Cincinnati Domestic Violence Lawyer

Understanding Ohio’s Domestic Violence Laws

Bleile & Dawson can represent you even before official charges have been filed. Most domestic violence allegations must be investigated by the police before the accuser can file criminal charges against you. This is known as a "pre-trial investigation." A Cincinnati domestic violence attorney from our criminal defense law firm can represent you during this investigation and may be able to prevent criminal charges from being filed, at all.

Accused of domestic violence in Ohio? Get the defense you need by contacting our Cincinnati domestic violence lawyers today.

What are Penalties for Domestic Violence in Ohio?

In Ohio, domestic violence is a felony of the fourth degree. In aggravated cases – such as if the victim is pregnant – an alleged offense could escalate to a second-degree felony. Whether you need to fight a temporary restraining order or require a full-fledged defense, our criminal defense firm is prepared to advocate on your behalf.

If you are charged with domestic violence in Ohio, you can face the following penalties:

• First Degree Misdemeanor: $1,000 maximum fine and/or six months in jail
• Second Degree Misdemeanor: $750 maximum fine and/or 90 days in jail
• Third Degree Misdemeanor: $500 maximum fine and/or 60 days in jail
• Fifth Degree Felony: $2,500 maximum fine and/or six to twelve months in prison
• Fourth Degree Felony: $5,000 maximum fine and/or six to eighteen months in prison
• Third Degree Felony: $10,000 maximum fine and/or nine months to three years in prison

The Cincinnati court will impose a minimum sentence of six months or one year if the offender was aware that the victim was pregnant. This is dependent on if the incident was harmful or a threat and whether it harmed the unborn child or not.

Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges in Cincinnati, Ohio

Allegations of domestic violence can quickly escalate to serious criminal charges and a conviction that turns your life upside down. Don't let accusations from an angry, bitter, or frightened family member tear you away from your family. Call our Cincinnati domestic violence attorneys at Bleile & Dawson to start building an effective defense the moment these allegations arise.

What is the Difference between Assault and Domestic Violence in Ohio?

In Ohio, assault and domestic violence are distinct legal concepts, but they can overlap. Assault generally refers to causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person, putting them in fear of imminent bodily harm, or causing physical harm through negligence with a deadly weapon. Assault charges can arise in various situations, including altercations between strangers, disputes among acquaintances, or conflicts within a domestic setting.

Domestic violence, on the other hand, involves violent or threatening behavior between individuals who share a domestic relationship. This relationship can include spouses, former spouses, people living together, individuals with a child in common, or family members. Domestic violence charges may encompass a range of offenses, including assault, menacing, criminal damaging, and more, when committed within the context of a domestic relationship.

Assault encompasses various forms of physical harm or threats, while domestic violence specifically pertains to violent or threatening acts occurring within a domestic or familial context. Domestic violence charges can include assault but may extend to other offenses when committed within a domestic relationship.

How Can A Domestic Violence Attorney In Cincinnati Help Me?

If you are facing domestic violence charges, you are going to need professional help to make sure that your rights are sufficiently protected. Without an experienced lawyer to help guide you through the legal process of your domestic violence charges, you are essentially risking your future and your reputation.

Ways that your domestic violence lawyer in Cincinnati will help you include:

• Representation: If your domestic violent case gets taken to Cincinnati court, you will need an experienced and reputable criminal defense lawyer to represent you and protect your rights.
• Information: You will need to be aware of legal information related to domestic violence and your specific case. Without it, you may be risking your rights and will be unable to make informed decisions moving forward.
• Emotional Support: Your criminal defense attorney is a legal expert who has worked with numerous others in a similar situation to you. Knowing that you have an experienced professional by your side can alleviate stress and grant you emotional support.

Examination: It's important that your defense attorney thoroughly examines your criminal case, charges, and evidence used against you. This will provide you with the clarity that you need, and provide you with a strong defense strategy moving forward.

Evidence: You will need strong and legitimate evidence to support your case. Your Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer will collect all of this for you and ensure that you are on the right path.

Our domestic violence attorneys in Cincinnati are legal professionals who genuinely care about each and every client and the struggle that each is facing. We understand that each scenario is unique, and we thus make sure to give each case the individual attention it needs. Contact our Cincinnati lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.