Austin Assault & Family Violence Defense
When officers respond to a domestic call in Travis County, someone goes to jail. That’s the policy. Your defense attorney used to respond to those calls as a police officer — and he knows that the person arrested isn’t always the person at fault.
The Reality of Assault Cases in Travis County
Austin’s family violence cases move at a pace that can overwhelm people who’ve never been in the system. One 911 call sets off a chain of events: mandatory arrest, emergency protective order, no-contact conditions, potential GPS monitoring — all before you’ve had a chance to tell your side of the story.
Steve Bowling has been on both sides of that chain. As a former police officer, he responded to domestic disturbance calls and made the mandatory arrest decision under Texas law. He knows the policies that force officers to take someone into custody even when the situation is ambiguous, when both parties share fault, or when the alleged victim initiated the confrontation. As a military veteran turned defense attorney, he now uses that knowledge to challenge cases where the system got it wrong.
Travis County’s approach to family violence prosecution is aggressive. The DA’s office has a dedicated family violence unit that doesn’t rely solely on the alleged victim’s cooperation. They build cases with 911 recordings, body camera footage, photographs, and medical records. Beating these cases requires an attorney who understands not just the law, but the investigation that produced the evidence.
The consequences extend far beyond jail time. A family violence conviction in Texas means a lifetime federal ban on firearm possession, inability to seal or expunge the record, barriers to employment and housing, and devastating impact on custody proceedings. These stakes demand the most aggressive defense available.
Assault Cases We Handle in Austin
Assault Bodily Injury — Family Violence
Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year) that becomes a third-degree felony on a second family violence conviction. Travis County’s family violence unit prosecutes these aggressively, even when the complainant wants to drop charges.
Aggravated Assault
Serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon elevates assault to a second-degree felony (2-20 years). With a family member, it becomes first-degree (5-99 years). Immediate, aggressive defense is non-negotiable.
Assault by Contact / Threat
Even minor physical contact or verbal threats can result in criminal charges. While classified as misdemeanors, the family violence designation creates permanent collateral consequences that far outweigh the offense level.
Protective Order Defense
Emergency and permanent protective orders restrict where you can go, who you can contact, and can require you to leave your own home. Violating a protective order — even accidentally — is a separate criminal offense.
Bar Fight & Nightlife Assault
Sixth Street, Rainey Street, and East Austin’s bar districts generate assault cases every weekend. Alcohol, crowds, and conflicting witness accounts make these cases uniquely defensible when the investigation is scrutinized.
Self-Defense Claims
Texas law recognizes your right to defend yourself. When the person arrested was actually the person being attacked, the defense must present credible evidence of self-defense. An attorney with law enforcement credibility has an advantage in making this case.
How a Former Officer Defends Assault Cases in Austin
Deconstructing the 911 Call
The 911 recording is the prosecution’s most emotional exhibit. But calls made in the heat of an argument are not testimony — they’re reactions. Steve Bowling knows how officers are trained to interpret 911 calls and how to present context that the recording doesn’t capture. Anger isn’t evidence of assault, and the first person to call 911 isn’t always the victim.
Body Camera Analysis
Austin PD officers wear body cameras, and that footage tells the full story in a way the police report often doesn’t. As a former officer, Steve Bowling watches body camera footage the way a film director reviews dailies — looking for every detail the officer missed, every inconsistency between the video and the report, and every moment that supports the defense narrative.
Challenging the “Primary Aggressor” Determination
Texas law requires officers to identify the “primary aggressor” in family violence situations. That determination is made quickly, under pressure, and is influenced by who called 911, who appears more upset, and who has visible injuries. It’s a subjective decision that a former officer knows how to challenge — because he’s made that determination himself and knows its limitations.
Charged with Assault in Austin?
Protective orders get issued fast. Your freedom and your rights are on the line. Call now for a free consultation with a former officer who fights assault cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an assault arrest in Travis County?
You’ll be booked at Travis County Jail. For family violence cases, expect an emergency protective order (61-91 days), no-contact conditions, and possible GPS monitoring. Violating any condition results in additional charges. Contact an attorney immediately.
Can assault charges be dropped if the other person recants?
The Travis County DA decides whether to prosecute, not the alleged victim. They can proceed with 911 recordings, body camera footage, officer testimony, and medical evidence even without the complainant’s cooperation. However, an uncooperative complainant does weaken the case significantly.
Will a family violence conviction affect my gun rights?
Yes. A family violence conviction — even a misdemeanor — triggers a lifetime federal ban on firearm possession under the Lautenberg Amendment. This is career-ending for military members, law enforcement, and security professionals.
Can I get a family violence charge expunged?
Only if the case is dismissed or you’re acquitted. Deferred adjudication for family violence does NOT qualify for expunction or nondisclosure in Texas — the record remains visible permanently. This is why fighting the charge aggressively from day one is critically important.