Facing accusations of domestic abuse can be devastating due to the heinous nature of this crime. Not only can this ruin your reputation and relationships, but it can lead to a criminal conviction, jail time, and a criminal record. As such, doing what you can to fight the charges against you is critical. However, you should not do this alone – it’s in your best interest to connect with a Cobb County domestic violence defense lawyer who can assist you in your case. Keep reading to learn more about these charges and the penalties you can face if convicted.
What Warrants a Domestic Violence Case?
It’s important to understand that domestic violence in Georgia doesn’t only refer to acts of violence between romantic partners. This crime encompasses many acts, but at its most basic can be charged when one household member commits an act of violence towards another. These crimes include assault, battery, stalking, criminal trespass, or any other felony offense.
Additionally, while domestic violence typically takes place between intimate partners, any members of a household who commit an act of violence toward another can face charges. As such, you’ll find that acts of violence between a parent and child, spouse and spouse, or even roommate and roommate can constitute a domestic violence charge.
A first-offense charge that results in a conviction will leave the defendant facing up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, subsequent offenses will result in felony charges that can carry up to five years in prison.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Lawyer?
As you can see, the penalties of a domestic violence charge can be incredibly intense, which is why it’s critical to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you through these challenging matters.
Working with an attorney gives you the potential to create a defense for the charges against you. Your attorney can examine the circumstances of your case to help fight the claims the prosecution is raising. For example, your attorney may be able to prove that you had an alibi for the time the alleged assault took place, making it impossible that you could have committed the offense. Similarly, they may be able to show that you were actually being assaulted by the alleged victim, and tha actions you took were simply self-defense.
Fighting the charges against you with the help of a lawyer is critical, as you’ll find that trying to navigate this process on your own can be incredibly complex. If you try to defend yourself, you’ll find that it can result in unfavorable outcomes. However, placing your domestic violence case in the hands of a competent attorney can help you fight for the best possible outcome for your situation. At Miller Law Practice, LLC, we understand how difficult these times can be, which is why our team is dedicated to helping you through these challenging times. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.