Personal Injury Lawyer

Domestic violences cases are some of the most difficult criminal cases for both the domestic violence lawyer and his or her clients. Also known as family violence or domestic assault cases, these types of charges can involve an allegation of violence or threatened violence between two people who are in an intimate relationship. This could include a husband and wife, same sex partners, or 2 people who are dating. Domestic violence cases are sensitive in nature and often assigned to special prosecutors who only handle these situations. Depending on the state, the prosecutor’s office may have a family violence counselor or other professionals who are prepared to work with those involved.

Charges related to domestic violence are nothing to take lightly. Regardless of what happened or how serious the violence was, or was not, these charges can wreak havoc on a defendant’s life which is why it is advisable to discuss the situation with an experienced domestic violence lawyer.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is generally considered to be any kind of violence that occurs in an intimate relationship or family unit. Offenses include, but are not limited to:

• Assault
• Assault and battery
• Aggravated assault
• Threats to perform bodily harm or death
• Harassment
• Sexual assault
• Murder
• Breach of court orders

Why Domestic Violence Charges Are Serious

In the U.S., targeting domestic violence cases are a priority for both police and prosecutors. Many states have declared domestic violence to be a zero tolerance crime which means they are taken very seriously. Police and even the prosectore often have a mandatory obligation to investigate every allegation regardless of what happened.

If you are found guilty of domestic violence, the penalty could be harsher than a standard assault charge. Penalties and consequences could include:

• Jail or prison time
• Large fines and fees
• Community service
• Mandated court programs
• Probation
• A criminal record

Consequences:

• Job loss
• Difficulty to get hired in certain jobs
• Loss of a relationship
• Loss of the ability to see your children or family
• Loss of child custody
• Inability to travel to certain countries
• Immigration status problems (*if you are not a U.S. citizen)

A push, loud, angry comment, or raised fist could be perceived as a threat to do harm against your significant other. As soon as the report is made, even if there are no injuries, police will likely make an arrest and file charges. At this time it is important to contact a domestic violence lawyer who can advise you of what, and what not, to say.

A lawyer can meet you in jail, at the courthouse, or another location if you are out on bail. You can go over everything that happened and explore your legal options.

Potential Imposed Conditions

It is possible for police, prosecutors and the judge to seek imposed conditions while you await your sentencing. These can be implemented even if you have no pre-existing criminal record, and/or no physical harm was done. The reason for such conditions is related to safety concerns of the complainant. Bare in mind that unless you have a good domestic violence lawyer, you could be separated from your spouse, children, or home for a lengthy period of time.

Changing any of the imposed conditions will almost certainly require a domestic violence lawyer who has the skill and experience to negotiate on your behalf.

Call a Law Firm to Get the Defense You Need

Domestic violence is a serious type of assault and should not be taken lightly. If you are facing domestic violence charges, you should have a tenacious criminal defense attorney DC trusts on your side.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into criminal defense.