Irmo Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic violence is defined as any act of violence or intimidation committed against a person by a member of their household (e.g., spouse or former spouse; child in common; cohabitating). The previous definition is slightly misleading, especially considering a person does not have to reside in the same household as their alleged victim to be charged with domestic violence.

If you are currently facing domestic violence charges, it may be beneficial to hire an Irmo domestic violence lawyer to represent you. You have a lot to lose if you are convicted, including your livelihood and freedom, and even if you do not face jail time, your life will probably never be the same. Reach out to a diligent criminal defense attorney to learn about your options.

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

In addition to the fines and court costs associated with a domestic violence charge, there are many other consequences of a conviction. The alleged abuser will often face ostracism from their community and profession unless they can get the charges against them dropped. The stigma of a domestic violence accusation may never leave if convicted.

If convicted of domestic violence, an alleged abuser may face the following punishments:

• Incarceration
• Probation
• Community service
• Loss of professional license
• Restitution to the alleged victim

Some courts may also order anger management, or alcohol and substances abuse counseling if they believe drugs or alcohol are a mitigating factor in a case. Those convicted of a domestic violence charge will lose their right to vote or possess firearms. It may also be difficult for a person to obtain housing or employment with a domestic violence conviction on their criminal record. In other words, a conviction can lead to a loss of respect, freedom, and income.

Domestic Violence in Detail

Domestic violence is typically a catch-all legal term for any act of violence committed by a person against members of their household, whether they are related or not. Domestic violence charges are a collection of individual charges, and contrary to popular belief, a person does not always have to touch someone else to be charged and convicted of domestic violence. The following illegal acts are often classified as forms of domestic violence:

• Assault on a female or minor; assault in the presence of a minor; assault by strangulation
• Communicating a threat; making harassing phone calls or sending harassing messages
• Stalking; cyberstalking; criminal trespassing
• Violating a protective order
• Sexual battery; rape; sexual assault

Domestic violence charges can also include aggravated assault, kidnapping, and any other charge committed against a member of a household by another member.

The “No Drop” Policy

It is important to note some prosecutors have a “no drop” policy concerning domestic violence charges. The “no drop” policy prevents an accuser of dropping charges or changing their mind after an arrest, and even if a person states their accusation is false or exaggerated, the prosecutor may still decide to pursue charges against the alleged abuser.

Depending on the circumstances, the prosecutor may use evidence such as eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, recordings of phone calls, police reports, and even copies of social media posts and text messages to ensure a conviction.

The state takes domestic violence very seriously, and if an alleged abuse does not have an Irmo domestic violence lawyer to assist them, they will more than likely be convicted.

Hire an Irmo Domestic Violence Attorney to Represent You

If you were accused and arrested for domestic violence, you may feel angry, confused, and hopeless. You may even be wondering if it is possible to defend yourself or fight back against such serious charges. Fortunately, you can fight back, and it may be possible to get the charges against you dropped or reduced to lesser charges.

Do not wait until it is too late. Hire an Irmo domestic violence lawyer to represent you today.