Domestic Violence Attorneys Dayton

Causing harm or the threat of harm to another person is never ethically or legally acceptable. When committed against a family member or member of the same household, however, the crime is reclassified from “assault” to “domestic violence.” Being charged with domestic violence can have both civil and criminal penalties, and have a significant effect on your future. If you’ve been charged with domestic violence in Ohio, call the Comunale Law Office today to learn more about your options.

Defining Domestic Violence in Ohio

Domestic violence is defined under Ohio Revised Code Section 2919.25, and reads that a person commits an act of domestic violence when they cause or attempt to cause physical harm to a family or household member, or cause, by threat of force, a family or household member to believe that they will sustain imminent physical harm.

A domestic violence charge is considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor in Ohio. However, if certain criteria apply, the charge is increased.

To be sure, Ohio code explains that the offense is more severe if committed against a pregnant person, if the offender has previous domestic violence charges, or if serious harm is caused to the victim.

Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction

Depending upon whether or not a person is convicted of misdemeanor or felony domestic violence, penalties might include jail of up to six months and a fine of $1,000, or penalties as serious as multiple years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. It is important to note that a domestic violence conviction may have civil penalties as well, such as the issuing of an order of protection by the court, or/and hindering winning a child custody case.

Defending You Against Domestic Violence Charges

Being charged with domestic violence is a big deal. Our legal team strongly recommends that you call an attorney as soon as possible if you are facing domestic violence charges. We can help you to defend yourself and mitigate the worst outcome. Some potential defenses to domestic violence charges include that the victim is lying in order to punish you, you were acting in self-defense, the “violence” was consensual, or that there is a lack of proof that the violence occurred. If a defense is not possible, our law firm can work with you to reach a plea bargain with the prosecution.

Call Our Law Offices Today

It is important that you hire an attorney as soon as possible after being charged with domestic violence. Your attorney can advise you immediately, and start to build your defense. You should not speak with the party who accused you while charges are pending.

At the Comunale Law Office, we know that being charged with a crime can be scary. When you call our law firm, we’ll work hard for you to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Please reach us today at 937-227-3310, or send us an email at contact@comunalelaw.com. We care about you!