Ohio Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

What sets domestic violence apart from other types of violent crimes is the relationship between the people involved in the incident. In Ohio, a family member or household member refers to any of the following people who reside or have resided with the alleged offender:

• A spouse, former spouse, or a romantic partner with whom the offender has resided in the last five years
• The offender’s child
• The offender’s parent or foster parent
• The natural parent of the offender’s biological child
• An extended family member of the offender
• A parent or child of the offender’s spouse, former spouse, or romantic partner
• An extended family member of the offender’s spouse, former spouse, or romantic partner

If a person is convicted of domestic violence in Ohio, he or she can face serious legal consequences, including jail time, fines, and other penalties. These penalties depend on the severity of the offense, the injury caused, and whether the alleged offender has any prior domestic violence convictions.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the court may levy the following possible penalties:

• For a 3^rd degree misdemeanor, up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
• For a 2^nd degree misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $750
• For a 1^st degree misdemeanor, up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
• For a 5^th degree felony, six to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500
• For a 4^th degree felony, six to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
• For a 3^rd degree felony, nine months to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

If an alleged offender knew the victim was pregnant, the court is required to impose a minimum sentence of six months or one year, depending on whether the incident involved harm or a threat and whether the victim’s unborn child was harmed. The offender may also be required to pay restitution for any expenses that result from the crime, including property damage, the cost of medical care, or counseling services.

One common misconception about domestic violence cases is that the victim can request to drop the charges. However, this is not the case. Once a domestic violence charge has been issued, the case is taken over by the prosecutor’s office, and the decision to proceed with the charges is ultimately up to the prosecuting attorney assigned to the case.

Unfortunately, a victim cannot request to drop domestic violence charges, even if he or she made a mistake or misinterpreted the situation. In some cases, the prosecutor may be willing to drop the charges if the victim refuses to testify, but this is not always the case.

Being charged with domestic violence can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, including jail time, fines, and restrictions on your rights and freedoms. Working with an Ohio domestic violence defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.

At Patituce & Associates, LLC, we have the experience and resources necessary to provide you with the legal representation you need. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Our Ohio criminal defense attorneys can support your case in several ways, such as the following:

• Providing you with objective legal guidance: Having objective legal guidance during this time is critical for ensuring that your rights and future are protected. Your lawyer will provide you with clear, objective advice on the best way to proceed.
• Offering you emotional support: Having an experienced lawyer by your side during this time is important for ensuring that you have all of the support and emotional reassurance that you need during this difficult time.
• Collecting important evidence: Your lawyer will have worked with many other people who have domestic violence charges. He or she will be able to conduct a thorough investigation into your case, collect necessary and relevant evidence, and build a compelling defense on your behalf.
• Protecting your future: Without a reputable lawyer by your side, you may be risking your future and your reputation. Your attorney will be by your side to guide and support you through each step of the process and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
• Effectively representing you at trial: If your case gets taken to court, having a reputable lawyer to represent you is extremely important. Your lawyer will effectively present your case to protect your rights and your future.