Types of Domestic Violence and Penalties for Conviction
Are you an Ohioan? You must know that the state is strict about domestic violence cases and take such accusations seriously. Also, in these cases, alleged victims get more favor if one doesn’t have enough evidence to prove otherwise. The law protects the victim by trusting and believing them. You can predict your future if you get framed for any such case. Your name will appear in the offender’s record. Anyone running a background check on you can see the record. With this, the degree of the alleged crime makes you either a misdemeanor or felony case under state law.
If you face a felony, you may have to spend more than ten years in prison and tons of money in fines. Misdemeanor charges are also not too easy on your life. The scale of damage to your personal and professional life can be tremendous. That’s why having some idea about all types of risks and rules about domestic violence and safety measures is essential.
Domestic violence types
Physically harming or threatening a family or household member knowingly or unknowingly is a crime and invites criminal charges against the offender. Victims include a child, spouse, ex-spouse, parents, partner, extended family, etc. Although abuse or violence for control over a victim is a common form of this crime, there can be many other instances too. As hinted, physical (slaps, stabs, burns, grabs, pushes, etc.) or sexual abuse (rape, unwanted touches, etc.) is one. Another case can be financial abuse – manipulation or removal of someone’s financial independence. Or you can also face a charge for emotional abuse, such as gaslighting, love bombing, isolation, etc. While physical harm is easy to detect, emotional abuse isn’t easy to prove.
No matter what, an alleged offender has to go through strict penalties under Ohio’s domestic violence laws. You may want to come out of jail to fight the charges. You may or may not get bail. If you get it, the bail amount may range from USD 1,250-2,000 based on the nature of the domestic violence crime. You can pay it via a bail bonds agency like Castle Bail Bonds.
Penalties for domestic violence
A convict can face two consequences – criminal penalties and collateral consequences. Domestic violence charges qualify as first-degree misdemeanors with only a few exceptions, where it can be a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Nevertheless, a convict has to spend at least six months in jail and one thousand dollars as a fine. However, if there were previous cases against you for domestic violence, it can lead to fourth-degree felony charges. Due to this, your jail time can be 6-18 months, with a fine amounting to USD 5,000. For a third-degree felony, the jail term can be five years, and you may have to pay USD 10,000 in fines.
Nevertheless, guilty or not of a crime is a different thing. And if you are innocent, you must prove your innocence. After all, legal charges can damage your personal and professional reputation. Your life quality may deteriorate. Hence, you should take all the corrective measures on time and avoid the unwanted hassle. And if something untowardly happens, you should know to protect your interest and dignity.
Frequently asked questions about domestic violence
- What are the domestic violence laws in Ohio?
- In Ohio, any physical or sexual abuse against a family or household member is punishable with criminal charges. The degree of the crime can either be a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, depending on its magnitude and if there were previous cases.
- What are the penalties for domestic violence?
- For first-degree misdemeanors, the jail term can be six months, and a fine of up to one thousand dollars may also be imposed. For third-degree felonies, the jail term can be five years, along with a ten thousand dollar fine.
- Can I pay a bail bond agency to help me escape jail if I am charged with domestic violence?
- Yes, you can pay a bail bonds agency like Castle Bail Bonds to post your bail. The amount will depend on the nature of the crime and may range from $1,250 – $2,000.
- How can I protect my interests and dignity if I am wrongfully accused of domestic violence?
- You must take all the necessary steps to prove your innocence if you are innocent. You may want to consult a lawyer specializing in criminal defense to discuss your options and help protect your rights.
- Are there any collateral consequences of being convicted of domestic violence?
- Yes, in addition to criminal penalties, those convicted of domestic violence may also face various collateral consequences, such as the loss of certain rights or privileges, difficulty finding employment, and even social stigma. Therefore, it is important that you take all necessary measures to protect your interests and dignity if you are wrongfully accused. It is important that any allegations of domestic violence be taken seriously, regardless of the circumstances.
Suppose you or someone you know has been charged with a domestic violence offense in Ohio. In that case, it is advised to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and protect your rights. At Castle Bail Bonds, we understand the gravity of such charges and can help you post bail quickly so that you can take your life back. We are here to provide confidential assistance and guidance on how to get out of jail as soon as possible. Contact us today for more information!
Conclusion
Domestic violence is a serious issue, and it’s important to take all necessary steps to protect your rights. Make sure you understand the laws surrounding domestic violence in Ohio so that you can make informed decisions if you ever find yourself in such a situation. If charged with a crime, seek assistance from an experienced lawyer and bail bonds agency like
Castle Bail Bonds. With these resources, you’ll be able to protect your interests, dignity, and reputation. Hopefully this article has provided a comprehensive overview of domestic violence laws in Ohio and how to handle the situation if you ever find yourself charged with one. Stay safe!