Domestic Violence
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Each case is unique and therefore, it is impossible to go over every possible scenario. Contact us today. We’re happy to explain the law and legal principles in your specific case.
Domestic Violence
The term “domestic violence” does not define a crime in and of itself, but is the classification of criminal offenses in which the victim is or has previously been in an intimate relationship with the defendant. The underlying crime may not even involve any type of physical violence. Nonetheless, when the police respond to a domestic violence call, it is not a question of “if”, but “who” will be arrested. Often times, a person is arrested for domestic violence even though their spouse or significant other does not intend nor want them arrested.
Following a domestic violence arrest, you will not be released from jail until the judge has advised you of the entry of a Mandatory Protection Order against you, which can take several days. Thereafter, the judicial systems sets a whole process of requirements and limitations that are intended to protect the victim, but which severely limit the ability of the defendant to resume any normalcy in their lives. That is why it is crucial to have the immediate intervention of an experienced, knowledgeable and highly-skilled defense attorney to protect your rights.
Even after the initial nightmare of an arrest, a crime of domestic violence can have immediate and profound consequences to a person’s family, employment, and community standing. You typically will be required to move out of your home and have no contact with your spouse and, potentially, your children. You run the risk of violating the automatic Mandatory Protection Order (“MOP”) without knowing you are doing so and being immediately re-arrested. And you can be subjected to potentially long-term counseling, prohibited from possessing any firearms, and be prevented from being in the same place as your spouse or partner, regardless of their desire to resume contact with you.
Fortunately, there are steps which we at The Sarbaugh Law Firm can, and do, take immediately to protect your rights, restore your relationship with your family, and minimize the consequences of a domestic violence charge.