Consequences of a Domestic Violence Charge
If you're at risk of a domestic violence conviction, you could be facing severe penalties and life-long ramifications to your personal reputation, quality of life, liberty, career, and future. A seasoned Ohio criminal defense attorney can educate you about the costly consequences of a domestic violence charge and help strategize a solid defense.
The attorneys at Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC have the skills and resources to defend individuals facing domestic violence allegations. As your legal counsel, they will investigate every aspect of your case, dispute the charges against you with factual evidence, and craft a strong defense argument to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome. The firm proudly serves clients in Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Gahanna, and Westerville, Ohio.
Domestic Violence in Ohio
According to Ohio law, domestic violence involves any of the following acts:
Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member
Recklessly causing serious physical harm to a family or household member
Using the threat of force to make a family or household member believe the defendant will harm them physically
Furthermore, under Ohio law, a family or household member can include any of the following individuals who is living or has lived with the defendant:
A person who currently lives or previously lived in the household
A former or current spouse
A parent, foster parent, or foster child
A child of a former or current spouse
A parent or a child of a spouse or defendant's former spouse
A person related by blood, marriage, former marriage, adoption, or biological adoption
A current or former romantic or dating partner or spouse
Domestic violence charges in Ohio are serious and can carry possibly long-lasting implications. If you are facing domestic violence accusations, be sure to reach out to an aggressive criminal defense attorney right away. Your attorney can enlighten you about the nature of your charges and their possible consequences, and provide you with the effective representation you need.
Possible Consequences
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, there were 1,045 total arrests for offenses against family and children in Ohio In 2019. A domestic violence conviction can be far-reaching and may result in any of these penalties and consequences:
Hefty Fines – You may be asked to pay several thousand dollars as fines and court fees depending on the surrounding circumstances of the offense.
Lengthy Imprisonment – Prison sentences can range from months, years, or decades depending on the severity, seriousness, and type of the particular domestic violence offense.
Treatment – You may be required to attend mandatory drug abuse treatment or anger management classes.
Probation – Part of your sentence may involve probation, meaning you would need to check in regularly with your probation officer and follow other probation conditions as set forth by the Ohio court.
Loss of Firearm Rights – You could lose your rights to carry, possess, own, or purchase a gun or firearm in Ohio.
Loss of Parental Rights – A domestic violence conviction in Ohio could make you lose your child custody, visitation rights, or other parental privileges.
Protection Order – The victim may seek a protective or restraining order against you. This will instruct you to avoid contacting the victim and their loved ones.
Loss of Licenses – You may become unable or lose your rights to obtain a hunting or fishing license in the state.
Loss of Job and Other Benefits – Incarceration in county jail or state prison may affect your current and future job opportunities.
Possible Deportation – You may be deported from the United States (if you are not a U.S. citizen) or inadmissible into the country.
Criminal Record – A domestic violence conviction may result in a criminal record. A criminal history may jeopardize your professional opportunities and make it difficult to secure a job, accommodation, loan, scholarship, and government assistance.
A knowledgeable Ohio domestic violence defense attorney can assess every detail of your case and determine your best defenses to avoid the devastating penalties and consequences of a conviction.
Possible Legal Defenses
When facing false domestic violence charges, your attorney can help fight your allegations using any of these legal defenses:
Self-defense
Innocence
False accusations
Defense of others
Defense of property
An unintentional act or mistake
Error during the investigation
Lack of intent
Lack of knowledge
No offense occurred
The incident was a result of the victim's actions or behavior
Discrepancies in the evidence
Inability to prove the offense beyond reasonable doubt
A skilled criminal defense lawyer can gather substantial evidence to help establish your innocence or take preventative measures to deter the prosecutor from filing a case against you.
Get the Dedicated Representation You Deserve
Facing domestic violence allegations can be frightening and overwhelming. Getting in touch with a strategic criminal defense attorney straightaway can make a huge difference in whether you're charged or whether the prosecutor files a case. The attorneys at Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, are committed to offering comprehensive legal guidance and skilled representation to clients in their domestic violence cases.
Attorney Stephen Wolfe and his reliable legal team can investigate the details of your case and outline a strong defense strategy to help fight your charges. They will help you navigate the Ohio criminal justice system and fight aggressively to protect your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
Contact Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC today to schedule a free consultation. Its team of domestic violence defense attorneys can offer you the vigorous representation and personalized legal counsel you need in your case. The firm proudly serves clients in Columbus and throughout Ohio, including those in Licking County, Newark, Heath, Granville, Fairfield County, Lancaster, Pickerington, and more.