Bryan Domestic Violence Lawyers

The state of Texas considers domestic violence as force in a domestic environment that causes injury, threatens to cause bodily injury or physical contact that could be considered offensive or provocative by the victim. These laws apply to more than just spouses.

In fact, you could be charged with domestic violence if violence was threatened or caused to anyone living with you in the household. If you or someone you know has been arrested for domestic violence, it is imperative you contact a skilled attorney to represent them immediately.

At Shane Phelps Law., our College Station domestic violence attorney has decades of experience handling domestic violence cases.

Give us a call today at 979-596-6843 to speak with a College Station domestic violence attorney from our office!

What is Considered Domestic Violence in Texas?

Domestic violence is considered a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship to maintain or gain control of another person in the relationship. This could be a spouse, live in girlfriend or boyfriend, children or roommate. Most people assume domestic abuse is simply a violent act, but you could be charged with domestic abuse if any of the following actions occurred.

Physical Abuse— if an abuse is pinching, hitting, slapping, pulling hair, denying medical treatment to a domestic partner.
Sexual Abuse – if an abuser coerces someone into having sexual contact without his or her consent.
Emotional Abuse—this occurs when the abuser invalidates or deflates their spouse, or other household member’s sense of self-worth or self-esteem.
Economic Abuse – an abuser will make the victim financially reliant on them by withholding access to their money or preventing them from attending school or work.
Threats – in verbal or written form the abuser threatens to harm their victim
Stalking and Cyberstalking – If the abuser follows the victim to work, spies or otherwise harasses them, it could be considered stalking. More behaviors of stalking include, sending gifts, leaving text messages and voicemails. Cyberstalking refers to repeated online actions that cause emotional distress on a victim.

How Can a Domestic Violence Conviction Affect Your Life?

Facing domestic violence charges can have profound and far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the legal realm. It is crucial to understand that these charges can affect various aspects of your life, from your personal relationships to your professional opportunities and your overall well-being. In this section, we will explore the multifaceted impact of domestic violence charges and why seeking legal counsel and support is essential.

Strained Relationships: One of the most immediate and evident impacts of domestic violence charges is the strain they place on your personal relationships. Accusations of domestic violence can shatter trust and damage the dynamics within families and intimate partnerships. Even if the charges are ultimately dropped or proven false, the emotional toll on relationships may persist, leading to long-lasting rifts.
Legal Consequences: Domestic violence charges can result in a variety of legal consequences, including restraining orders, probation, fines, and even imprisonment. These legal penalties can have a lasting impact on your record, affecting your ability to find employment, secure housing, or obtain custody of your children in the future.
Employment and Career: A domestic violence charge on your record can significantly hinder your career prospects. Many employers conduct background checks, and having a criminal record can make it challenging to secure certain jobs or advance within your current profession. In some cases, it may even lead to job loss or the revocation of professional licenses.
Social Stigma: Being accused of domestic violence can lead to social stigma and ostracization. Friends, colleagues, and acquaintances may distance themselves from you due to the negative perceptions associated with such charges. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.
Custody and Parental Rights: If you have children and are involved in a custody battle, domestic violence charges can have a significant impact on the outcome. Courts prioritize the safety and well-being of children, and a history of domestic violence can be used against you when determining custody arrangements.
Psychological and Emotional Toll: The stress and anxiety associated with facing domestic violence charges can take a severe toll on your mental health. The fear of legal consequences, potential imprisonment, and the impact on your relationships can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Financial Strain: Legal fees, fines, and potential loss of employment can result in a significant financial strain when dealing with domestic violence charges. The financial burden can extend long after the legal proceedings have concluded, affecting your financial stability and future prospects.

Penalties for Domestic Violence

If you were accused of domestic violence, you could:

Be ordered to leave your home
Lose custody of your children
Lose the right to own guns

In addition, if you are a licensed professional, you could be stripped of your license and face other administrative consequences. Depending on the domestic violence charges, you could face anywhere from a Class C misdemeanor penalty which carries a fine of up to $500 or a second-degree felony, which carries penalties of 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. With so much at stake, you cannot afford to be unrepresented.

Contact Shane Phelps Law by calling 979-596-6843 to book your free consultation today.

Shane Phelps

Lead Attorney

Reilly Garrett

Attorney

Aaron Kleinschmidt

Attorney

Case Results

How We’ve Helped Others In Your Shoes

Appellate Reversal and Dismissal

Murder x 2

State v. D.L.
2019

Sexual Assault

Dismissed

Wilson County v. T.M.
2024

Harassment

Dismissed

State v. D.C.
2022

Title IX

Accusation of Sexual Assault

Not responsible
State v. Z.M.
2023

Dismissed with Agreement to Immediately Expunge (on day of trial)

Attempted Theft $2,500-$30,000

Attempted Securing Execution of a Document by Deception
State v. G.M.
2023

Sexual Assault

Rejected after our investigation

Sexual Assault
Rejected after our investigation
State v. Z.M.
2023

Refused After Our Investigation

Prostitution (Class B)

Refused after our investigation 2014 (State v. I.I.)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Penalty Group 3, less than 28 grams (Class A), Possession of Marijuana, less than two ounces (Class B) – Both reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudications, Expunction Pending 2015 (State v. D.O.)

