Accused of Domestic Violence
If you have been accused of domestic violence in the Columbus area, you have probably found yourself in a difficult situation. Even if the accusations are baseless, many people in your community will label you as guilty until proven innocent.
You may feel like you don’t have the chance to defend yourself or express your side of the story, but you do. If you have been accused of domestic violence in Columbus, Ohio, you will need the guidance of an experienced family attorney.
Plan your Strategic Defense to a Domestic Violence Charge
The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm will listen to your story and use our experience to find the best legal options available to you. You are not alone. Joslyn Law Firm is available to you 24/7. The sooner you contact a defense attorney, the better your chances of a more favorable outcome in court.
The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm will honor your right to representation and will strive to do everything in their power to achieve the best possible results for your situation. The Joslyn Law Firm will not focus on guilt or innocence, but rather on the question, “What can we do to facilitate the best possible outcome for you?” Find a legal partner for life at the Joslyn Law Firm.
We are eager to speak with you more about your case. Contact us today at (614) 420-2424 or submit your information in the online contact form.
Joslyn Law Firm proudly represents clients of domestic violence accusation in counties in central Ohio that include Franklin County, Delaware County, Union County, Madison County, Pickaway County, Fairfield County and Licking County.
Information Center
How does Ohio Define Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence typically involves some form of assault that is committed against a family or household member. Ohio prohibits the act under section 2919.25 of the Ohio Revised Code. It states that no person shall:
- Knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to a family or household member.
- Recklessly cause serious physical harm to a family or household member
- Knowingly cause, by threat or force, a family or household member to believe an offender will cause imminent physical harm to a family or household member.
Ohio law considers certain individuals to be household or family members. The ORC defines family and household members as any of the following who is or has lived with the offender:
- A spouse
- A person living as a spouse
- A former spouse
- A parent
- A foster parent
- The offender’s child
- Any person related by blood or marriage
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Ohio
If you are convicted of domestic violence, it will be on your criminal records for the rest of your life. No matter the circumstances of your case, you are at risk of being considered a violent criminal. Because of this, it is imperative that you contact a defense attorney that will give the accusation the level of importance it needs.
If it’s discovered that you violated section 2919.25 of the ORC, you will be found guilty of domestic violence, and the court can sentence you to the following:
Knowingly causing, by threat or force, imminent physical harm: This is charged as a fourth-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Up to $250 in fines
Causing or attempting to cause physical harm: This is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by:
- No more than 180 days in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
If the victim was pregnant: If you knew the alleged victim was pregnant at the time of the offense, or you caused the termination of the woman’s pregnancy, you could be charged with a fifth-degree felony. A fifth-degree felony is punishable by:
- A mandatory prison sentence of 12 months
- No more than $2,5000 in fines
Possible Defenses for a Domestic Violence Accusation
Just because you were accused of domestic violence, doesn’t mean that you are guilty. It’s important that you contact a defense attorney who will explore every possible defense available to your case. Listed below are the possible defenses that can be used in certain domestic violence cases:
- False Allegations: It is common for alleged victims to falsely claim a household or family member was violent towards them. There is a wide range of reasons why a family or household member would make false accusations. Some of these reasons include to gain custody of children, out of spite, or to have a more favorable outcome in a divorce.
- Self-Defense: Domestic assault accusations can be the result of someone else initiating the violence. Self-defense may have been necessary if the alleged victim was the one who provoked or attached the alleged offender.
- Defending Others: Sometimes force is needed to prevent a family or household member from causing harm or injury to another person.
- Lack of Intent: It is required for a domestic violence offense to have the intention to cause harm or fear in someone. Charges could be reduced or dismissed if prosecutors fail to prove intent.
Additional Recourses for Domestic Violence Accusations
Domestic Violence | Ohio Revised Code– Visit the Oho Laws and Rules website to learn more about the state’s domestic violence laws. You can read the precise legal definition of the crime and how it’s penalized.
Endangering a Child– Sometimes domestic violence can involve endangering a child. Follow this link to learn what Ohio considers to be child engenderment and how the crime is penalized. You can read full of the statute on The Ohio Laws and Rules website.
Attorney for Domestic Violence Accusations in Columbus, OH
If you are being accused of domestic violence in Columbus, OH, you will need the guidance of an experienced legal team. Let Joslyn Law Firm represent you. We understand how frustrating it can be to be accused of domestic violence, and our attorneys will aggressively advocate on your behalf.
To schedule a free case consultation with Joslyn Law Firm, call or submit your information in the online contact for.m We defend clients against domestic violence accusations in counties that include Franklin County, Delaware County, Union County, Madison County, Pickaway County, Fairfield County and Licking County.
This page was last updated by Brian Joslyn
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