Have you been arrested for domestic violence in Huron, OH? You don’t have to face these criminal charges alone. Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers at (419) 827-5884 for help.
We understand how stressful and complicated these cases can be and the effect they can have on a defendant’s life. Let our experience help protect your rights and your future if you’re facing charges in Huron, Ohio.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Huron domestic violence lawyer.
Why Hire Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers if You’re Arrested for Domestic Violence?
When your future is on the line and you’re facing domestic violence charges in Huron, OH, choosing the right criminal defense attorney can make all the difference. Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers stands out for the following reasons:
- We bring more than 180 years of combined experience to every case we handle.
- We have recovered over $100 million for our injured clients.
- Our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers and named among the Top 40 Under 40, reflecting both our expertise and dedication to our clients.
- Our law firm stands out by using our deep knowledge of Ohio domestic violence laws and trial tactics to build a smart, aggressive defense.
Domestic violence cases are emotionally charged and legally complex, and trying to manage everything on your own can risk results you may regret for a lifetime. When you work with us, you’re never just a case number. If you’re facing charges in Huron, Ohio, we’re here to help.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Huron domestic violence attorney.
Overview of Domestic Violence in Ohio
Domestic violence is defined under Ohio law as knowingly or recklessly causing physical harm, attempting to cause harm, or making threats of immediate physical harm against a family or household member. This can include actual injury, attempts to injure, or actions that make someone fear they are about to be hurt.
It covers a wide variety of actions, typically including:
- Physical harm or injury: This includes not only trying to injure someone, but also behaving recklessly and causing bodily harm, whether or not there was intent.
- Threats of violence: Making threats that put another person in fear of immediate and serious physical harm can be considered domestic violence, even if no actual injury occurs.
- Stalking and trespassing: Acts like stalking or entering someone’s home without permission, and with a threatening purpose, are recognized forms of domestic violence.
- Child abuse: Anything that harms or risks harming a child’s well-being, including mental or emotional injury, is included under the law.
- Sexual misconduct: Offenses like rape, sexual battery, or similar acts within a domestic relationship are also covered as domestic violence.
If you’re facing any charges related to domestic violence, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Huron, Ohio?
Domestic violence charges in Huron can lead to serious penalties, ranging from time in jail to significant fines and other long-lasting consequences. The possible punishment depends on the nature of the offense and whether it’s charged as a felony or misdemeanor.
Felony Domestic Violence in Ohio
Certain domestic violence offenses or repeat violations are charged as felonies, with penalties that become more severe at higher felony levels:
- Fifth-degree felony: A repeat violation of a protection order may lead to up to one year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.
- Fourth-degree felony: Crimes like repeated stalking, aggravated assault, or repeated child endangerment can bring up to 18 months in prison and $5,000 in fines.
- Third-degree felony: Causing serious harm to a child or violating a protection order while committing another felony can result in up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Second-degree felony: Severe offenses such as felonious assault or child abuse with serious injury can be penalized by up to eight years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
- First-degree felony: The most serious crimes, like rape, carry penalties of up to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.
Felony domestic violence charges in Ohio carry increasingly severe penalties, with higher felony levels resulting in longer prison terms and larger fines.
Misdemeanor Domestic Violence in Ohio
Lesser offenses are classified as misdemeanors, but they still carry strict penalties:
- Fourth-degree misdemeanor: Menacing convictions may lead to up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.
- Third-degree misdemeanor: Charges like negligent assault or sexual imposition can result in up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
- Second-degree misdemeanor: Repeat threats or causing someone to reasonably fear harm can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750.
- First-degree misdemeanor: Charges such as aggravated menacing, stalking, simple assault, child endangerment, or violating a protection order can be misdemeanors in some cases and carry penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
Even as misdemeanors, domestic violence offenses in Ohio can lead to substantial jail time and fines, especially for repeat or escalating behavior.
Additional Consequences
Beyond jail and fines, a domestic violence conviction can affect many other aspects of your life:
- You may lose your right to own or possess firearms, sometimes permanently.
- Finding and keeping a job can become difficult, as employers run background checks to look for criminal records, especially for violent offenses.
- Securing rental housing or home loans can be challenging since many landlords and lenders are reluctant to approve applicants with a domestic violence conviction.
- Important personal relationships, including family connections, friendships, and reputation in the community, may be damaged or lost as a result of the conviction.
- You could lose professional licenses or certifications, which can limit your ability to work in certain fields such as healthcare, education, or law.
- Restrictions from protective orders may limit your contact with children or other family members, potentially impacting custody or visitation rights.
If you’re dealing with a criminal matter as serious as this, make sure you speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, as you can face serious consequences if you are convicted.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Domestic Violence?
If you’re arrested for domestic violence in Huron, there are several defenses that might be available depending on the details of your case. Here are some of the most common legal strategies:
- Self-defense or defense of others: You may be able to show that you acted to protect yourself or someone else from immediate harm. If you took reasonable actions because you believed you or another person was in danger, this defense could apply to your situation.
- False allegations: Domestic violence claims sometimes arise out of misunderstandings, heated arguments, or personal disputes. Demonstrating that allegations are untrue – by presenting evidence or inconsistencies in the accuser’s story – can undermine the prosecution’s case.
- Lack of evidence: The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient evidence that violence occurred, like no medical records, or if witnesses contradict the accusations, an experienced attorney can argue for dismissal or reduction of the charges. Alternatively, they will try to obtain a not guilty verdict at trial.
- Accident or lack of intent: Sometimes, injuries happen unintentionally or due to accidents with no intent to cause harm. If the facts support this, your lawyer can argue that your actions didn’t meet the legal standard for domestic violence.
Choosing the right defense strategy is crucial, and an experienced defense attorney can help you determine the most effective approach for your case.
Facing domestic violence charges in Huron, Ohio, can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself. The right legal representation can help you understand your options and protect your rights at every step.
Our team is devoted to securing the outcome you deserve. Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Huron domestic violence lawyer.