Being Charged With Domestic Violence

If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, it’s important to know exactly what that means. There are various different types of domestic violence and it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
 

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is any single or repeated incident of abuse occurring within the context of an intimate or familial relationship.

While it typically refers to violence between spouses, it can also include other types of abuse such as child abuse or elderly abuse. Domestic violence includes both physical and non-physical violence (such as threats, abusive language, or psychological/emotional manipulation).

It is very important to remember that both men and women can be charged with domestic violence. Additionally, LGTBQ couples can be charged with domestic violence the same as heterosexual couples. There is no gender or orientation immunity from domestic violence charges in the eyes of the law.

Felony Domestic Violence

If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, it can be either as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the severity of the incident.

Felony domestic violence is a very serious offense with penalties that can include heavy fines and possible time in prison. It typically is charged in cases involving:

• Violence resulting in serious bodily harm or death
• Violence or abuse inflicted on a minor or young child
• Acts involving injuries caused by a deadly weapon (threats with a weapon may also result in felony charges)
• Acts involving conduct of an inappropriate sexual nature

Felony domestic violence charges are very difficult to have expunged from one’s record, though this can be possible after a long period of time.
 

Misdemeanor Domestic Violence

A misdemeanor charge of domestic violence is a lesser offense than felony domestic violence and usually results in a correspondingly less severe punishment. Misdemeanors typically result in smaller fines and potentially jail (not prison) sentences of up to one year.

If you’ve been charged with domestic violence as a misdemeanor, it’s often the result of simple assault, battery, and/or verbal abuse. It is important to note that misdemeanor domestic violence can be elevated to a felony crime if it is a second or third conviction.
 

Using A Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

If you’ve been charged with domestic violence either as a felony or misdemeanor, you should immediately contact and retain an experienced domestic violence defense attorney. Any charge of domestic violence is a serious situation, and only a competent attorney should handle your case.

To get more information, or to speak with a domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible, please call us today.