Domestic Violence In Ohio

Domestic Violence Cases In Columbus And Central Ohio
People charged with Domestic Violence experience a range of emotions. Some are ashamed, some are insulted, and most are fearful. Every case, and every client, is different. Most clients have little or no criminal record. Some Domestic Violence cases involve false allegations, and many are the culmination of underlying stress and unhealthy relationships. In all cases, clients hope to end the embarrassment of being charged with a crime of violence. If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to hire a Columbus Domestic Violence lawyer.

Attorneys For Ohio Domestic Violence Charges
The lawyers in the Dominy Law Firm have experience representing clients with Domestic Violence. Founding attorney Shawn Dominy has been handling these types of cases since 1997. Associate attorney Bryan Hawkins, despite being in practice for a shorter time, has handled even more Domestic Violence cases than Shawn Dominy. Both attorneys have helped clients resolve these cases with the Domestic Violence charge being dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense. They can help you too.

Types Of Domestic Violence Charges In Ohio
In Ohio, there are different types of Domestic Violence charges:

• Domestic Violence ‘By Threat’: The prosecution must prove you, by threat of force, knowingly caused a family or household member to believe you would cause imminent physical harm to them.
• Domestic Violence ‘By Force: The prosecution must prove you either:
  1. knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to a family or household member OR
  2. recklessly caused serious physical harm to a family or household member
  

Sentences And Penalties For Ohio Domestic Violence Charges
The possible sentences for Domestic violence depend on the type of charge:

• Domestic Violence ‘By Threat’: This offense is typically categorized as a fourth degree misdemeanor. The penalties for this offense include a jail sentence up to 30 days, a fine up to $250 and community control (probation) for up to five years
• Domestic Violence ‘By Force’: This offense is typically categorized as a first degree misdemeanor. The penalties for this offense include a jail sentence up to 180 days, a fine up to $1,000 and community control (probation) for up to five years.

The level of the offense and the potential penalties increase if you have prior conviction(s) for Domestic Violence. There are also increases in the offense level and penalties if you knew the victim was pregnant at the time of the violation. If serious physical harm is knowingly caused, there could also be a charge of Felonious Assault, which is a second degree felony.

In addition to the punishment imposed in court for Domestic Violence, a conviction may result in secondary consequences. Those include the potential impact on employment, firearm ownership, professional licensing and military service. The Domestic Violence conviction is a permanent public record which involves a stigma of violent behavior.

Strategies For Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges
The physical and emotional harm caused by domestic abuse is serious and should be taken seriously by our society. At the same time, there is a potential for false or exaggerated allegations. The role of the Dominy Law Firm in these cases is to make sure our client is treated fairly in the court system, is not wrongly punished, and is not excessively punished. To that end, we obtain and review the prosecution’s evidence, conduct an independent investigation when possible, and explore legal defenses to the charge as well as circumstances that mitigate the punishment. We negotiate with the prosecuting attorney to reach a settlement which is fair. If that can’t be accomplished, we may take the case to trial and let a jury decide the outcome.

Representation For Domestic Violence In Columbus And Central Ohio
As a law firm in the Columbus, Ohio area, we have represented several clients with Domestic Violence charges in Franklin County, Delaware County, and other courts in central Ohio. We maintain a limited caseload so we can provide our clients with personal service. For more information about the Dominy Law Firm, please see the page About Us. Our firm charges flat fees, so you will know from the outset the total fees for our representation. To schedule a free phone consultation about your Domestic Violence case, please submit a CONTACT FORM or call us at 614-717-1177.