Domestic Violence Attorney in Fort Worth

Bryan Wilson, The Texas Law Hawk, known as The Texas Law Hawk, is a Fort Worth-native criminal defense attorney who defends clients against domestic violence and assault family violence charges throughout Tarrant County. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Attorney Wilson interned for two Tarrant County criminal court judges during law school and has practiced in local courts throughout his career. That local, institutional knowledge matters when the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office is on the other side of the table.

A domestic violence charge in Texas carries consequences that extend well beyond jail time. A conviction can trigger a federal lifetime firearms ban, permanently bar a defendant from sealing their record in Texas, and affect child custody and employment. Early intervention by a defense attorney who understands how Tarrant County prosecutors operate is critical.

Contact Bryan Wilson, The Texas Law Hawk at (817) 440-3953 to schedule a free initial consultation with Attorney Wilson. The firm serves clients throughout Tarrant County, including Fort Worth and the surrounding cities.

Domestic Violence Charge Levels & Penalties in Texas

Texas law charges domestic violence offenses under several statutes. The difference between a misdemeanor and a first-degree felony often comes down to prior history, the method of assault, or the severity of injury.

• Class A misdemeanor: A first-offense domestic assault causing bodily injury under Texas Penal Code § 22.01 carries up to one year in county jail and a fine up to $4,000.
• Third-degree felony: A second domestic assault conviction, or a first offense involving strangulation or suffocation, is elevated to a felony carrying 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
• Second-degree felony: When a prior conviction and strangulation are both present, the charge rises further to 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
• Continuous violence against the family: Under Texas Penal Code § 25.11, two or more acts of domestic assault within a 12-month period constitute a third-degree felony, even if no prior arrest or conviction resulted from the earlier incident.
• First-degree felony: Under Texas Penal Code § 22.02, aggravated domestic assault involving a deadly weapon that causes serious bodily injury to a family or household member is a first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Aggravated assault is otherwise a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years.

Beyond incarceration, a Class A misdemeanor conviction triggers a federal lifetime firearms ban under the Lautenberg Amendment, and Texas imposes an additional five-year ban following supervision. A family violence finding on a criminal record permanently bars a defendant from obtaining a non-disclosure order in Texas, meaning the record can't be sealed. Courts may also impose batterers' intervention programs, anger management, or substance abuse counseling as conditions of probation.

How the Tarrant County System Actually Works

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest

After an arrest, the accused is typically taken to the Tarrant County Jail for booking and held until a magistrate hearing. A no-contact order is often issued before bond is set, which can bar the accused from their own home. Domestic violence cases are then heard at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth.

The DA's No-Drop Policy & Charging Decisions

The Tarrant County District Attorney's Office maintains a dedicated Intimate Partner Violence team of five full-time Assistant District Attorneys and two investigators focused specifically on felony domestic violence prosecution. The DA's Office doesn't generate Affidavits of Non-Prosecution, and an alleged victim's wish to drop charges doesn't control whether prosecution moves forward. The decision belongs to the prosecutor.

Because the DA's Office controls case filing, having defense counsel engaged from the moment of arrest can help shape pre-filing negotiations before charges are formally accepted.

Tarrant County Domestic Violence Diversion Program

Tarrant County also operates a Domestic Violence Diversion Program, a pretrial option housed in County Criminal Court Number 5. The 12-month program is funded by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division, and defendants who successfully complete it may have their Assault (Family Violence) case dismissed. Not every defendant qualifies, but for those who do, it can provide a path that may avoid a permanent conviction record.

Defense Strategies Attorney Wilson Pursues

Attorney Wilson takes a pragmatic approach to each domestic violence case, evaluating the specific facts before committing to a strategy. He pursues dismissals, charge reductions, and plea negotiations based on the actual evidence and circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all template.

Several defense avenues commonly arise in Texas family violence cases:

• Self-defense: Force used to defend oneself or one's children during a domestic incident is a recognized affirmative defense under Texas law. If that force was justified, it doesn't constitute family violence.
• False accusations and credibility: Domestic assault charges frequently rest on a single party's account. False accusations, inconsistent statements, and witness credibility problems are common and legitimate defense avenues.
• Constitutional violations: Unlawful searches, improper interrogation, or failure to advise of Miranda rights can result in suppression of evidence and meaningfully strengthen a defense.
• Diversion and alternative sentencing: When the facts align, Attorney Wilson can advocate for program admission through the Tarrant County Diversion Program, which may help avoid a permanent conviction.

Attorney Wilson is admitted to practice in all Texas state courts. He communicates directly with clients throughout the process rather than routing updates through assistants or paralegals.

Why Fort Worth Residents Choose Bryan Wilson

Attorney Wilson's recognition within the legal community reflects years of consistent performance in criminal defense. He was rated by Super Lawyers every year from 2015 through 2022 and named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2017 and 2018. Fort Worth Magazine named him a Top Attorney for Criminal Defense every year from 2015 through 2022. Fort Worth Weekly Magazine named him a Reader's Choice Best Lawyer in 2016 and 2017. He was named a Top Attorney by 360 West Magazine in 2018 and received the 2015 Lawyer of the Year recognition from Above the Law.

Attorney Wilson graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech University School of Law in the top 7% of his class and earned a Distinction Award in Texas Criminal Procedure. His commentary on criminal defense matters has appeared on CNN, the Huffington Post, Fox News, and ABC News.

Every client of Bryan Wilson, The Texas Law Hawk receives direct access to Attorney Wilson, not a paralegal or case manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Alleged Victim Drop Domestic Violence Charges in Tarrant County?

No. Once a domestic violence case is filed with the Tarrant County DA's Office, the prosecution decision belongs to the prosecutor, not the alleged victim. The DA operates a no-drop policy and doesn't generate Affidavits of Non-Prosecution. A victim's recantation or refusal to cooperate can be a factor in how a defense attorney approaches the case, but it doesn't stop the prosecution from proceeding on its own.

What Is an Emergency Protective Order, & What Does It Restrict?

An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) can be issued at the time of arrest without the alleged victim requesting it. Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, an EPO typically lasts 61 to 91 days and can bar the accused from their home, prohibit any contact with the alleged victim and household members, and forbid firearm possession. When a deadly weapon was involved, the order lasts 91 to 121 days. Violating an EPO is a separate criminal offense that carries its own penalties.

What Should Someone Do Immediately After Being Arrested for Domestic Violence in Fort Worth?

Don't make statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. The hours following an arrest involve decisions, including whether to speak to investigators or accept a plea, that can significantly affect the outcome of the case. Contacting a defense attorney as early as possible, ideally before the magistrate hearing, gives counsel the best opportunity to influence pre-filing negotiations and the initial conditions of release. Contact Bryan Wilson, The Texas Law Hawk at (817) 440-3953 as soon as possible after an arrest.

Start Your Defense Before the DA Files Charges

Domestic violence charges in Tarrant County move quickly, and the decisions made in the first hours and days carry lasting consequences. Attorney Bryan Wilson offers free initial consultations to people facing these charges throughout Fort Worth and the surrounding Tarrant County area. That first conversation connects clients directly with Attorney Wilson, not a staff member.

Bryan Wilson, The Texas Law Hawk can review the circumstances, explain what the Tarrant County system will likely do next, and identify defense options before they close. Call (817) 440-3953 or contact the firm online to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Wilson today.