Charges for domestic violence are emotional and complex cases involving your family or other members of your household. Every person deserves legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney after an arrest for this kind of charge. You are no exception.
As a Pickerington domestic violence lawyer, I can work with you to resolve a charge while protecting your other interests along the way. I value straightforward communication in my practice by answering any question you might have and providing timely updates about the status of the case. You do not have to navigate criminal charges for domestic violence alone. Contact my office today to schedule a free initial consultation.
The Ohio Criminal Code outlines three different types of acts against a family or household member that the law classifies as domestic violence under § 2919.25. The first is to knowingly cause or attempt physical harm, which covers intentional acts of violence within a household. The second is any reckless act that causes serious physical harm. These two types of domestic violence classify as a first-degree misdemeanor.
A charge for domestic violence can also apply when a person knowingly causes a family or household member to believe they will cause imminent physical harm to them. This type of charge is a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Domestic violence specifically applies to acts committed toward a family or household member, which includes the following persons who either currently live or have lived with the defendant as defined in § 2919.25(F)(1):
A domestic violence case in Pickerington can also increase to more serious misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances of an altercation. For example, a prosecutor may seek more serious charges if the defendant is a repeat offender or if they knowingly caused harm to a pregnant woman’s unborn child.
Physical confrontations within a household can involve complex backgrounds and differing perspectives on who was responsible for an incident. You have the right to an attorney’s presence during police interrogations and after an arrest. You can demand their presence and withhold communication until they arrive. During this phase of the case, my job is to help you navigate the interactions with police to avoid the potential for misunderstanding.
If an arrest occurs, several different case strategies and defenses could apply to dismiss or reduce domestic violence charges. The main defense is that the act of violence occurred either in your defense or in the defense of others. You have the right to use reasonable force to protect yourself and others under § 2901.05. The evidence and order of events in a domestic violence case will determine the effectiveness of a self-defense claim by raising points about who started or escalated the incident.
A Pickerington lawyer can also advocate for your rights in a case by ensuring the prosecution fairly classifies the severity of a domestic violence charge. These are typically factual arguments that focus on the accused person’s intent in their actions or if those actions resulted in physical harm. The potential punishment for a domestic violence conviction can vary greatly depending on if the prosecutor classifies the charge as a misdemeanor or felony.
There are many emotions at play when you are accused of harming or threatening to harm a member of your family. Defend your legal rights with the support and counsel of a Pickerington domestic violence lawyer with decades of experience representing people on criminal charges. My goal is to provide realistic and simple advice on the options for resolving your case in the best way possible. Contact my office today to schedule a free initial case consultation.
Client was accused of forcing his way into a house. Ultimately, I was able to demonstrate that the alleged victim was lying in an effort to cover up her illegal activity.
Neighbor called police as a result of hearing arguing. The wife was “pressured” into pursuing charges by the officer, and as a result, the case was dismissed.