Reduced to Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Penalty Group 2, less than one gram (State Jail Felony) – Reduced to misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication 2014, early termination of probation 2015 (State v. P.B.)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication

Criminal Mischief $500-$1500 (Class A)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication 2015 (State v. I.S.)

Dismissed

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Penalty Group 1, less than one gram (State Jail Felony) – Dismissed 2014 (State v. L.P.)

Refused Following Our Investigation

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Penalty Group 2, 4-400 Grams (2nd Degree); Three counts Misdemeanor controlled substance charges – Refused following our investigation; three misdemeanor charges to be dismissed. 2015 (State v. J.D.)

Dismissed

Possession of Marijuana

2-4 Ounces, Drug Free Zone (State Jail Felony) – Dismissed 2015 (State v. S.A.)

Negotiated pre-trial diversion on Class B

Possession of Marijuana

2-4 Ounces, Drug Free Zone (State Jail Felony) – Negotiated pre-trial diversion on Class B misdemeanor, seized vehicle and more than $15,000 recovered for client 2015 (State v. C.M.)

Dismissed

Possession of Child Pornography (Two Counts; 3rd Degree)

(Two Counts; 3 rd Degree) – Both counts Dismissed, no sex offender registration 2015 (State v. B.M.)

Dismissed

Failure to Identify (Class B)

Dismissed, Expunction Pending 2015 (State v. L.W.)

Reduced to Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication

Theft $1,500-$20,000 (State Jail Felony)

Reduced to Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication 2014 (State v. K.J.)

Refused

Possession of False ID

Possession of False ID (Class A)/Minor in Possession (Class C) – Class A Refused and MIP Dismissed 2015 (State v. B.B.)

Refused Following Our Investigation

Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor (Class A)

Refused following our investigation 2015 (State v. M.G.)

Refused Following Our Investigation

Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Penalty Group 1A, 4-400 Grams (1st Degree) – Refused following our investigation 2015 (State v. R.A.)

Refused Following Our Investigation

Tampering with Evidence (3rd Degree)

Refused following our investigation 2015

No Billed by Grand Jury

Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon/Bottle (2nd Degree)

No Billed by Grand Jury following our investigation 2014 (State v. G.H.)

Dismissed

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance: Dismissed

Dismissed

Assault by Contact (Class C)

Dismissed 2014 (State v. A.M.)

Reduced to Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Penalty Group 2, less than one gram (State Jail Felony) – Reduced to misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication 2014 (State v. D.D.)

D.W.I Refused, POM Reduced

D.W.I (Class B); Possession of Marijuana

D.W.I (Class B); Possession of Marijuana under two ounces (Class B) – D.W.I refused, POM reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication 2014 (State v. P.D.G.)

Dismissed

Assault on Peace Officer (3rd Degree)

Harassment of a Public Servant (3rd Degree) – Dismissed 2014 (State v. A.Y.)

Dismissed

Theft $20,000-$100,000 (3rd Degree)

Dismissed 2015 (State v. C.S.)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication

Possession of Marijuana

Possession of Marijuana under two ounces (Class B) – Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication, expunction eligible 2015 (State v. S.P.)

All Charges Refused

Aggravated Kidnapping (1st Degree)

Aggravated Kidnapping (1st Degree), Sexual Assault of a Child (2nd Degree), Improper Visual Photography (State Jail Felony) – All charges refused after our investigation 2014 (State v. Z.H.)

Refused After Our Investigation

Tampering with Evidence (3rd Degree)

Refused after our investigation 2014 (State v. O.S.)

Refused After Our Investigation

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Penalty Group 2, 4-400 grams (2nd Degree) – Refused after our investigation 2014 (State v. D.B.L.)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication

Criminal Trespass to a Habitation (Class B)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication 2013 (State v. J.K.)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication

Altered Handicapped Placard (Class A)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication, expunged 2013 (State v. L.W.)

All Charges Dismissed

D.W.I. (Class B)

D.W.I. (Class B), Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon (four counts, Class A), Possession of Marijuana under two ounces (class B), Possession of a Dangerous Drug (Class A) – All charges dismissed except POM deferred adjudication with agreement for expunction; all weapons recovered for client. 2013 (State v. K.Y.)

Case Dismissed

Criminal Trespass – Property

Both Charges Dismissed

2 Counts of Aggravated Assault

Motion to Adjudicate Dismissed

Motion to Adjudicate on Possession of Marijuana 4oz. – 5 lbs

Evidence Suppressed

Murder/Aggravated, Robbery/Prohibited Weapon
State v. S.S.
2022

Refused After Our Investigation

Theft (State Jail Felony)

Refused after our investigation 2015 (State v. S.K.)

Reduced to Class C Misdemeanor

Theft $50-$500 (Class B)

Theft $50-$500 (Class B) – Reduced to Class C Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication 2015 (State v. P.C.)

