Assault and family violence defense in Rockwall County

This page covers assault and family violence cases in Rockwall 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 Rockwall County courts. For Texas-wide law, see our assault and family violence guide, and for other charges see the Rockwall County criminal defense page.

Which courts hear family violence cases in Rockwall County?

Misdemeanor family violence assaults in Rockwall County are heard in County Court at Law No. 1 (Suite 310) or No. 2 (Suite 404) at the Rockwall County Courthouse, 1111 E. Yellowjacket Ln., Rockwall. Felony family violence cases, such as a repeat offense or impeding breathing, go to the 382nd or 439th District Court in the same courthouse.

Who prosecutes family violence in Rockwall County?

The Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes both levels. It has a Family Violence Division, which the county says was set up so these cases are handled by prosecutors with specialized training and continuity from start to finish. The same office also files protective orders for applicants, so a protective order case and a criminal case can be connected.

What happens after a family violence arrest in Rockwall County?

After a family violence arrest in Rockwall County, booking is usually at the Rockwall County Jail, 950 T.L. Townsend Dr. A magistrate sets bond if allowed by law. The magistrate may also issue an emergency protective order. Bond conditions in these cases commonly bar contact with the complainant and the home, even if the complainant wants contact.

Are there local programs for family violence cases?

We did not find a published family violence diversion program for Rockwall County, so outcomes are negotiated with the Family Violence Division case by case. Keep in mind that a deferred adjudication in a family violence case cannot be sealed by an order of nondisclosure (Government Code 411.074), so the long-term record effects of any plea offer need to be weighed before accepting it.

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. For orders issued on or after September 1, 2025, an order under subsection (a) or (b)(1), including serious bodily injury cases, lasts 61 to 91 days. An order under subsection (b)(2), involving use or exhibition of a deadly weapon during an assault, lasts 91 to 121 days. Check the expiration date on the signed order. 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?

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?

Criminal defense consultations are free. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat.

Last updated October 2026