San Antonio Domestic Violence Lawyer Vigorously Defends Clients

Get help from a skilled Texas domestic violence defense lawyer

Domestic violence is a sad fact of life in too many relationships. If you have been accused of domestic violence, Kevin L. Collins, P.C. is ready to put more than 27 years of experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney to work on your behalf. Based in San Antonio, I represent clients throughout Texas who face charges of domestic violence. I understand the consequences of conviction and will work to challenge the allegations you face to protect your rights and reputation.

What is domestic violence?

In Texas, domestic violence involves an assault or threat on a current or former spouse, partner, or relative living with the defendant in the same household, if the defendant either:

• Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to the victim
• Intentionally or knowingly threatens the victim with imminent bodily injury
• Intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with the victim that the defendant knows or should know the victim will find upsetting or will make him or her feel violated

Bodily injury can mean anything from cuts, scrapes or bruises to broken bones and scarring to illnesses and injuries requiring surgery or hospitalization. So, for instance, if a man injures his wife, girlfriend, child, brother or sister, niece or nephew, in-law or someone renting out a room in his house, he engages in domestic violence. Likewise, if he threatens to injure that person while in a position to do so immediately, rips at that person’s clothes, or begins to choke him or her, that action may also be considered domestic violence. If you face such a charge, it’s important to seek legal help immediately. I will get to work right away to uphold your rights.

Felony domestic violence charges

Most domestic violence is a misdemeanor assault charge punishable by up to one year in jail and/or up to $4,000 in fines. However, the charge may be upgraded to a felony if:

• The defendant engaged in continuous family violence, meaning two or more acts of domestic violence within one year.
• The defendant was previously convicted of assault, homicide, kidnapping, indecency with a child or continuous family violence against the same or another family or household member or dating partner.
• The defendant intentionally, knowingly or recklessly impedes the victim’s air flow or blood circulation by choking or blocking the nose or mouth of the victim.

Felony domestic violence and continuous family violence are punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. If domestic violence involves serious bodily injury or the use of a weapon, the charge can be upgraded to aggravated assault, with more severe penalties. If you are charged with domestic violence, whether as a misdemeanor or a felony, I am able to provide a strong defense that may be able to challenge the severity of the crime or show you acted in self-defense or the defense of a third party.

Contact a skilled San Antonio criminal defense attorney for a domestic violence allegation

If you are accused of domestic violence, it’s important to seek skilled defense counsel immediately. Kevin L. Collins, P.C. in San Antonio represents Texans facing misdemeanor and felony domestic violence charges. To consult with me, call 210-598-8629 or contact me online.