What to Do If You’re Facing Domestic Violence Charges in Ohio

Domestic violence charges in Ohio come with serious legal penalties. If convicted, you could face jail time and fines, along with social, housing, and employment consequences.

When face accusations of domestic violence, the best thing you can do is contact an Ohio criminal defense attorney. The sooner you get an attorney involved, the better able they’ll be to protect your rights.

Take these steps if you’re facing domestic violence charges:

1. Consult a Defense Attorney – First, contact a domestic violence defense attorney. Ohio’s criminal justice system is complex. Your attorney can help you understand the charges against you, potential penalties, court procedures, and possible defenses.
2. Understand Your Charges – It’s important to understand what you’re being charged with. In Ohio, domestic violence involves knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member, or causing them to believe you will cause them immediate harm. This can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on prior convictions and how severe the incident was.
3. Understand the Potential Penalties – The penalties you face depend on whether you’re facing a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines), a fourth-degree felony (six to 18 months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines), or a third-degree felony (nine months to three years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines).
4. Understand the Prosecution’s Role – It’s important to remember that a prosecutor can choose to charge you even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges.
5. Comply with Any Court Orders – If you’re subject to any protective orders or bail conditions, follow them to the letter. Violating protective or restraining orders can lead to additional charges. Similarly, violating bail conditions could result in incarceration until trial, or other legal complications.
6. Prepare for Your Court Proceedings – Your domestic violence defense attorney will help you prepare for hearings and gather evidence. Communication records and witness statements are often helpful evidence. Your attorney will also prepare you for what to expect during a hearing, how to dress, and the importance of being on time for each proceeding.

Potential Defense Strategies

Throughout the legal process, your attorney will determine the best possible defenses for your case. The right defense will depend on your unique circumstances. After evaluating the charges and the evidence against you, your lawyer will craft a strategy based on this information. They’ll craft a strategy based on this information. Common defenses include:

• Self-Defense – This defense involves arguing that you acted to protect yourself from harm.
• False Allegations – Your attorney may challenge your accuser’s credibility or the accusation’s validity.
• Lack of Evidence – In some cases, the prosecution simply doesn’t have enough evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Talk to an Ohio Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

A proactive approach is the key to defending domestic violence charges. The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. can protect your rights and create a tailored defense for your charges. Call our firm at 614-444-3036 or fill out our contact form today.