In Harris County, domestic violence homicides went up 34% between 2023 and 2024. Forty-seven people were killed by their partners. That’s nearly one person a week. And 18% of all murders in Harris County are because of domestic violence. That’s almost one in five. 

Every day, the Houston Area Women’s Center gets 120 calls from people asking for help. Some of those calls are from people in real danger right now. Black women are affected the most; they’re 52% of female victims, even though they’re only 20% of the female population in the county.

So, you see why the city, the police, and the courts don’t overlook this. Even small disputes that you have with your partner can spiral into a major case that leaves you being the accused in a court case, and you’d likely be facing hefty consequences. That’s why your very first step is to call a skilled domestic violence attorney in Houston. Someone who knows the law, the courts, and the judges there can help protect you.

Now, let’s go over the steps you need to take immediately when you find yourself facing domestic violence charges:

Call a Lawyer Right Away

The moment you know you’re charged, you need a lawyer. Thinking you’re innocent doesn’t mean you can just start talking. Saying the wrong thing, even by accident, can make defending yourself a lot harder. 

There are also a few rules about bail and bonds that you might not know about. Sometimes you can pay for it and stay out of jail while your case moves forward. If you understand how it all works, you can follow the rules and keep yourself from landing in extra trouble on top of what’s already happening.

A good lawyer helps you with everything. They can tell you how to handle the court, the charges, and the people involved. You want someone who has handled domestic violence cases before, because they understand the tricks and what works best in Houston courts.

Understand Your Rights

When you are arrested, you have rights. You can stay silent. You can ask for a lawyer. Police must read you the Miranda warning, which tells you these rights. Using your rights is smart because anything you say can be used in court.

Even if you feel like you didn’t do anything wrong, having someone who actually knows the law can make a huge difference.  

A lawyer can tell you what’s actually happening, what your rights are, and what’s coming up in court. They won’t sugarcoat it, but they’ll make sure you know what to do.

Gather Evidence and Keep Records

You need to show what happened and sometimes what didn’t happen. Take pictures if there’s damage, keep text messages, emails, or social media messages. Write down the dates, times, and places of events. If someone saw what happened, ask them if they will tell your lawyer.

All of this helps your lawyer see the full story. It makes your side stronger. Courts like things that can be proven. Memories fade, phones break, and things get lost. That’s why you need to gather everything early.

Don’t Break Protective Orders

Protective orders are serious. They tell you what you can’t do. This can be calls, texts, visits, or being near someone. Breaking these rules adds more charges and makes your case worse. Even a small action can be seen as ignoring the court.

It’s better to stay away from the person involved until your lawyer says it’s okay. This keeps you out of extra trouble and helps your defense.

Avoid New Arrests

Getting into more trouble makes everything worse. Even small things, like traffic tickets or arguments, can make you look bad. The court sees patterns. The simpler your life is, the easier it is for your lawyer to defend you. Stay calm. Stay away from situations that could start problems. 

Prepare for Court

The court can be intimidating. Dress like it matters. Men should wear a clean shirt, pants, and shoes. Women should wear professional clothes too. Knowing how the court works helps. Don’t talk out of turn. Listen carefully. Your lawyer will tell you what to say and what not to say.

Being prepared shows respect. It also helps the judge and jury take you seriously.

Key Takeaways

• Getting charged is scary. Take a breath, try to stay calm.
• Call a lawyer first. This should be the nonnegotiable first thing that you do.
• Know your rights: you can stay silent, ask for a lawyer, and follow bail rules.
• Keep track of everything: evidence, records, any details you think might matter.
• Never break protective orders. They make the case worse.
• Stay out of new trouble and avoid risky situations.