Reduced to Class C Misdemeanor

Criminal Trespass to Habitation (Class A)

Reduced to Class C Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication (Pending expunction) (State v. W.A.)

Reduced to Misdemeanor

Burglary of a Habitation (2nd Degree)

Reduced to Misdemeanor 2014 (State v. P.M.)

Dismissed

Motion to Adjudicate/Burglary of a Building (State Jail Felony)

Dismissed 2015 (State v. B.R.)

Reduced to Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication

Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon/knife (2nd Degree)

Reduced to Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication 2015 (State v. P.M.)

Dismissed

Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon/knife (2nd Degree)

Dismissed 2013 (State v. M.N.)

Dismissed

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (1st Degree)

Dismissed 2014 (State v. C.L.)

Not Guilty by Jury

Indecency w/Child by Contact (2nd Degree)

Not Guilty by jury 2013 (State v. J.Z.)

Dismissed

Aggravated Assault/Deadly Weapon/Peace Officer

Dismissed 2015 (State v. A.H.)

Negotiated Deferred Prosecution on lesser charge

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child/Juvenile

Negotiated Deferred Prosecution on lesser charge, no sex offender registration 2015 (In the Matter of R.C.)

Refused After Our Investigation

Sexual Assault (2nd Degree)

Refused after our investigation 2015 (State v. T.G.)

Dismissed at Trial

Aggravated Robbery (1st Degree)

Dismissed at trial 2015 (State v. J.M.)

Dismissed at Trial

Assault/Family Violence (Class A)

Dismissed at trial 2015 (State v. N.G.)

Acquitted

Indecency with a Child

Acquitted by jury

Acquitted

Indecency with a Child

Acquitted by jury

Quashed and Dismissed

Fleeing a Police Officer

Quashed and dismissed

Reduced

Driving While License Suspended

Reduced to Class C Misdemeanor deferred

Sentence Reversed

Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

15-year sentence reversed on Motion for New Trial

Refused After Our Investigation

Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon/firearm (2nd Degree)

Refused after our investigation 2015 (State v. G.B.)

Dismissed

Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon (2nd Degree)

Dismissed 2015 (State v. S.M.)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication

Theft $50-$500 (Class B)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication, Expunction Pending 2015 (State v. M.D.)

Negotiated Misdemeanor Pre-Trial Diversion

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Penalty Group 1, less than a gram, Drug Free Zone (3rd Degree); Possession of Marijuana under two ounces, Drug Free Zone (Class A) – Negotiated misdemeanor pre-trial diversion with agreement for expunction 2015 (State v. L.L.)

Dismissed

Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 2, less than a gram (State Jail Felony)

Penalty Group 2, less than a gram (State Jail Felony) – Dismissed 2015 (State v. C.F.)

Reduced to non-aggravated Manslaughter charge

Murder (1st Degree)

Reduced to non-aggravated Manslaughter charge (2nd Degree), 8 years 2014 (State v. B.S.)

Dismissed

Burglary of a Vehicle (Class A)

Dismissed 2015 (State v. R.R.)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication

Possession of Marijuana (Class B)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication, Expunction Pending 2015 (State v. J.H.)

Refused After Our Investigation

Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon (Class A)

Refused after our investigation; arrest expunged 2015 (State v. G.S.)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication

Possession of Marijuana (Class B)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication, Expunction Pending 2015 (State v. B.C.)

Refused after our investigation

Assault/Family Violence (Class A)

Assault/Family Violence (Class A) – Refused after our investigation 2015 (State v. V.K.)

Dismissed

Sexual Assault of a Child (2nd Degree)

Sexual Assault of a Child (2nd Degree) – Dismissed at trial 2015 (State v. J.J.)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication

Theft $50-$500 (Class B)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication, Expunction pending 2015 (State v. A.B.)

Refused After Our Investigation

Criminal Mischief $1,500 – $20,000 (State Jail Felony)

Refused after our investigation 2015 (State v. J.W.)

Refused After Our Investigation

Assault/Family Violence (Class A)

Refused after our investigation 2015 (State v. D.K.) Expunged 2015.

Reduced to Class C

Theft $50-$500 (Class B)

Reduced to Class C Deferred Adjudication 2015 (State v. R.R.) (Pending Expunction)

Reduced to Class A Misdemeanor Assault

Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon/Bottle (2nd Degree)

Reduced to Class A Misdemeanor Assault 2015 (State v. C.F.)

Refused after our investigation

Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon/handgun (2nd Degree)

Refused after our investigation 2015 (State v. W.M.)

Not Guilty Verdict

Aggravated Robbery/Murder x2
2023
State v. M.R.

Found Not True

Motion to Adjudicate/Felony Assault Family Violence (3rd Degree)

Found Not True by Court after contested hearing 2013 (State v. R.R.)

Not Guilty Verdict

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
2023
State v. T.H.

Dismissed

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Brazos County
State v. J.M.

Dismissed

Evading Arrest with a Vehicle (3rd Degree)

State v. J.E.
Evading Arrest with a Vehicle (3rd Degree)
Dismissed
Milam County

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