Consequences of Domestic Violence

27 Feb Consequences of Domestic Violence

If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, you’re facing penalties that could affect your entire life, including: your ability to get a job, housing, child custody, the ability to possess a firearm, and other consequences.

Domestic violence charges should never be taken lightly.

Domestic violence includes:

• Assault
• Stalking
• Physical harm
• Threats
• Violating a restraining order
• Damaging property
• Any harmful attempt to control or manipulate a domestic relationship

Domestic violence charges can come from a spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, parent, child, sibling, or any individual who lives with you (including roommates and housemates). Former spouses or significant others may also accuse you of domestic violence.

Punishments for a Domestic Violence Conviction

Facing domestic violence charges includes criminal penalties, civil penalties, and social consequences. The minimum legal penalties for a misdemeanor conviction are listed below.

If convicted, you could receive the following penalties:

• 16-week mandatory group counseling
• 12 months or longer of probation
• Community service hours
• Inability to own a gun
• Time in county jail or prison
• Potential permanent criminal record

These penalties, combined with the lifelong social consequences of conviction, can be very difficult to deal with.

Are You Facing Additional Charges?

Keep in mind—domestic violence is a category of charges. It includes assault, battery, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and sexual assault. If the prosecution can prove that you were armed or threatening the life of the alleged victim, then you’re potentially facing a third-degree felony conviction.

Conviction for aggravated charges can include:

• Up to 15 years in prison
• A fine of up to $9,000

Employment & Social Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

Perhaps one of the most frustrating realizations for those who have been convicted of domestic violence is that the punishment does not end when they have served their time or completed their probation. This conviction will follow you wherever you go—which is why you need aggressive domestic violence attorneys at Allan and Easton to help with your defense.

A conviction of domestic violence can affect the following:

• Public Employment: Most likely, someone convicted will have a difficult, if not impossible, time trying to obtain or hold any public service job such as teaching, nursing, public office, police work, etc.
• General Employment: If convicted of domestic violence, you will lose your job—especially if your job requires child care, weapon handling, or transportation of dangerous materials.
• Public Records: Your misdemeanor or felony conviction will be seen on background checks for the rest of your life. It will be difficult to find employment, especially high-level employment.
• Professional Licensing: You may lose current professional licensing (teaching, legal licensing, medical licensing, etc.) and have a difficult time obtaining future licenses.
• Child Custody: Domestic violence offense can impact a parent’s rights to child custody.
• Renting & Leasing: Most landlords will flat out refuse to rent rooms, apartments, or homes to domestic violence offenders. The alleged victim will be free to end the rental agreement, and you’ll be required to move out (even if you’re been accused but not convicted).

With many of these consequences, finances become a burden and lead to even more problems. Financial hardship can even begin prior to trial. Restraining orders (common to these charges) require you to move out of your home and cease all contact with the alleged victim, even without proof.

If you’re facing domestic violence charges, please contact Allan and Easton immediately at 801-375-8800. We always have a free consultation and have the experience to help you in this difficult time.