essentially, this means an arrest warrant is issued for an alleged victim, who is then forced to appear in court. Because of this, we approach Williamson County family violence cases differently, employing measures such as bond hearings to build a record of alleged victims' testimony before an attachment is ever issued. We can then set the case for trial, and, in the best of circumstances, get the charge dismissed.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence, called family violence under Texas law, is any act intended to cause physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault against a family or household member, or someone you are dating or have dated. When the State files criminal charges, it frequently uses the term Assault Family Violence. That label can affect how your case is handled in court and how a conviction might impact your future.

Domestic violence can include:

Physical abuse
Threats of violence
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Stalking
Harassment

Domestic violence charges can be filed as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the alleged incident, the injuries involved, prior Assault Family Violence convictions, alleged strangulation, or the use of a deadly weapon.

Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Texas

In Texas, family violence cases involve specific charges and enhancements. Common charges include:

Assault Family Violence: Causing bodily injury to a family or household member or a dating partner.
Assault Family Violence by Impeding Breath or Circulation: Often referred to as strangulation, this is charged as a felony and can carry severe penalties.
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon: Allegations that a deadly weapon was used or exhibited during an assault against a family or household member enhance the charge to a first-degree felony.
Violation of Protective Order: Allegations that someone has violated the terms of a protective order or magistrate’s order for emergency protection.

Because the law treats Assault Family Violence differently from other assault charges, it is critical to understand the specific accusations in your case and what the prosecution must prove.

Protective Orders & No-Contact Orders

In addition to criminal charges, allegations of domestic or family violence may involve protective orders.

A protective order is a legal injunction that requires the alleged abuser to stay away from the victim, their home, workplace, and/or school. Violating a protective order can result in criminal charges, including jail time and fines. Beyond the legal implications, protective orders can also impact your personal life, affecting your reputation, employment opportunities, and even child custody arrangements.

In many family violence cases in Georgetown, the court may issue an emergency protective order shortly after an arrest, sometimes without your input.

We help you understand the specific terms imposed by the Williamson County court, advise you on lawful ways to maintain contact with children or retrieve belongings, and work to modify or challenge conditions that are unworkable or unfair while still complying with all court requirements.

Penalties for Domestic Violence & Assault Family Violence

Domestic violence offenses can range from a Class C misdemeanor (ex: offensive touching) with a fine of up to $500 to a Class A misdemeanor (ex: causing bodily injury) punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

Domestic violence crimes can also be charged as felonies. If it is a repeat offense, it can be prosecuted as a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon in a domestic violence crime can be prosecuted as a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 years up to life in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The penalties for domestic violence and Assault Family Violence in Texas depend on the specific charges, the facts of the case, and your prior criminal history. Potential consequences can include:

Jail or prison time
Fines and court costs
Probation or community supervision
Mandatory counseling or batterer intervention programs
Loss of firearm rights
Immigration consequences for noncitizens
Impact on child custody or divorce proceedings

A conviction for Assault Family Violence can also result in a permanent mark on your record that may affect employment, housing, and professional opportunities.

In addition to jail or prison time and fines, a conviction can carry long-term consequences such as loss of firearm rights, immigration complications, and limits on certain professional licenses.

We walk you through how a plea, conviction, or dismissal could affect your background checks and future opportunities so you can weigh any offer from the prosecution with a clear understanding of the risks and benefits.

Defense for Assault Family Violence Charges in TX

As former family violence prosecutors, we know how these cases are investigated and charged, including where weaknesses and constitutional problems can arise.

Potential defenses include:

Challenging the credibility or consistency of witness statements
Presenting evidence that the incident was an accident or that no assault occurred
Raising self-defense or defense of others
Demonstrating that the case is upside down and that the accused is actually a victim
Exposing problems with how law enforcement handled the investigation or collected evidence
Addressing issues with 911 calls, body camera footage, or recorded interviews
Negotiating for reduced charges or alternative resolutions when appropriate

We also pay careful attention to the collateral consequences of Assault Family Violence allegations, such as firearm rights, immigration matters, and family law issues.

Contact Our Georgetown Domestic Violence Lawyers

If you have been accused of domestic violence or Assault Family Violence in Georgetown, Williamson County, or the surrounding areas, our team can assess the allegations and explain your options. Early intervention can make a significant difference in how your case is charged, how evidence is presented, and what options may be available.

What To Expect After a Domestic Violence Arrest

After a domestic violence arrest in Georgetown, you will usually be taken to the Williamson County Jail, see a magistrate for bond conditions, and then be given a court date in either a county court at law or district court. Bond circumstances may include no-contact provisions, orders to stay away from certain addresses, and requirements to surrender firearms.

We can help you manage this process early, allowing you to plan for housing, childcare, and work so you do not unintentionally violate a court order while trying to manage your responsibilities.

Once your case is filed, there may be several settings before any trial date, and prosecutors will be reviewing police reports, body camera footage, 911 recordings, and witness statements. As your domestic violence lawyers, we'll request and analyze the evidence, discuss it with you in detail, and look for inconsistencies or gaps that can support motions to suppress or weaken the state’s case. We also talk with you about potential treatment or counseling options, where appropriate, that can sometimes improve how the court views your situation without admitting guilt or giving up your rights.

Contact our team for legal help at (512) 961-4555 today.

Real People. Real Wins.

Review Some of Our Results to See for Yourself What We’ve Worked to Achieve

As Georgetown criminal attorneys, we recognize the importance of what we do. Our goal is to help our clients face brighter futures, all while protecting their constitutional rights to the fullest. We couldn't be more proud of the people we've helped and the lives we've changed.

View All Results

Case dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a young man charged with assault family violence. By acting swiftly and conducting our own investigation, we achieved a dismissal of his case in under six months.
Case Dismissed Theft Case
We negotiated a dismissal by identifying issues with the case for our client accused of theft.
Case dismissed Drugs & Firearm During Traffic Stop
We represented a client who was accused of having drugs and a firearm in their vehicle during a traffic stop. We worked with the prosecution to have the case dismissed.
Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a client accused of assault family violence who was actually the victim. By highlighting significant issues to the prosecutor using our experience in family violence cases, we achieved a dismissal.
No felony charge; Zero jail time DWI
We represented a client facing potential felony DWI charges due to prior convictions, along with a criminal mischief charge and a probation revocation. We helped him avoid felony charges and a criminal mischief conviction, and he served no jail time.