Assault and Family Violence Defense in Denton County
Local court, prosecutor and program details for Denton County, from our office in downtown Dallas.
In short: Denton County family violence cases are heard at the Courts Building, 1450 E. McKinney St. The DA's Domestic Violence Unit has its own investigators, with staff listed under the 211th District Court and County Criminal Court No. 2. Pretrial diversion is described for non-violent and low-level cases, so it rarely fits.
This page covers assault and family violence cases in Denton County: where they are heard, who prosecutes them and the local programs the county and its prosecutors run. Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street; we handle cases in the Denton County courts. For Texas-wide law, see our assault and family violence guide, and for other charges see the Denton County criminal defense page.
Which courts hear family violence cases in Denton County?
In Denton County, misdemeanor family violence cases are heard in County Criminal Courts No. 1 through 5, and felony cases in the 16th, 158th, 211th, 362nd, 367th, 393rd, 431st, 442nd, 462nd, 467th, 477th and 481st District Courts, all at the Denton County Courts Building, 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton.
Who prosecutes family violence in Denton County?
The Denton County Criminal District Attorney's Office has a Domestic Violence Unit at 1450 E. McKinney St. The county's staff directory organizes the unit's prosecutors, investigators and victim intervention staff under two courts: the 211th Judicial District Court for felonies and County Criminal Court No. 2 for misdemeanors. The unit has its own criminal investigators, so expect the prosecution to follow up with witnesses, photos and 911 records rather than relying only on the arrest report.
What happens after a family violence arrest in Denton County?
Denton County arrests are booked at the Denton County Jail, 127 N. Woodrow Ln., Denton, where a magistrate gives the warnings and sets bond. In family violence cases, conditions commonly include no contact and staying away from the residence, and a magistrate's order for emergency protection may be issued. Violating either can lead to a new charge.
Are there local programs for family violence cases?
The Denton County Criminal District Attorney's Pre-Trial Diversion (PTD) program is for low-risk, true first offenders: a person cannot have had PTD, deferred adjudication or any other adult disposition before. The DA screens cases, and an approved person signs a contract with the office, which takes the case off the court's docket. Completion leads to dismissal and eligibility for expunction; a violation sends the case back to court. The DA describes typical PTD cases as non-violent misdemeanors and low-level felonies, so most family violence assaults are not the kind of case the program lists. That makes the defense work on the facts central: the consistency of statements, the injury evidence, any video, and whether the complainant wants to proceed. Denton County also runs a Mental Health Treatment Court and a Veterans Treatment Court, which can matter when a mental health condition or service-related trauma played a role.
What Texas law applies to a family violence assault?
Assault causing bodily injury is usually a Class A misdemeanor under Penal Code 22.01. It becomes a third-degree felony when the complainant is a family member, household member or dating partner and the accused has a prior family violence conviction, or when the offense involved impeding breathing or circulation. A judge can enter an affirmative finding of family violence, and that finding follows the person into later cases and can affect firearm rights.
At the first appearance, a magistrate can issue a magistrate's order for emergency protection under Code of Criminal Procedure 17.292. An order issued under the main subsections lasts at least 61 and up to 91 days; one issued for a case involving serious bodily injury or a deadly weapon can last 91 to 121 days. Violating that order, or a bond condition in a family violence case, can be a separate charge under Penal Code 25.07.
How is assault against a family member graded?
| Situation | Level (Penal Code 22.01) |
|---|---|
| Assault causing bodily injury | Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $4,000 |
| Family member, household member or dating partner, with a prior family violence conviction | Third-degree felony |
| Family member, household member or dating partner, by impeding breathing or circulation | Third-degree felony |
| Impeding breathing or circulation, with a prior family violence conviction | Second-degree felony |
What should I do now?
- Follow every bond condition and any emergency order, even if the complainant contacts you.
- Do not post about the case or discuss it with the complainant.
- Write down what happened and who saw it while it is fresh, and keep texts and call logs.
- Get advice before giving any statement or attending a protective order hearing.
How do I get started?
The first consultation is free. It is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
Where are Denton County family violence cases heard?
At the Denton County Courts Building, 1450 E. McKinney St.: misdemeanors in County Criminal Courts No. 1 to 5 and felonies in the district courts.
Does the Denton DA have a domestic violence unit?
Yes. Its directory places the unit's staff under the 211th Judicial District Court and County Criminal Court No. 2.
Can a family violence case get pretrial diversion in Denton County?
It is uncommon. The DA describes typical PTD cases as non-violent misdemeanors and low-level felonies.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. The first consultation is free and is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney.
Do not wait for your court date to get help. Call (214) 239-2013.
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.