What are the Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction?

domestic violenceDomestic violence can take many forms. Behind closed doors at home, sometimes violence erupts from pent-up hurt feelings and hurtful words. Other times it’s a case of one person using physical strength to control a partner through fear and intimidation. Or maybe one partner is looking to get the upper hand over the other in a custody dispute and so they accuse the other of abuse, hoping that these allegations will ensure they get custody. Regardless of how it plays out, domestic violence is characterized as an act by a household member against another household member that is intended to result in physical harm.

Domestic violence is an enhancement to underlying criminal charges such as:

  • Aggravated assault with bodily injury
  • Child endangerment
  • Kidnapping
  • Stalking
  • Violation of a protective order
  • Harassment
  • Use of a deadly weapon

What penalties do you face if convicted?

Anyone charged with domestic violence faces the same penalties for the nature of the crime they committed whether it is an assault, which is a class A or Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail or a $2500 fine or both. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500 or both.

Depending on the circumstance of the incident, an aggravated assault charge can be a Class C felony, which is punishable by three to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 or Class D felony, which is punishable by two to 12 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

However, in addition to these penalties those convicted of felony charges also face the following consequences if convicted:

  • Permanent record — Your conviction will become a matter of public record
  • Loss of employment — You may lose a job that you have and you will never be able to hold any kind of public employment position such as a teacher, social services or public official.
  • Loss of voting privileges
  • Loss of professional licenses and inability to obtain one in the future.
  • Loss of child custody
  • Difficulty renting, leasing and getting approved for loans
  • Unable to possess firearms of any type

If you are not a citizen, domestic abuse charges can have dire consequences for you including removal from the U.S. and denial of re-entry.

Can the charges be dismissed?

If you are arrested and charged with domestic violence charges it is imperative that you contact a criminal defense attorney right away. Depending on the facts of the case we can sometimes get the charges dismissed. An experienced lawyer will advise you on how best to proceed and will work to protect your reputation and your future.

Domestic violence charges have the potential to ruin your life, your relationships and your future prospects. At the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates, we can develop a solid defense and work diligently to get your charges reduced as much as possible. Please contact our office for more information.