Domestic Violence Lawyers in Youngstown

If you are facing domestic violence allegations, Youngstown Criminal Law Group is prepared to defend your rights.

Domestic violence charges create immense stress and often fuel anger among family members or friends involved in the situation. We recognize the pressure you are under. Our legal team is dedicated to reducing that anxiety by providing strong representation for you in court.

Crimes of Domestic Violence

When law enforcement responds to domestic violence calls, an arrest is almost inevitable. Even if evidence is scarce or the alleged victim does not wish to press charges, the accused individual will likely be taken into custody and must face court hearings and significant stress.

Today, individuals accused of domestic violence face stricter penalties than in previous years. While these measures are intended to protect victims, they can lead to permanent, life-altering consequences for the accused.

“Domestic violence” encompasses a range of behaviors involving cohabitants or family members. These actions can include sexual assault, verbal abuse, and physical attacks. Arrests may stem from a single incident or a pattern of behavior over time. A Youngstown criminal lawyer can help you navigate these complex accusations.

Domestic Violence Defined

In Ohio, three specific actions can lead to an arrest and charge for domestic violence:

• Recklessly causing physical harm to a family or household member.
• Knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member.
• Using the threat of force to make a family or household members believe they are in imminent danger of physical harm.

It is crucial to note that you can be arrested for domestic violence even without physical contact with the alleged victim. Because domestic violence allegations can carry serious criminal penalties and long-term consequences, speaking with an experienced criminal defense lawyer—such as a Youngstown DUI attorney who also handles violent offense cases—can be an important step in protecting your rights.

Domestic Violence Types

Domestic violence charges come in various forms. Common types include:

• Child abuse or neglect
• Domestic assault/battery
• Rape
• Sexual battery
• Menacing by stalking
• Violating a protection order

Domestic Violence Defenses

Simply explaining your side of the story is rarely enough to get domestic violence charges dropped. In many cases, the account given by the accused differs significantly from that of the alleged victim.

A skilled Youngstown DUI attorney (who also handles criminal defense) will have various defense strategies available and may be able to persuade the court to reduce or dismiss the charges. Common defenses in domestic violence cases include:

• False allegations: It is not uncommon for a partner or spouse to make false accusations to punish the accused or gain leverage in civil matters like divorce or child custody battles.
• Self-defense: Individuals have the right to defend themselves. Courts may dismiss cases if the alleged victim initiated the violence.
• Lack of evidence: Without proof such as injuries or witness testimony, prosecutors may struggle to secure a conviction.
• Accidental injury: This defense applies when the alleged victim’s injuries resulted from their own negligence or causes unrelated to the accused.
• Defense of others: This applies when the accused intervened to protect another family member from harm.

Penalties for Domestic Violence

When sentencing for domestic violence, a judge in Mahoning County will consider several factors, including the severity of injuries, the victim’s relationship to the offender, the defendant’s criminal history, and the specific charge.

convictions can range from minor misdemeanors to first-degree felonies.

• Fines: Penalties start at $150 and can reach up to $20,000.
• Jail Time: Sentences for convictions (excluding minor misdemeanors) range from 30 days to 11 years.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, you need a dedicated Youngstown criminal lawyer on your side. Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group today at (330) 992-3036.