Cincinnati Domestic Violence Attorney

Penalties for Domestic Violence in Ohio

Ohio law treats any form of domestic violence with stern severity, and a conviction can drastically alter the course of your life. The penalties for a domestic violence conviction vary depending on whether it’s a first-time offense or if the accused has prior convictions.

Most domestic violence charges begin as a misdemeanor. In some cases, they could become a felony if you have a certain previous criminal history already established. If you are in the military or serve as a police officer, a conviction of domestic violence will end your career. A domestic violence misdemeanor can be brought on by something as small as a scratch.

Penalties for misdemeanor charges include:

• A maximum of 6 months in jail
• Significant fines
• Costs of going to court
• A maximum of 5 years probation in addition to time in jail

In addition to these penalties, the convicted may never be able to possess a firearm, never be able to have the charge expunged, and may have to be subject to a civil protection order. The severity of domestic violence charges escalates according to the number of prior charges that a defendant has.

However, a subsequent offense or one involving physical harm can substantially elevate the penalties imposed, and a second charge of domestic violence is considered a felony.

Cases that involve minor children, weapons, or severe injuries can also escalate the offense to a felony. In the case of a fourth-degree felony, penalties can include up to 18 months in prison and substantial fines.

Penalties are not the only consequences you may face when convicted of domestic violence. A protective order could affect your living arrangements and restrict your rights of property access, custody, or visitation. A conviction can also have profound effects on your future endeavors, impacting future employment, college admissions, and housing applications. Worst of all, the social stigma attached to a domestic violence conviction can affect your relationships and social standing in profound ways.

The relentless fight against these severe repercussions justifies the need for a knowledgeable Cincinnati domestic violence attorney. Having an experienced attorney by your side can arm you with a robust defense, fighting tirelessly to preserve your rights and freedoms while minimizing the potential legal consequences.

What a Cincinnati Domestic Violence Attorney Can Do For You

Facing a domestic violence charge can be an intimidating experience. This experience can become exponentially more overwhelming when considering the complexities of the legal system and its implications for your future. A seasoned Cincinnati domestic violence attorney can stand as your ally, defending your rights and helping you navigate through this tumultuous journey.

Your attorney can advise you at every critical juncture of your case. Starting from the initial police interviews, where every comment made can profoundly impact the direction of your case, to scrutinizing the evidence and challenging the prosecution’s narrative, the guidance of an experienced attorney is instrumental.

An attorney well-versed in domestic violence cases will dedicate time to understanding your unique situation entirely — exploring every detail, no matter how minute it may seem, to construct a robust defense strategy. This investigation might include speaking with witnesses, examining police reports, and challenging the prosecution’s evidence.

Furthermore, your attorney can represent you efficiently in court. This experience extends to presenting persuasive arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and protecting your rights ardently, helping ensure that your side of the story is heard and understood. They’re also effective negotiators, mitigating potential ramifications through plea deals when applicable.

In the volatile circumstances that a domestic violence case often entails, the guidance of a Cincinnati domestic violence attorney can serve as the steadying force you need. With our deeply experienced attorneys at your side, you can confront these charges with the confidence that your rights are being staunchly defended.