Cleveland Domestic Violence Lawyer
Accused of Domestic Violence? What You Do Next Matters.
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, it may feel like your life is unraveling overnight. You may have been removed from your home. You may be unable to see your children. A protection order may already be in place. And you may be facing criminal charges that carry jail time and a permanent record.
Domestic violence allegations move fast in Cuyahoga County. Judges often issue temporary protection orders immediately. Prosecutors frequently pursue these cases even if the alleged victim later wants the charges dropped.
You need a defense strategy immediately—not after your first court date.
At Patituce & Associates, we defend people accused of domestic violence throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and all of Ohio. We know what's on the line; let us act quickly to protect your rights, your record, and your future.
Why Hire Patituce & Associates?
When your freedom, family, and reputation are on the line, experience matters.
Ay Patituce & Associates, we offer:
- One of only eight attorneys in Ohio who is board-certified in criminal trial law
- Former prosecutors who understand how the state builds domestic violence cases
- Experience handling more than 20,000 criminal cases and 400 jury trials
- A track record of securing favorable results in domestic violence cases
We know how domestic violence cases are charged. We know how prosecutors evaluate them. And we know how to identify weaknesses early. Just as importantly, we understand that being accused does not mean you are guilty. We treat our clients with discretion, urgency, and respect, and we never stop fighting to protect them.
Call our domestic violence attorneys in Cleveland today for a free consultation: (440) 771-1175. We are available to discuss your case 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don't wait to take action.
We understand that your specific situation requires individualized attention, and we are dedicated to providing just that.
What You’re Probably Worried About Right Now
If you’ve been charged, your concerns are real and immediate:
“Will I go to jail?”
Possibly, but many first-time domestic violence cases can be strategically negotiated, reduced, or dismissed depending on the evidence.
“Can the victim drop the charges?”
Not necessarily. Once charges are filed, the prosecutor, not the alleged victim, controls the case.
“Will this affect my job?”
It can. A domestic violence conviction can impact professional licensing, background checks, and firearm eligibility.
“What about my kids?”
A protection order or domestic violence conviction in Ohio can significantly impact custody and visitation rights.
These are not minor accusations. They can carry criminal, personal, and long-term consequences. Let our domestic violence lawyers in Cleveland fight to protect your freedom and your future. Call us 24/7.
Defending Against Domestic Violence Allegations
Many domestic violence cases arise from emotionally charged situations—arguments, misunderstandings, or highly stressful family disputes. In some cases, injuries are exaggerated. In others, accusations are made in the context of divorce or custody disputes.
A strong defense may involve:
- Examining 911 recordings
- Reviewing body camera footage
- Analyzing medical records
- Identifying inconsistencies in statements
- Challenging whether physical harm actually occurred
- Demonstrating self-defense
- Exposing ulterior motives
In many cases, the prosecution’s evidence is weaker than it first appears. But you must act quickly to preserve evidence and protect yourself from making damaging statements.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Ohio?
Three different types of conduct committed against a family or household member constitute domestic violence.
Domestic violence offenses under Ohio Revised Code § 2919.25 include:
- Knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm;
- Recklessly causing or attempting to cause physical harm; or
- Using threats to make a family or household member believe that they are in danger of imminent physical harm
Family and household members are defined as the following individuals who live or have lived with the alleged offender:
- Spouse, person living as a spouse, former spouse;
- Parent, foster parent, or child of the alleged offender;
- Any person related by blood or marriage to the alleged offender;
- Parent or child of the alleged offender’s spouse, a person living with them as a spouse, or a former spouse;
- A person related by blood/marriage to the alleged offender’s spouse, a person living with them as a spouse, or a former spouse;
- Another natural parent of the alleged offender’s biological child.
At Patituce & Associates, we know there are two sides to every story. Our Cleveland domestic violence attorneys are ready to listen to yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, domestic violence charges can have a significant impact on child custody decisions in Ohio.
Courts consider the safety and well-being of the child as the highest priority when determining custody arrangements. If a parent is convicted of domestic violence, the court may limit or deny custody and visitation rights. In some cases, supervised visitation may be ordered. Even allegations of domestic violence, without a conviction, can influence custody decisions if the court believes the child’s welfare is at risk.
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Yes, a domestic violence conviction in Ohio can have serious consequences for gun ownership.
Under federal law, individuals convicted of a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence offense are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. This restriction is permanent and applies regardless of how long ago the conviction occurred. In some cases, this prohibition may be lifted through a legal process, but it generally remains in effect unless the conviction is overturned or expunged.
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In Ohio, domestic violence laws apply not only to married couples, but also to intimate partners who are not married.
If two people are living together or have previously lived together as a couple, they are considered household members under the law, making domestic violence charges applicable. Additionally, if the individuals share a child, domestic violence laws apply even if they were never married or cohabitating. This means that Ohio’s domestic violence statutes protect a broad range of intimate relationships.
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No. Since domestic violence is a crime, the victim is not the one who issued the charge and therefore doesn’t have the authority to drop the charge.
Once you have been charged, the case has been taken over by the prosecutor’s office. They take all domestic violence charges seriously and ensure that the victim and the victim’s rights are protected. It is ultimately up to the prosecuting attorney assigned to your case to determine if they will proceed with the charges against you.
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Yes, in Ohio, physical harm is not always required for a domestic violence charge.
Threats of physical harm or engaging in behavior that causes someone to fear for their safety can also result in domestic violence charges. This can include verbal threats, gestures that imply harm, or actions that make a family or household member feel they are in imminent danger. Ohio law recognizes that emotional abuse and threats can be just as damaging as physical violence.
