Akron Domestic Violence Lawyer
In Ohio, an individual commits a crime of domestic violence if they cause harm to a family member or a current/former member of their household. A conviction on a domestic violence charge can lead to severe penalties, including high monetary fines, jail time, and probation.
A judge may also grant a protective order that prohibits the accused from contacting family members and, in some cases, their children. A conviction can also lead to collateral consequences, including significant harm to one’s reputation in the community.
In some situations, domestic violence charges result from misunderstandings or miscommunication between two household members. At other times, one of the parties may file domestic violence charges out of revenge – or to try and gain the upper hand in a contentious child custody proceeding.
If you are currently pending a criminal charge for domestic violence, you must seek defense representation immediately. The experienced Akron Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers at Patituce & Associates, LLC can meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your arrest and review some potential legal options with you.
For example, we can raise a solid legal defense to your domestic violence charge in court or negotiate a fair plea deal with the state prosecutor handling your case. Our team will do everything possible to secure the best possible result in your criminal legal matter.
Please contact our firm for a free legal consultation with an experienced Akron domestic violence defense attorney. We can discuss your arrest, charges, and possible outcomes of your case.
Contact an Experienced Akron Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Today
At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our experienced attorneys can handle every step of your criminal case and pursue the best possible result.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an Akron domestic violence defense lawyer, please call us at (330) 625-9478 or online right away for the strong defense you need.
We understand that your specific situation requires individualized attention, and we are dedicated to providing just that.
No Case is Hopeless
We Don't Back Down. Ever.
Explore some of our recent wins.
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Case Dismissed CLEVELAND V. AL-NAZER (2012 TRC 040781)
Our client was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs, or alcohol.
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Not Guilty At Trial ROCKY RIVER V. D.F.
Client was charged with domestic violence against his wife.
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Plea and Record Expunged STATE V. BAILEY, CUYAHOGA
Client was accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of property.
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Charges Dismissed State v. Beckwith, Cuyahoga County
Student charged with the manufacturing of ecstasy.
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Case Dismissed STATE V. J.S. (A JUVENILE) YOUNGSTOWN
Local counsel pushed for a plea to one of the sex related charges.
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Acquittal State v. Tevin Biles
Client was identified as one of the alleged shooters at a New Year’s Eve party.
Why Choose Us to Represent You Against Your Criminal Domestic Violence Charge?
A conviction on a criminal domestic violence charge in Ohio can lead to severe penalties. Therefore, you want the best possible team of criminal defense attorneys in your corner to advocate for all your legal interests.
The knowledgeable Akron domestic violence defense lawyers at Patituce & Associates, LLC can review the circumstances of your arrest with you and develop a plan of action for achieving a favorable result in your case.
Our attorneys have a combined 70-plus years of experience successfully defending individuals against their pending criminal charges. In addition, three of our legal team members were former prosecutors. As a result, we know how prosecutors build their cases and the types of evidence they use to secure a conviction against a criminal defendant. We use this knowledge to our advantage when representing and defending our clients.
In a criminal domestic violence matter, we can investigate the circumstances surrounding your case and uncover potential reasons or motivations for false allegations.
We can also examine any physical evidence the prosecution plans to introduce, identify additional evidence that might refute the alleged victim’s version of events, and challenge the evidence the prosecution intends to present against you.
Our legal team can also present you with a straightforward assessment of your criminal case and your chances of success.
Finally, we will explain your legal rights and options and guide you to make informed and intelligent decisions throughout your case. For example, we can raise a robust legal defense at a criminal bench or jury trial in your case or negotiate a favorable plea deal with the state prosecutor handling your case.
Our office is conveniently in Downtown Akron at 520 South Main Street, Suite 2511, Akron, OH 44331. Let us secure the best possible result in your pending domestic violence case.
What Are the Possible Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction in Ohio?
Many criminal offenses may comprise a domestic violence charge, including assault and battery. Therefore, the potential penalties that an individual may face for a domestic violence conviction will depend on the specific criminal charge that they are facing.
Additionally, for you to even receive penalties on a crime of domestic violence, the state prosecutor must first satisfy their legal burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt and secure a conviction against you.
If the prosecutor cannot meet even one legal element of the underlying criminal charge, they should not obtain a conviction against you.
In that instance, the court may dismiss your entire criminal case.
If the court does convict you, you may face significant penalties:
- If an individual receives a conviction on a first-time offense that involves a threat of physical force, they can incur second-degree misdemeanor penalties, including a maximum of 30 days of incarceration and a monetary fine of $250.
- A first-time offense that involves some degree of physical harm can lead to first-degree misdemeanor penalties, including a maximum of 180 days of incarceration, along with a maximum of five years on probation and a monetary fine of $1,000.
- If an individual receives a conviction on a first-time offense that involves an attempt to cause physical harm to someone else, they can receive first-degree misdemeanor penalties, including a maximum of 180 days in jail, a maximum of five years of probation, and a monetary fine of $1,000.
- A second or subsequent domestic violence offense is a Felony. Upon conviction, the accused can receive a maximum prison sentence of eight years.
- If the accused receives a conviction for a first-time protective order violation, they can incur first-degree misdemeanor penalties, including a maximum of 180 days in jail, a maximum of five years on probation, and a $1,000 monetary fine.
- Finally, a second or subsequent protective order violation can incur fifth-degree felony penalties, including a maximum of one year in jail and a maximum monetary fine of $2,500.
In addition, a domestic violence conviction may prevent the accused from working in certain occupations. You cannot expunge these convictions.
A domestic violence offender may also experience numerous collateral consequences upon conviction. First, they may have trouble getting admission to an educational program at a vocational school, college, or university. Additionally, if they currently receive scholarship funding or other financial aid, their school may cut off that funding.
In addition, a convicted domestic violence offender may lose the right to spend time with certain family members, including their children. This is especially true if they are subject to a protective order.
A convicted domestic violence offender may also have difficulty finding a place to live or finding/keeping a job. Finally, domestic violence offenders will likely suffer harm to their reputation in both their personal and professional communities.
If you recently sustained a conviction or guilty finding on a criminal domestic violence charge, our legal team can represent you before a judge at your criminal sentencing hearing. We can argue for the lightest possible penalty on your behalf and emphasize your potential lack of a criminal record or connections to the community. We can also work to lessen or entirely eliminate the collateral consequences you may experience following your domestic violence conviction.
Steps to Take Following an Arrest on a Domestic Violence Charge
Following an arrest on a domestic violence charge, invoke your right to the presence of legal counsel during questioning. That way, the police officer has to stop questioning you until you consult an attorney.
In addition, retain copies of important documents, including police reports and charging documents. Finally, call us to represent you as quickly as possible so that we can appear on your behalf in your criminal case.
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We Know the Legal System
Our criminal defense attorneys understand the legal system and local courts, helping you navigate your case efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
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We Give You Peace of Mind
Being charged with a crime is overwhelming. With our team on your side, you can focus on your life while an experienced professional handles your defense.
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We Fight For Your Rights
Police and prosecutors sometimes push the limits of the law. We work to protect your rights and prevent unconstitutional evidence from being used against you.
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We Build A Strategic Defense
Fighting criminal charges requires a strong strategy. Our experienced team builds a defense tailored to the specific facts of your case.
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We Work to Mitigate Consequences
One of the main benefits of hiring our Ohio criminal defense attorneys is our ability to help reduce the potential consequences of a conviction.
