Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is the injury of another person in the home, usually a spouse or life partner, but it can also be a child, a parent, or another family member. The form of domestic violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or a combination of some or all of these. There are both federal and state domestic violence laws—each with its own provisions and penalties.

A Serious Offense

When someone has been arrested or is going to be arrested for or charged with domestic violence, he or she needs to know that this is a serious offense that all state and federal legal systems takes very seriously. The days when many police and prosecutors didn't take domestic violence seriously are over, and judges make significant efforts to punish perpetrators of domestic violence, especially if the violence involves children. A domestic violence conviction can mean:

Time in jail or prison
A criminal record
Mandatory anger management classes
Being barred from owning a firearm or having a firearm in your possession
Negative effects on your efforts to get a job requiring a security clearance, a visa extension or a green card

In addition, a domestic violation conviction can affect your access to your children and your home if a restraining order is put in place.

A Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

A domestic violence defense lawyer can help an accused individual at every step of the legal process, including:

during an investigation
in talks with the prosecutor during the charging phase
with bail following an arrest
at arraignment
at trial if one occurs, and
during the sentencing phase and hearing.

With an experienced defense attorney, an individual charged with a domestic violence offense such as assault or battery, spousal rape, or allowing children to witness violence in the home has a better chance of getting fair treatment in the legal system.

A defense attorney will work to limit the damage that a domestic violence arrest or conviction can do to the accused. For example, depending on the facts of the case, it may be possible to get a dismissal of the charge(s) or a reduction of the charges.

Talk with an Attorney to Protect Your Rights

Everyone has the right to competent and committed legal representation. Contact a qualified domestic violence defense attorney today to discuss your rights and your options.

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