Anderson Lawyer Defending Clients Accused of Domestic Violence

Emotions tend to run high in domestic violence cases due to the relationship between the accuser and defendant. These emotions can cloud your judgment, which makes it difficult to think clearly and make the right decisions for your future. There’s far too much at stake to face this stressful situation alone—turn to the skilled domestic violence lawyers at Beeman Heifner Benge P.A. for help. Let us protect your rights and fight to reach the best possible outcome in your case.

What is Considered Domestic Violence in Indiana?

Domestic violence is known as domestic battery in Indiana. This crime occurs when someone knowingly or intentionally makes physical contact with a family or household member in a rude or angry manner. This is similar to the crime of battery, with the only difference being the relationship between the victim and defendant. Domestic battery often occurs between:

• Spouses
• Former spouses
• Co-parents
• Former romantic partners
• Parents-children
• Other family members

Some examples of domestic battery include hitting, slapping, punching, shoving, pushing, or elbowing the victim. Placing bodily fluids or waste on a family or household member in a rude or angry manner is also considered domestic battery.

What Are the Penalties For Domestic Violence in Anderson?

The penalties for domestic violence can vary depending on the nature of the crime and the defendant’s prior criminal record. Domestic battery is typically charged as a class A misdemeanor. If convicted of this crime, you can face up to one year in jail in addition to thousands of dollars in fines.

Many domestic battery crimes are charged as felonies. This crime is charged as a felony under a number of different circumstances. For example, if the defendant has been convicted for battery in the past, the crime becomes a Level 6 felony. If the victim is seriously injured, domestic battery is a Level 5 felony. The most serious domestic battery charge is a Level 2 felony. You can face these charges if the crime results in the death of a victim under the age of 14 or an endangered adult.

Felonies carry more serious potential penalties than misdemeanors. If you are convicted of felony domestic battery, you can face up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

What Are Domestic Violence Protective Orders?

Domestic violence victims in Indiana can file for a protective order against a family or household member. Anyone who is named in the order of protection must comply with certain terms, which may include:

• Not to harass, threaten, annoy, or contact the victim
• To immediately move out of the home shared with the victim
• Not to threaten or make physical contact with the victim
• To surrender custody of the children shared with the victim
• To turn over weapons to law enforcement
• To give you possession of shared property
• To stay away from your school, work, or any other place where the defendant may find you

These are some of the many terms that may be included in a protective order. As you can see, the court could order you to move out of your home, stop seeing your children, and cut off contact with a family or household member. These protective order terms could drastically change your life, which is why it’s so important to fight back against false domestic violence accusations.

How Can A Criminal Defense Attorney Fight Domestic Violence Charges?

Many people say or do things that they will regret when they’re angry or upset. Sometimes, people who are angry or upset falsely accuse others of committing domestic violence in order to seek revenge or punish them. If you’ve been falsely accused of domestic violence, the criminal defense attorneys at Beeman Heifner Benge P.A. can help you disprove the allegations.

There are other ways to defend yourself against domestic violence charges. For example, you may not have intended on hurting anyone or you may have even acted in self-defense. Each case is different. Let the criminal justice attorneys at Beeman Heifner Benge P.A. review your case to determine the most effective domestic violence defense strategy to use.

Call Now to Schedule Your Consultation With Our Domestic Violence Attorneys

Have you been accused of committing domestic violence? It’s important to defend your freedom—and your reputation—with the help of the experienced domestic violence attorneys at Beeman Heifner Benge P.A. If you’ve been accused, let us work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome in your case. To schedule your consultation, call our law firm at (765) 684-4355 or fill out the form on this website.