Domestic Violence Lawyer

Violent or abusive acts committed on a family or household member is very traumatic. These actions are considered domestic violence in the criminal justice system. Domestic violence may also include child abuse or spousal abuse. Things that describe domestic violence are predominant, forceful, and menacing. No matter what type of close relationship you’re in, whether you’re married or unmarried, straight or gay, living together or just dating, domestic violence can happen. Often times called “spousal abuse,” domestic violence usually has: 

• A repetition of physical or psychological abuse
• A “cycle of violence”

Crimes that have been charged differ based on:

• The severity of the injury on the victim
• If a minor was around
• If there was a violation of a protective or restraining order.

Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate, so anyone can be an offender or victim. Forms of domestic violence can include rape and murder, but for the most part, domestic violence usually occurs with other forms of physical abuse. Forms of lighter domestic violence include slapping, punching, and stalking.

What Is Domestic Battery?

Domestic battery is a crime that can be a close relative to domestic violence, which can also be called “spousal abuse.” When violence and force are both used on or against an individual, that crime would be known as battery. To be charged with battery, a person doesn’t necessarily have to be bruised or injured. Usually, you would think that domestic battery would be the charge that someone would be found guilty of, but at the end of the day, it all falls under a domestic violence case. 

Is Domestic Violence a Specific Crime?

Domestic violence is seen as a crime in a big number of states. Because of this, a person can be charged with domestic violence rather than being charged with any other crime such assault and battery if they happen to strike their significant other. A prosecutor will likely acknowledge that a domestic abuser takes advantage of their significant other’s trust and confidence in order to get a harsher sentence than an assault crime between two strangers.  

In the event that you or someone you know has been charged with domestic violence, it is best to speak with a skilled attorney, like a criminal defense attorney in Decatur, GA from The Lynch Law Group, that will be able to better explain the charges as well as help you in building a defense for you in the courtroom.