Fort Worth, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its rich Western heritage and thriving arts scene. As the fifth-largest city in the state, it blends historic neighborhoods with modern development. The city’s diverse population and strong legal community make professional guidance accessible to residents.

Domestic violence charges can be serious under Texas law, and whether they are a misdemeanor or felony depends on the circumstances. As many criminal defense lawyers explain, factors like injury severity, weapon use, and prior convictions matter. Consulting a domestic violence lawyer in Fort Worth is essential for understanding potential consequences and building a defense.

What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Texas?

In Texas, domestic violence is often charged under the umbrella of family violence, which includes assault, threats of violence, or offensive contact between individuals who are related by blood, marriage, shared children, or cohabitation. The key distinction in these cases is the relationship between the accused and the alleged victim — family violence laws apply even if the two parties are not romantically involved but live together. 

Misdemeanor Domestic Violence

For many first-time offenses, domestic violence begins as a misdemeanor. A typical misdemeanor charge — often referred to as Assault Family Violence — may be brought when the altercation results in minor injuries or threats without significant harm. Under Texas law:

• Class A Misdemeanor: This is the most common domestic violence misdemeanor. Conviction can lead to up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000. 

Even misdemeanors are serious. They carry a criminal record that can impact future employment, housing opportunities, and firearm rights, and often come with court-ordered programs, protective orders, or counseling. 

When Domestic Violence Becomes a Felony

In Texas, certain conditions elevate a domestic violence charge from a misdemeanor to a felony. These include:

1. Prior Convictions

If the accused has a previous domestic violence conviction or was recently on probation for a related offense, a new domestic violence charge can be enhanced to a third-degree felony. This offense can result in 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. 

2. Aggravated Assault or Serious Injury

Domestic violence that involves serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon typically falls under aggravated domestic assault. These cases are automatically treated as felonies, with penalties that escalate depending on severity:

• Second-degree felony: Often applies when serious bodily injury results, with 2 to 20 years in prison.
• First-degree felony: Applies when a deadly weapon is used or extreme harm occurs, carrying 5 to 99 years or life in prison. 

3. Continuous Violence Against the Family

Texas law also includes a specific felony offense called continuous violence against the family. This charge applies when two or more domestic assaults occur within a 12-month period. Even if each individual incident might have been a misdemeanor on its own, the cumulative pattern elevates the case to a third-degree felony with significant prison exposure. 

Additional Legal Consequences

Whether a domestic violence charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, the legal consequences extend beyond potential jail or prison time. Convictions can result in:

• Loss of the right to possess firearms under both state and federal law. 
• Protective orders that limit contact with the alleged victim. 
• Collateral impacts on employment, housing opportunities, and custody rights. 

These after-effects underscore why seeking knowledgeable legal representation early — before navigating plea negotiations or trials — is critical for anyone charged with family violence. 

Key Takeaways

• Domestic violence in Texas may start as a misdemeanor but can be elevated to a felony based on severity and circumstances. 
• Misdemeanor family violence (Class A) can lead to up to 1 year in jail and fines, while felony charges carry years in prison and larger fines. 
• Prior domestic violence convictions or probation increase the likelihood of felony charges. 
• Aggravated assault and continuous violence against the family are felony offenses with significant penalties. 
• Legal consequences include loss of firearm rights, protective orders, and long-term impacts on employment and personal life. 
• Early legal guidance can help clarify charges and improve defense strategies.