Domestic violence charges can vary in severity and potential consequences, but the State of Ohio takes all of them seriously. According to Ohio Revised Code § 2919.25, acts of domestic violence can range from intimidation and threats to assault, battery, and sexual assault.
Because of the close emotional ties between the parties involved, domestic disputes and arrests are often contentious and painful for both the alleged victim and the accused. If police in Mason, OH, arrested you for a domestic violence charge, you do not have to face the criminal justice process alone. Call The Farrish Law Firm, L.P.A. today at 513-403-9699, and let us schedule a time to review your case.
What can I expect after a Mason domestic violence arrest?
Since the severity of domestic violence offenses can vary so dramatically, the events following an arrest can vary as well. In general, you can expect police to book you into the local jail where you will remain for several hours at least. They will fingerprint you, take your mugshot, and a health care provider may perform a basic evaluation. They will probably allow you to make a phone call soon after your arrest. You can notify a family member, a bondsman, or give us a call.
In most cases, you will have a bond hearing within the first 24 hours. It can be helpful to have a Mason domestic violence lawyer on your side during this court appearance to keep you from saying anything to jeopardize your case.
During this hearing, the judge will tell you the charges against you, and explain how much you must pay to bond out of jail. If we represent you during this hearing, we may be able to reduce your bond and help your family make arrangements with a local bondsman.
After we ensure you can bond out of jail, we will discuss the next steps in your case. We can guide you through the criminal justice process, help you understand the stipulations of any orders of protection against you, and fight to ensure your rights remain protected.
What are the consequences of an Ohio domestic violence conviction?
Depending on what they accuse you of doing, you may face misdemeanor or felony charges. With a misdemeanor conviction, you may only receive fines and community service or probation. A felony conviction usually results in jail time and/or other harsh penalties.
Some of the consequences after the most common domestic violence incidents include:
- Threatening physical harm or putting family members in danger usually calls for up to a month in jail and $250 in fines.
- Causing — or attempting to cause — injury in a domestic violence incident may mean up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- A previous domestic violence conviction can increase your sentence to 18 months in jail and $5,000 in fines.
- If the victim was pregnant, you face additional jail time and fines, even for the first offense.
The court-sanctioned penalties after a domestic violence charge and conviction are not the only ones many people face. There are other consequences that can have an even larger impact on your life. A conviction, or even an undue reputation because of the charges, can prevent you from landing your dream job, make it difficult to get some professional license and even cause issues in a child custody dispute.
How can a criminal defense lawyer help me fight domestic violence charges?
Because of the serious nature of the potential consequences of a domestic violence conviction, you need a skilled and knowledgeable defense attorney on your team. Even if a jury acquits you or the state drops the charges, the arrest remains on your record and can have a negative effect on employment, professional licensing, apartment rental, and even future relationships.
Because Ohio does not allow you to expunge domestic violence convictions or erase charges from your record, it is imperative to prove your innocence or fight to reduce the charges you face.
We can analyze the facts of your case and plan a defense strategy that protects your rights while working to reduce the consequences you could face. If we cannot convince the court to drop the charges against you, we will work to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor on your case. This may mean pleading guilty to a lesser charge to avoid jail time or other harsh penalties. In some cases, our best bet is to fight aggressively for your acquittal in court.
The Farrish Law Firm, L.P.A.: Your Mason, OH, Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers
At the Farrish Law Firm, L.P.A., we understand the how emotional these cases can be. We understand the complexities, including issues with child custody and orders of protection. We can help you understand the potential impacts of the charges against you, and build a strong defense strategy for your case.
Call us today at 513-403-9699 to get started.