While assault, battery and threats of violence are already illegal in Dallas County, Texas, the penalties and collateral consequences are more serious when the crime occurs between two people related by blood or marriage or who were previously in a romantic relationship.
The designation of a domestic relationship is usually defined to include a boyfriend and girlfriend, a husband and wife, gay or lesbian couples, a mother and father who have a child in common, or family members closely related by blood or marriage (particularly parents, children and siblings).
Many domestic violence cases also involve filing for a petition for protection (often called a "restraining order" or "injunction") against domestic violence.
Criminal charges can follow an allegation of a violation of an injunction for domestic violence. Related charges include stalking, cyberstalking and harassment.
Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.
TCDLA has a proud history of supporting and educating criminal defense lawyers in the the state while advocating for the rights of the accused. Many of the top criminal defense attorneys in Texas are active within this organization.
Dallas Bar Lawyer Referral Service - The Dallas Bar Association operates a non-profit Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) that helps the public find a qualified attorney throughout Dallas and the surrounding areas in Plano County and Collins County, Texas. The Lawyer Referral Service requires a $20 consultation fee for a referral to a local attorney experienced in the needed practice area. In exchange for the $20 consultation fee you can receive a 30 minute consultation an attorney serving on the appropriate panel of the LRS.