Columbia Roommate Violence Penalties

It is common for tempers to flare between housemates. However, it is important to understand that a fight with a roommate could result in domestic violence charges. If you are facing Columbia roommate violence penalties, you should seek the services of a well-established roommate violence attorney. Call a lawyer today to schedule a consultation.

Roommate Violence Not Considered Domestic Violence

When an incident is not considered domestic violence, the appropriate charge is assault and battery. The charge could be assault and battery third-degree, second-degree, or first-degree. Another possible charge is assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, depending on the severity of the injuries or the present ability to injure the person. If the incident is not domestic violence, the person does not necessarily get off free. Either way, hiring an attorney right away is essential.

Criminal Consequences

The immediate criminal consequence of roommate violence is someone being placed under arrest. Their criminal charge is out there in the public. The alleged offender has to go to a county jail to be booked and go through a bond hearing. The individual also might be required to be monitored at the bond judge’s discretion. The accused then has to return to court for a first appearance and roll call. Although someone is presumed innocent when charged with a crime, there is a question in people’s minds about their innocence until the case is resolved.

The arrested person must face the possibility of the maximum Columbia roommate violence penalties. A first, second, third-degree, or domestic violence charge of a high and aggravated nature is going to result in serious consequences. Depending on the level of the charge, the person could be facing up to 20 years in prison.

Long-Term Repercussions

One of the long-term consequences of a roommate violence conviction is having a prior criminal record. This could affect one’s ability to get an apartment or receive funding for a mortgage to buy a home. A prior criminal record can also prevent someone from getting a decent job or even finding gainful employment. Also, a criminal conviction could bar the person from legally owning a firearm.

Convictions can be devastating, which is why it is imperative that a person hires a lawyer to defend their rights and possibly get the charges reduced to a more manageable charge, or perhaps dismissed. A person wants an attorney to look at all the different avenues, mitigate Columbia roommate violence penalties, and, fight the charge to obtain the best possible outcome.

How a Dedicated Columbia Roommate Violence Attorney Could Help

If you have been accused of roommate violence, you should hire a lawyer immediately. An experienced lawyer could protect your rights, file the necessary motions, and begin building your defense on day one. If you face Columbia roommate violence penalties, you could be looking at jail time and paying expensive fines. A criminal conviction could also haunt you for the rest of your professional life. If you have been arrested for a roommate violence offense, contact a well-trained defense attorney that could fight for you.

Columbia Roommate Violence Lawyer