How To Deal with Domestic Violence Charges in Ohio

Facing any kind of criminal charge can leave you feeling nervous and worried over the outcome of the situation. Being accused of domestic violence will certainly have you wondering how you can go about dealing with the charges.

While the situation may seem overwhelming, there are steps you and a Columbus criminal defense attorney can take to handle the domestic violence charges you are facing.

Below, we are going to explore how to deal with domestic violence charges in Ohio and how you can handle false charges.

What is Defined as Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is defined under Ohio state law in Section 2919.25 of the Ohio Revised Code. Per that section, domestic violence is considered to knowingly or recklessly causing or attempting to cause physical harm or someone’s own family or household.

In terms of this section, an alleged act or threat of physical harm has to be made either knowingly or recklessly for the act to be considered a crime.

In terms of who can be considered a victim of domestic violence in Ohio, the law typically acknowledges a number of people who are related to the alleged perpetrator in some way. This can include:

• A spouse or ex-spouse
• A child (biological, adopted, or step-child)
• A parent
• A significant other who lives with the accused
• A sibling or other blood relative

Domestic violence charges can come from a number of different people that you might know in your life. So, how can you deal with false domestic violence charges?

How to Deal with Domestic Violence Charges in Ohio

There are a few steps you can take when it comes to how to deal with false domestic charges in Columbus Ohio. Unfortunately, you will find yourself needing to process the difficult situation you have been presented with. The quicker you take immediate action to help defend yourself and your reputation, the better your situation can be moving forward.

1. Get in contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. Working to prove your innocence when it comes to criminal charges can be daunting. Hiring a Columbus domestic violence defense attorney early on will immediately put legal help on your side.
2. Working together with your attorney, you will want to see about gathering evidence. This can include a list of eyewitnesses who can verify your side of events. You will also want to save any kind of communication like emails, text messages, physical notes, and any other relevant messages.

Your attorney will work to verify any evidence you are able to hand over to them.

3. If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is quite possible you have been arrested. If so, you will want to follow any conditions of release that you have been given. These may include staying away from certain individuals, family members, and/or locations, possible GPS monitoring, as well as any other conditions imposed by the court.

Penalties for domestic violence charges will depend on individual factors such as the accused person’s history of domestic violence convictions and the severity of the harm or threat of harm.

Domestic violence related charges can range from a 4^th degree misdemeanor to a 3^rd degree felony. Since domestic violence charges are considered extremely serious violent offenses, connecting with a Columbus Ohio criminal defense attorney is a must.

For more on Ohio domestic violence laws and penalties, see our post here.

Can a Columbus Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Help?

The long and short answer here is yes. A defense attorney can go a long way to helping you deal with domestic violence charges in Ohio. With a thorough understanding of the laws related to domestic violence, a Columbus defense attorney will help ensure that each claim brought against you is thoroughly investigated.

A Columbus domestic violence defense attorney is there to serve as an advisor, ally, and expert legal representation no matter the charges you are currently facing.

Speak with an Experienced Columbus Criminal Defense Attorney

Going through the often complex details and working to clear an accused individual of domestic violence charges can be a long and difficult process. If you need assistance fighting allegations of domestic violence, reach out to The Maher Law Firm.

Attorney Colin Maher has well over 10 years of experience as a Columbus Ohio criminal defense attorney.  You can contact him online or over the phone at 614-205-2208 today for a free and confidential phone consultation.