Being charged with domestic violence can turn your world upside down. A single accusation can affect your job, your family, and your freedom. But just because someone calls the police doesn’t mean you’re guilty. At Daniel Collins Law, we understand how emotional these cases can be—and we’re here to help you protect your rights.
There are legal defenses that may apply to your situation. Every case is different, and the right defense depends on the facts. Below, we break down some of the most common defenses to domestic violence charges in Texas.
False Allegations
It’s unfortunate, but false accusations happen more often than people think. Sometimes, a partner may make a claim out of anger or as a way to gain an advantage in a divorce or custody dispute. Other times, a misunderstanding can spiral into criminal charges.
There are cases where:
- The accuser exaggerated what happened after a heated argument.
- There was no physical contact at all, but emotions ran high.
- One partner used a domestic violence claim to get the upper hand in court.
When you work with us, we’ll go over the evidence with a fine-tooth comb. That includes text messages, voicemails, photos, witness statements, and more. If the story doesn’t add up, we’ll build a defense that calls the credibility of the accusation into question. We know how to shine a light on the truth.
Self-Defense or Defense of Others
Texas law allows you to protect yourself—or someone else—from immediate harm. If someone physically attacks you, you have the right to defend yourself with reasonable force. The same is true if you step in to protect a child or another person.
To show self-defense applies, we’ll look at:
- Whether there was an immediate threat
- How much force was used in response
- Whether you tried to walk away or de-escalate first
Sometimes, domestic disputes escalate quickly, and things get out of hand. But that doesn’t mean you were in the wrong. We’ll listen to your side of the story and gather evidence that supports it—like past threats or prior incidents of violence by the other person. Our goal is to show the court the bigger picture.
Lack of Evidence
The prosecution has to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If they can’t do that, they won’t win. In many domestic violence cases, the only evidence is the accuser’s word. There might be no visible injuries, no medical reports, and no witnesses. Even if there is some evidence, it might not support the charge or show what really happened.
We’ll carefully review:
- Police reports for inconsistencies or missing details.
- Any video or audio recordings.
- Statements made by the accuser at the scene versus in court.
If the state’s case is weak, we’ll make that clear. You shouldn’t be convicted based on speculation or a one-sided version of events.
Consent or Mutual Combat
In certain situations, both people are actively involved in the conflict. When both parties willingly engage in a fight, it may not be fair—or legally accurate—to say one person assaulted the other.
We may be able to show that:
- The physical altercation was mutual.
- The accuser agreed to the encounter or participated willingly.
- There was no intent to cause serious harm.
These cases are often messy and filled with emotion. But that doesn’t mean the law should only hear one version of the story. We’ll work to make sure the court hears yours, too.
How We Can Help
At Daniel Collins Law, we’ve defended clients against many domestic violence charges in Texas. We know how these cases are investigated, and we understand the legal strategies that work.
Here’s what we offer:
- A full review of your case with an honest assessment.
- A legal defense tailored to your specific situation.
- Direct communication with your attorney—no being passed off to someone else.
We’ll keep you informed at every step, so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
Contact an Experienced Texas Domestic Violence Attorney
We believe in giving our clients a fair chance. If you’ve been accused, don’t wait. The sooner you call us, the more we can do to help. Contact Daniel Collins Law today for a confidential consultation. We’ll listen, we’ll advise, and we’ll fight for the outcome you deserve.