Legal Representation for Domestic Violence Charges

Sometimes things go as intended. Police officers will arrest and charge the correct party with a due amount of severity. Other times potential punishments can be disproportionate for the crime that has occurred. For example, if you intentionally or recklessly break or damage the property of your cohabitant. Commons examples include someone breaking an item that is considered marital property in a moment of anger. Although you may think in the time that it is better to break something than hit someone, it can and usually will still be considered domestic violence. These charges can greatly impact your prospects if you do not have an attorney fighting against unjust accusations.

Remember that domestic violence is not as simple as laying hands on someone who lives with you. Frequently people are charged with domestic violence when they have not committed an act of violence. Examples include:

• Harassment
• Electronic Communication
• Kidnapping
• Sexual Offenses
• Stalking
• Unlawful Detention
• Violation of a Protective Order
• Offenses Against Property
• Burglary
• Criminal Trespass

Penalties for if Convicted of Domestic Violence

In Utah, the punishments for domestic crimes tend to be harsh, and their enforcement strict. In almost every case, you can expect to have some treatment, class, or assessment to determine the likelihood of future infractions. These courses themselves can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the nature and frequency of mandatory classes. Punishments can also include jail time and probation for 12-24 months.

Perhaps even more than the instant stresses, long-term issues can arise. For example, if charged, you will lose your 2nd amendment right to bear arms for life. Secondarily these charges will appear on your record for the rest of your life. This means that potential employers will see a conviction for a violent crime anytime you need to do a background check.

Our lawyers know that there are always two sides to every story. The court must be able to see things from your perspective, so your rights are represented. Having a defense attorney on your side will increase the likelihood of justice. If you live in the Salt Lake City area, call our office today to speak with an attorney.  

Domestic violence charges in Utah

The law leaves room open for situations that are not necessarily physical violence to be a domestic violence charge. For example, if someone damages property to express their anger, it is criminal mischief and can result in a domestic violence charge. Another example involves stalking cohabitants. This can include doing things like following that person, monitoring their phone or email, and sending unwanted/unwarranted gifts. It can also include mental or emotional abuse in which a person fears for their safety or preservation of life.

The consequences of domestic violence

Essentially a domestic violence charge has the same impact as an assault charge. This can have serious, long-term ramifications for everyone involved. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, and anyone can be accused of domestic violence for various reasons. At The Ault Firm, we are concerned with justice. This means the accused parties deserve a right to defend themselves just as much as the accusers deserve a right to make their claims known. If you have been charged with a domestic violence crime, we are here to help tell your side of the story. Call today to request a case review.

Signs that you are the perpetrator of abuse

The Utah Revised Statutes describes domestic violence as the act of physically and mentally abusing your family member or anyone in the household. The most common form of domestic violence in Salt Lake City include abuse between spouses. Usual acts carried out by the domestic violence perpetrator are punching, kicking, shoving, threatening, intimidating and any other methods meant to hurt the victim. Even sexual abuse and illegal detention are included here.

Am I abusive? Ask yourself this, evaluate if you are guilty of these actions against your spouse. Other signs that you might be the abusive one is your partner becoming fearful of you, taking the children away as much he or she can, or downright telling you that you are abusive.

One of the reasons some abusive spouses fail to grasp that they are responsible for domestic violence is that the abuse is done mentally, and this kind of abuse can take time to be noticed. Look at yourself and your spouse; you might both be undergoing mental abuse that can break your family apart. You can learn about your responsibility by checking if there is a change in your behavior and how you view your family.

Steps to take if you realize you are an abusive spouse.

Domestic violence is a severe matter in Utah, and it holds weighty consequences if you are found guilty of it. First domestic violence charges are misdemeanors and hold up to six months in jail and a fine that is not more than $1,000. If a domestic violence offense was made for the third time within seven years, a felony charge should be imposed, which, of course, brings a more massive set of penalties.

To avoid these consequences, resolve the issue within your family. However, you should know that domestic violence is a cycle. You can do the same thing again, even after reconciliation. This is why most domestic violence cases go into court because the victim can not finally take the cycle and go to law to end the abuse.

In Utah, there exist programs for domestic violence perpetrators. These particular programs are designed to help them unlearn their violent ways and gain sympathy for their spouses back. As a defendant, there is a probability of you being ordered by the court to attend such an intervention. Otherwise, you can attend it yourself as a first step to support yourself out of the abusive spouse stigma.

Fighting domestic violence charges in Utah

Even if you may have committed a violent act, you still have the right to defend yourself in court and hire a Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney. Note that the prosecutor assigned to the case will do whatever it takes to press you, especially if there are glaring pieces of evidence. Thus it would be best if you arm yourself with strong defenses.

You could counter allegations with arguments that no domestic violence happened or the accusations were made out of spite along with your legal defense. This is a serious crime as it has reeling records of injuries and deaths in the city and the State of Utah. Still, human beings are not invulnerable to errors, and sometimes the heat of the moment could get the better of you. If you think you are the abusive spouse and face charges, you must have a criminal defense attorney by your side to help acquit you of the charges or only let you go through punishments that will not completely tear you your family apart.