Seek Aggressive Legal Defense From a Domestic Violence Lawyer in San Antonio
If you caused any type of injury, you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Prior convictions or allegations involving strangulation elevate the offense to a third-degree felony, carrying penalties of 2 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. If a deadly weapon was used and serious bodily injury occurred, you may face a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Other aggravated domestic assault convictions fall under a second-degree felony, carrying 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Penalties And Long-Term Consequences
At Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C., we understand how serious these charges are and how deeply they can affect your life, relationships, and reputation. Our team of experienced domestic violence lawyers in San Antonio is here to provide the guidance and support you need. We closely examine the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and build a strong defense strategy. As your domestic violence lawyer in San Antonio, our goal goes beyond fighting charges—we advocate for your future and pursue resolutions that help protect your freedom and livelihood.
How We Guide You Through The Process
Many people charged with family violence in San Antonio have never been arrested before and are unsure what will happen at each stage of the case, from arraignment to pretrial conferences and trial settings. We walk you through the process step by step, explaining what to expect in Bexar County courts, how conditions of bond and protective orders might affect your daily life, and what you can do to avoid making the situation worse. By preparing you for court appearances, helping you gather character references, and addressing issues such as counseling or classes when appropriate, we work to present you as a whole person rather than just a police report, which can make a real difference in how prosecutors and judges view your case.
When you hire our firm, you can expect support with key parts of your case, including:
- Understanding the charges. We explain the exact offense level, potential range of punishment, and any family violence findings the State is seeking.
- Reviewing and challenging evidence. We analyze reports, recordings, and medical records to identify inconsistencies or legal issues that may benefit your defense.
- Preparing for court appearances. We help you know what to expect at each setting in San Antonio courts and how to present yourself to the judge.
- Exploring resolution options. We discuss possible outcomes with you, including dismissals, reductions, diversion programs, or trial, so you can make informed decisions about your future.
Protective Orders
Domestic assault offenders also face being named in protective orders, also known as restraining orders, that can have serious consequences. These orders can remove you from the home you share with the alleged victim, prohibit you from making any kind of contact with the protected person or children involved, bar you from visiting the protected person’s home, workplace, school, or frequent places visited, remove your gun rights, require you to pay child support, limit or revoke your custody rights, and impose other orders and restrictions.
To fight back against charges, protective orders, and the negative effects of misdemeanor and felony convictions, we strongly urge you to contact Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C. online or call (210) 970-7019 as soon as possible.
Protective orders can further complicate familial relationships and might have long-term impacts on personal and professional aspects of life. It is essential to approach these situations with an informed strategy. At Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C., we not only help you understand these complex legal issues but also prepare you for every step of the legal journey. We work meticulously to negotiate terms and, when necessary, represent you in court to protect your interests and rights. Our bilingual team ensures clear communication, allowing for an understanding of all legal options available to you.
In San Antonio, protective orders can be temporary or long-term, and hearings are often scheduled quickly after an incident, giving you little time to respond if you are unrepresented. We review the allegations in the application, gather favorable evidence such as messages, social media posts, and witness statements, and help you decide whether to agree to limited terms, contest the order at a hearing, or seek modifications that allow you to work, see your children, and comply with court directives. Because a family violence finding tied to a protective order can affect future criminal cases and your firearm rights, having a criminal defense team that understands both the criminal and civil sides of these proceedings is especially important.
Some of the ways a protective order might affect your daily life include:
- Limiting where you can go. You may be restricted from your own home, your workplace, or locations where the protected person spends time.
- Restricting communication. You can be ordered not to call, text, email, or use social media to contact the protected person, even about shared children.
- Affecting parent-child contact. Your ability to pick up children from school or attend activities may be changed by the terms of the order.
- Impacting employment and licensing. Certain jobs, professional licenses, or security clearances can be affected by active protective orders and family violence findings.
Experienced Legal Professionals for Domestic Assault Cases in San Antonio
If you are facing domestic assault charges in or around San Antonio, you can get seasoned and well-respected legal help from Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C. Our team is dedicated to bringing you the highest level of service in this matter. We are backed by decades of experience in criminal law that includes years spent in law enforcement and as a judge by Juan Carlos Hernández and years spent as a prosecutor and judge by Christine Hernández. With such critical and insightful experience, your case will be handled with the utmost diligence, care, and responsiveness.
Our firm understands the intricacies and emotional stress associated with domestic assault cases. Our domestic violence lawyers in San Antonio are committed to providing personalized service, keeping you informed every step of the way. Trust us to deliver sound advice and effective legal strategies tailored to your unique situation. As members of the San Antonio community, we are proud to serve our neighbors with integrity and dedication, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for each of our clients.
Because of our backgrounds in law enforcement, prosecution, and the judiciary, we are familiar with how local police departments investigate family violence calls, how Bexar County prosecutors evaluate cases, and what concerns judges may have when setting bond or approving plea resolutions. We use this insight to anticipate the arguments the State may raise, to identify areas where evidence may be incomplete or unreliable, and to explore alternatives to conviction, such as diversion programs or reductions where appropriate. When you work with a San Antonio domestic violence attorney at our firm, you receive the benefit of a team that understands both the human side of these cases and the way they move through the local court system.
Set up your free initial consultation with a San Antonio domestic violence attorney by contacting Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C. via online message or by calling (210) 970-7019. Hablamos español.