The title of “domestic violence” can be applied to many things. Sometimes things spin out of control – small arguments between spouses or family members can lead to unintended injuries and consequences. While a call to the police might address the immediate situation, state and/or local laws mandate the course of action that police must follow.
Sometimes police involvement means incarceration that neither party involved in the initial dispute desires. Though it’s greatly assumed that a victim can choose to “not press charges,” that’s far from the truth.
Defining “Domestic Violence”
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior by one partner in a relationship to gain or maintain power and/or control the other partner. Domestic abuse (spousal abuse) is when a partner in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and/or control the other partner. When domestic abuse includes physical violence it is elevated to the title of domestic violence.
Abusers in domestic violence situations often use fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to control the victim. An abuser may employ threats, bullying, or physical injury to the victim.
Charges of Domestic Violence
A person accused of domestic violence faces a variety of consequences, including: mandated marital counseling, anger management classes, alcohol classes, restraining orders, and stay away orders. Additionally, a person accused of domestic violence may also face professional consequences, such as loss of medical or legal license, loss of job. If the domestic violence charges are filed as felonies (as opposed to misdemeanors), the accused can be sent either to county jail or state prison.
District Attorney’s Office
The District Attorney’s Office has made stopping the domestic violence cycle a major priority, enforced through diligent prosecution of domestic violence crimes. If you have been accused of domestic violence you should immediately contact a domestic violence defense attorney.
