Defend Against Domestic Violence Allegations

Family violence and dating violence defense representation in Central Texas

An accusation of family violence or dating violence can disrupt your life even before a case reaches trial. Protective orders may force you to leave your home, limit contact with your children, and create complications for your employment. In Austin, San Antonio, or the surrounding Central Texas area, these allegations often arise during high-conflict custody disputes or relationship breakdowns. The consequences of a conviction can extend beyond criminal penalties and may include restrictions on firearm ownership, professional licensing concerns, and lasting reputational harm.


The Law Office of Scot Courtney provides defense representation for individuals accused of domestic violence and dating violence, including representation in protective order hearings and related criminal charges. The firm conducts a strategic review of the allegations, represents clients during court proceedings, and works to reduce both potential criminal penalties and the collateral consequences that may follow a conviction. When a negotiated resolution is not possible, the attorney prepares the case for trial and presents a defense focused on the facts and evidence surrounding the accusation.


If you are facing family violence charges or a protective order hearing in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, Lockhart, Luling, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, or nearby communities, contact The Law Office of Scot Courtney to discuss your defense options.

How Protective Orders Affect Your Case

When a protective order is filed against you in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, Lockhart, Luling, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, or the surrounding areas, the court may first issue a temporary order that can prevent you from returning to your home, contacting the person who filed the request, or seeing your children. The Law Office of Scot Courtney represents individuals at the hearing where the court decides whether that order should become permanent. This process may involve examining the allegations, reviewing available evidence such as text messages, call records, or witness statements, and developing a defense that challenges either the accuracy of the claims or the necessity of the order itself.


Protective orders can have consequences that extend beyond the immediate restrictions. They may appear on background checks and can affect your ability to possess firearms under federal law. Even if related criminal charges are later dismissed, the protective order can remain in place unless it is successfully challenged in court. The attorney works to prevent the order from being issued when possible or to limit its scope and duration to reduce its impact on your daily life and future opportunities.


If the situation also involves criminal charges, the firm conducts a detailed review of the prosecution’s evidence, interviews witnesses, and looks for inconsistencies or potential motivations behind the allegations. Cases arising from high-conflict personal or family disputes often involve competing accounts of what occurred. In those situations, the defense focuses on presenting your version of events and challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution. The objective is to avoid a conviction that could lead to jail time, fines, and long-term restrictions on your rights.


People accused of family violence or dating violence in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, Lockhart, Luling, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, and the surrounding areas often have urgent questions about protective orders, the criminal process, and what a conviction could mean for their future. The Law Office of Scot Courtney addresses these concerns with clear, practical guidance based on the specific facts of each case.


These situations raise serious concerns

A protective order can prohibit you from going to your home, contacting the protected person, or possessing firearms. It can also affect custody arrangements and appear on background checks, which may impact employment and housing.

What happens if a protective order is issued against me?

A permanent protective order can last up to two years, and in some cases longer if the court finds sufficient cause. Temporary orders remain in effect until the full hearing is held, usually within 20 days of filing.

How long does a protective order last in Texas?

A first offense is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a fine of up to four thousand dollars. Subsequent offenses or cases involving serious injury can be charged as felonies with longer sentences.

What are the penalties for a family violence conviction?

The attorney investigates the circumstances, reviews any inconsistent statements or evidence, and presents a defense that challenges the credibility of the allegations. False accusations do occur, especially in custody disputes or contentious breakups.

What if the accusations are false or exaggerated?

You should contact an attorney immediately after learning of the allegations or receiving notice of a protective order hearing. Early representation allows the attorney to gather evidence, prepare your defense, and prevent you from making statements that could be used against you.

When should I hire an attorney after being accused?

If you are facing family violence or dating violence charges in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, Lockhart, Luling, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, or the surrounding areas, The Law Office of Scot Courtney provides defense representation focused on protecting your rights and minimizing the potential consequences of the allegations. Contact the firm to discuss your case and the steps you should consider taking next.