Domestic violence is a crime that is taken very seriously and can deliver harsh consequences.

Prosecutors, police officers, and judges will relentlessly push for your conviction. Once you’ve been charged with this crime, you are most certainly terrified and thinking, “What Can I Do Now?” or “How Much Jail Time Will I Get for Domestic Violence?“

Domestic Violence Defined

It is common to receive inquiries asking, “How Much Jail Time Will I Get for Domestic Violence?” Before any potential punishment or specific sentence can be estimated, it must first be determined if an assault occurred or whether a defendant is likely to be convicted. In many domestic violence cases, an experienced, savvy lawyer can achieve a resolution without a conviction or jail time.

Domestic violence is an assaultive crime between family members, people with a romantic relationship, or residents of the same home. Typically, domestic violence or domestic assault occurs when an assault or an assault and battery is alleged. There does not need to be an injury or even touching for domestic violence charges. Aggravated domestic violence is a more severe charge and involves assault and battery with an injury.

Typical relationships that can result in a domestic violence charge, as opposed to an ordinary assault misdemeanor, include spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, ex-partners, roommates, parents, and children.

Possible Punishments

If you are accused of Domestic Violence, the possible punishment depends on the severity of the allegations and whether there are any prior convictions. It is essential to understand that the sentence could include incarceration, years of probation, a financial penalty, and so much more. For example, if you are charged with Domestic Assault only once, the offense is a misdemeanor that could have up to 93 days in jail/$500.00 fine. If you are accused of domestic violence for a second time, there is a possibility of up to: 1 year in jail/$1000.00 fine. Your third offense is a felony, and you may spend up to 2 years in prison/$2,500.00 fine. Additionally, the judge can order you to serve up to two years on probation on a misdemeanor and up to five years on a felony domestic conviction.

An Aggravated Domestic Assault, first offense, carries up to 1 year in jail/$1000.00 fine. If you are charged with this offense twice, there is a possibility of up to: 2 years in prison and up to a $2,500 fine.

If the offense involved a weapon, this offense is called “Felonious Assault,” and the punishment will be up to four years in prison.

Alternatives to Jail Time for Domestic Violence

Now that you’ve read the above, you might think you will spend some time in jail and pay a lot of money out of your pocket to the court. There’s a strong possibility that a top domestic violence defense attorney can help you avoid jail altogether. In many cases, the defendant can avoid a conviction. It may seem too good to be true, but you should know that options may be available to you, such as probation, a reduced charge, deferral, and possibly a dismissal! When you have an attorney with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. in your corner, you don’t have to ask yourself, “how much jail time will I get for domestic violence?”

Experienced and Effective Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

The prestigious legal team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. specializes in the criminal defense of charges such as Domestic Violence. Our exceptionally qualified attorneys know how to protect you best and get your side of the story heard. We will listen when others will not. If you’re worried about jail time for a Domestic Violence charge, call us today, and we will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and address each of your concerns. If you trust us with your representation, we will find a way to help you.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.