Cleveland Domestic Violence Lawyers Aggressively Defending Clients’ Rights
Being charged with domestic violence assault often comes as a surprise and immediately affects your life in drastic ways. For example, in an emergency protective order, you may be removed from your home, barred from seeing your children, and face other serious repercussions. These charges are often based on false allegations from an angry ex-spouse or partner who is trying to get revenge.
Regardless of who your accuser is, if you have been charged with domestic violence, you may feel shocked and worried about what to do next. Your best hope of defeating the charges and getting your life back is hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands Ohio laws and can create an excellent defense in your domestic violence case.
Don’t risk the severe penalties that come with a domestic violence conviction. Contact our law offices immediately for advice on interacting with law enforcement during the investigation and building the best case in your defense. At Watson Kuhlman, LLC, we understand how it feels to face false charges. We promise to defend you with all of our dedication, skill, and honesty to get you the best chance of having your charges lowered or even dismissed. Call today to learn how we can help you at 216-208-7858.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Ohio?
Determining whether domestic violence has occurred in Ohio is two-fold. Firstly, it must be shown that the victim experienced harm or the threat of harm. Secondly, the accused must have a close relationship with the alleged victim, such as living in the same household.
Harm or Threat of Harm
If the victim has experienced violence or been threatened with violence by the abuser, this may constitute domestic violence under Ohio law.
Some examples of types of harm that would qualify as abuse in Ohio are:
- Choking
- Hitting
- Slapping
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Kicking
- Dating violence
- Aggravated assault
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Threatening any other kind of physical harm
Close Relationship
Another critical aspect of a domestic violence case is establishing that there is a close relationship between the two individuals involved.
A close relationship is defined widely in Ohio and may include relationships such as:
- Parent
- Child
- Spouse
- Boyfriend
- Girlfriend
- Foster child
- Extended family member
- Partner
- Family member of a spouse, former spouse, or partner
For help understanding your domestic violence charges and constructing an effective defense, please reach out to our legal team today. We are happy to meet with you and will listen compassionately to your story as we answer your questions and concerns.
What Should I Do if I am Accused of Domestic Violence or Abuse?
If you have been accused of domestic violence in Ohio, you may feel overwhelmed and at a loss as to what you should do next. Facing criminal charges can be terrifying, and you are not alone in worrying about what to do. Please know that you have a strong ally at Watson Kuhlman, LLC. Your best defense is to hire a knowledgeable domestic violence defense lawyer who will investigate the details of the situation and represent you confidently in court.
Since domestic violence is a criminal case, you will have to interact with law enforcement officials numerous times as they investigate the alleged abuse. You should understand that how you handle yourself when speaking with police officers can significantly affect how a judge and jury view your case. You should consult with your attorney for help knowing how and when to answer questions and when to exercise your right to remain silent so you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself.
What Are Some Effective Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges?
When you are arrested because of someone’s allegation of domestic violence, you may feel hopeless about fighting the wrongful charges. However, there are several defenses that skilled lawyers can use to protect an innocent client against the severe penalties that come with an Ohio domestic violence conviction.
Some effective ways of defending yourself against a domestic violence charge in Ohio are:
- Self-defense – This defense applies if you were not the initial aggressor but acted to defend yourself or your children.
- False Accusation – If the accuser falsely blames you for domestic violence you did not commit, you can have the charges lowered or dropped.
- Lack of proof – Another defense is to find holes in the prosecutor’s argument. This works because the burden is on the prosecution to provide evidence that you are guilty.
- Lack of intent – The law requires that the person guilty of domestic violence know that their actions would lead to a certain result.
What Penalties Come with a Domestic Violence Conviction?
Individuals found guilty of domestic violence in Ohio face steep fines and imprisonment. They will likely lose custody of their children and will have to carry a criminal record that can make getting a job or having a social life difficult. The severity of the sentencing depends on the nature of the crime, including whether the violence was committed against a pregnant victim.
Some of the penalties for a domestic violence conviction in Cleveland include the following:
- Up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 in fines for a 3rd-degree misdemeanor
- Up to 90 days in jail and up to $750 in fines for a 2nd-degree misdemeanor
- Up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines for a 1st-degree misdemeanor
- 6-12 months in prison and up to $2,500 in fines for a 5th-degree felony
- 6-18 months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines for a 4th-degree felony
- Nine months – three years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines for a 3rd-degree felony
For the best chances of having your sentence lowered or getting your case dismissed completely, reach out to our law firm right away for excellent counsel and legal representation.
What Does a Domestic Violence Attorney Do?
A domestic violence lawyer is an indispensable ally when facing domestic violence charges and attending family court. Your lawyer will listen to your story and investigate the details of the situation to determine what really happened. They will stand by your side and present the evidence to show that you do not deserve the severe penalties that come with a domestic abuse conviction.
Your attorney will also be a great source of knowledge and advice as you navigate the legal investigation regarding the alleged abuse. They can counsel you on answering police officers’ questions to avoid incriminating yourself. Your attorney will also help you exercise your right to remain silent when necessary. If your constitutional rights are violated during the investigation, your attorney can ensure this does not go unanswered. Often, accused individuals who have their rights violated can see their charges lowered and their cases dismissed.
Should You Hire Our Domestic Violence Attorneys?
If you have been accused of domestic violence, please don’t feel you must go through this troubling time alone. Our founding lawyer, Attorney Watson Kuhlman, has personally experienced overcoming wrongful criminal charges. We understand how frightening this experience can be and how overwhelmed you may feel.
At Watson Kuhlman, LLC, we have helped countless clients construct powerful defenses that get their sentences lowered or even dropped. We have a deep understanding of Ohio law, giving us detailed insight into how the system works. We promise to leverage our knowledge and skill to get you the positive results you need in your domestic violence case.
Don’t risk the severe penalties that come with a domestic violence conviction. Reach out to our law offices immediately to take action and defend yourself against the charges brought against you. You could save yourself thousands of dollars, months in jail, and even years in prison. You may also be able to preserve your precious relationship with your children by defeating the wrongful criminal charges that have been brought against you.
Call now to schedule a free consultation where you can discuss your unique case with our helpful and caring legal team. You can reach us at 216-208-7858. Call today!