Nationwide, nearly 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner per minute, equating to more than ten million men and women in a year. This statistic demonstrates how common domestic violence is, meaning our team at the Law Offices of Evan. E. Zelig, P.C. is no stranger to the process of defending those who were accused of this crime.
The law defines domestic abuse as:
- Physically hurting or trying to hurt someone, intentionally or recklessly
- Sexual assault
- Making someone reasonably afraid that they or someone else are about to be seriously hurt (like threats or promises to harm someone)
- Behavior like harassing, stalking, threatening or hitting someone; disturbing someone’s peace; or destroying someone’s personal property
If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, your accuser may take certain actions to protect themselves. It is likely that a restraining order will have been filed against you, but during your criminal proceeding, the alleged abuse may be categorized as a misdemeanor if an injury is not visible on the accuser, or as a felony if an injury is visible on the accuser.
If you’re charged with a misdemeanor, you may face:
- Fines (for the offense and for damages inflicted on the accuser)
- Sentencing to a county jail for no more than one year
- Probation on the condition that you participate in and successfully complete a batterer’s treatment program for a specific amount of time
- Loss of child custody
If you’re facing felony charges, these may be your potential consequences:
- Fines(for the offense and for damages inflicted on the accuser — these fines are typically higher than those imposed for a misdemeanor)
- Sentencing to a state prison for at least two years
- Probation on the condition that you participate in and successfully complete a treatment program for a specific amount of time
- Loss of child custody
The courts take domestic violence cases very seriously, especially when a child is involved, and we protect our clients just as seriously. You must discuss your case with our dedicated advocates to secure the best possible outcome and minimize the impact you may face.
We prioritize your rights, liberty, and reputation. Contact us online or connect with us for 24/7 assistance at (707) 418-5352.