Ohio & Pennsylvania: Defense of Domestic Violence Charges
It may have started as a private household disagreement, but if the disagreement becomes physical and someone calls the police, the situation can escalate very quickly.
A charge of criminal domestic violence (also sometimes called domestic assault and battery) is nothing to take lightly. Penalties upon conviction can include jail time, and a second domestic violence charge must be charged as a felony. Even a first-time domestic violence charge may be a felony, depending on the injuries and on whether weapons were used. People convicted of certain types of domestic violence charges become part of a state registry, and information about the crime and your current address will be available to the public.
The Criminal Defense Lawyers of Betras, Maruca, Kopp, & Harshman, LLC
Domestic violence cases are often very emotional. Fights between husbands and wives are always emotional, but the tension can spiral out of control when one spouse finds himself (or herself) fighting a criminal charge as a result of the incident.
At Betras, Maruca, Kopp, & Harshman, LLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand that one of the most importance parts of their job is to be a calm and logical advocate during such a highly emotional time.
Your defense attorney will be at your side through every step of the proceedings, making sure you understand the process and your options at each stage. Your defense lawyer will also guide you through the process of deciding between different options — the pros and cons of accepting a plea bargain, for example.
All our criminal defense clients get cell phone numbers for their defense attorney — ensuring 24-hour access in case of emergency.
What If My Spouse Doesn't Want to Press Charges?
Do not assume that you don't need a criminal defense lawyer if your spouse wants to drop the charges on a domestic violence case. Unfortunately, once the police get involved in a domestic dispute, the matter is out of your hands. Even if the spouse who originally called the police wants to drop the charges, the prosecutor can decide independently to proceed with prosecution.
Contact Betras, Maruca, Kopp, & Harshman, LLC for a Free Initial Consultation
We offer every new client a free, and confidential, initial consultation. Our rates for criminal defense work are competitive, and you get the strength of our entire firm behind your defense.
Contact us today. Call 1-800-457-2889 or send us an e-mail to schedule an appointment. Our main office is located in Canfield, Ohio, and we have branch offices in Niles, East Liverpool and Sharon, PA.
