The Impact of DV Charges to an Individual

It is normal to have conflicts, misunderstandings, and disagreements among family members from time to time. However, things can get out of hand and when they do, they could escalate into domestic violence.

Legally, domestic violence is defined as the violation of the rights of a person in a domestic set-up such as in a marriage or in a family o any co-habitation setting. These cases can involve physical injuries, rape, grave abuse, threats and even as much as murders and homicide.

People who are charged in these cases might not know how to handle their situation. Some appeal to the sympathies of their accusers and others who can influence the ruling on their case. In cases that are quite sensational, the accused might also try to earn the sympathy of the public to somehow sway the outcome of the case.

The best course of action of someone charged in such a case is actually to contact an attorney who can guide him through the entire legal process and help him get the least damaging ruling possible.

The Trouble with Domestic Violence

A domestic violence case has a life-changing impact on the one charged of committing the crime, especially if one is being wrongfully accused. The accused could suffer from mental and emotional distress. It is not unusual fo the court to issue a no contact order, so the accused will be separated from the family. If the case progresses and the Defendant is handed a guilty verdict, a jail sentence is possible. Life will be put on hold and it would likely be difficult to get back to one’s old life.

To give you an idea of what someone accused of committing a crime in a domestic setting charge could face, here are a few possible consequences:

1. Limited employment opportunities – there’s always a stigma attached to criminal charges. When you have a domestic violence conviction on your record, you might find it difficult to find an employer who will hire you in a snap. This is especially true if you wish to work in government, in health care facilities, or in institutions and businesses that deal with children and minors.
2. Inability to obtain some licenses and privileges – the government could bar your from practicing your profession or occupation by revoking your license as the case may be. You might also be prevented from operating a business or working in certain types of occupations.

In most cases, having such a charge on your record will prevent you from owning and handling guns and firearms.

3. Heavier financial burden – in a conviction for violence in a domestic case, you could be asked to pay damages to the aggrieved party, in the form of restitution.
4. For cases involving divorced or divorcing couples, the court can than a domestic violence case into consideration and that could affect post-divorce contact orders and visitation of children.

Easing the Impact of a Domestic Violence Charge

It is not easy to be charged with any crime and the impact of a domestic violence charge cannot be taken lightly. You face better prospects when you have an experience attorney working on your case. Contact Robert A. Dodell, Attorney At Law, for your domestic violence defense, an experienced attorney to help you navigate your domestic violence case.