Skilled, Knowledgeable Defense Against Domestic Battery Charges in Indiana

To understand this crime, it is first important to note that domestic battery is a specific type of offense, while the more commonly used term "domestic violence" refers to a range of offenses against family members (such as stalking). Domestic battery is specifically a crime committed against a family or household member that involves intentional physical contact that is meant to cause injury or is done in a manner that is angry, rude or insolent.

Specific penalties will depend on the charges. Felony offenses can result in jail time and steep fines. Even if convicted of a lesser offense, you may still experience reputational damage and a host of noncriminal consequences. A conviction may make it harder or impossible to obtain certain types of employment or to access credit. A conviction could bar you from volunteering at your child's school or attending certain community functions.

Sometimes, but not always. Prosecutors know that domestic violence victims sometimes ask to drop the charges after being threatened by their alleged abuser or pressured by other family members. Once police have gotten involved, prosecutors can choose to proceed with the charges even if the alleged victim asks to have them dropped. It is often more difficult to secure a conviction without the cooperation of the alleged victim, but it is not impossible. For this and many other reasons, it is important to seek a defense attorney's help as soon as possible.

Crimes that result from these disturbances may be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the specific allegations and other details of the case. At its lowest level, domestic battery is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Felony charges may result when a child 16 years of age or younger is present and witnesses the alleged crime or the alleged victim is 14 years of age or younger. Felony charges may also result if the defendant has prior domestic battery convictions or if the alleged victim suffered moderate bodily injury. This is an incomplete list of charging criteria, but it serves to illustrate the considerations prosecutors make in domestic battery cases.

No, unless you have taken certain steps and gained court approval. State law prohibits someone from carrying a handgun if they have been convicted of a domestic violence-related offense. If you have a conviction on your record, you will need to petition the court to have your gun rights restored, and the court must grant the petition.

It's critical to seek the help of a criminal defense attorney at the first signs of trouble. Domestic battery incidents are often chaotic, involving conflicting accounts and inconsistent allegations. They are often a "he said, she said" type of situation. Because of this, prosecutors may issue charges based on overstated or even false allegations. If you contact a good defense attorney immediately, they may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed entirely. At the very least, they can protect your rights and prevent you from saying or doing anything that might harm your case.