Domestic violence is a crime that is committed when one person assaults another person who is considered to be in a domestic relationship with the assailant. Domestic relationships can be marriages, cohabitations, former marriages, or relationships in which the parties have a child in common.
Domestic assault is a very serious charge that can carry severe consequences, which is why it’s so important to find an Ottawa domestic assault defence lawyer or one in your area. If you are convicted of domestic violence, you could face jail time, a large fine, and a criminal record. You could also be ordered to attend counseling or anger management classes. You may also lose your job, your home, and your family. Keep reading to learn more about the possible consequences of being charged with domestic violence.
Job Loss
Being charged with domestic violence can have a number of consequences on your job. Depending on the severity of the charge, you may lose your job or be unable to find future employment. If you are convicted of a domestic assault charge, it will likely appear on any criminal background checks and could prevent you from obtaining other jobs in the future. Additionally, many employers will not want to hire someone who has been convicted of a violent crime. If you are currently employed and are arrested for domestic violence, your employer may fire you or take other disciplinary action against you.
Financial Ruin
When someone is arrested and charged with domestic assault, they could face significant financial ruin. This is especially true if they are convicted and have to pay restitution, fines, and attorney fees. If the accused is married, they could lose their marriage. This could lead to a loss of income and increased expenses, as the couple would now have to live separately. If the accused is a business owner, they could lose their business. This could lead to a loss of income and increased expenses, as the accused would now have to find a new job. All of these consequences could lead to the accused becoming ruined financially. They may struggle to pay their bills, put food on the table, or afford an attorney. This could lead to a significant decline in their quality of life.
Jail Time
When someone is convicted of domestic violence, they may face jail time. In some cases, a person may only receive a misdemeanor charge, but in more severe cases, a person may be charged with a felony. If a person is convicted of a felony domestic assault charge, they may face a jail sentence of up to five years. However, in most cases, a person will serve a shorter sentence. For a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, a person may face jail time of up to one year. It is important to note that a person’s sentence may vary depending on the state in which they are convicted. Additionally, a person’s criminal history may also play a role in the length of their sentence.
Custody Loss
There are many potential consequences that can result from a domestic assault charge. One lesser-known consequence, however, is that it could lead to the loss of custody of your children, which can be hard to win back. This is a very real possibility, as a domestic assault conviction could be seen as evidence of unfit parenting. In some cases, the court may decide that it is not safe for the children to be around their parent who has been convicted of domestic assault, and they may be placed with a relative or another family member.
Overall, being charged with domestic assault can have serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. However, the severity of the consequences will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, if the victim is seriously injured, the defendant may face more serious penalties.
Andrea Parker is a reporter for Zobuz. She previously worked at Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Andrea is based in NYC and covers issues affecting her city. In addition to her severe coffee addiction, she’s a Netflix enthusiast, a red wine drinker, and a voracious reader.
