Domestic violence legislation provides for criminal regulations to prosecute people who harm someone with whom they share a family or other intimate relationship who inflict emotional or physical harm. It also deals with the available civil rights for victims of this form of injury. Federal law, most notably the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), has been introduced to make domestic violence a felony. However, under state law, the vast majority of domestic abuse crimes are punished.
In all states, prosecutions for domestic violence require that the actions of the perpetrator and the relationship with the victim meet certain requirements. The legislative provisions defining these elements of the crime vary from state to state, but both the conduct and the link are generally defined in general.
For example, any behavior that causes harm to the victim, or poses a danger of harm that puts the victim in immediate, reasonable fear of his or her physical protection, will be prohibited by standard state law. The seriousness of the harm done will depend on whether the conduct forms the basis for a misdemeanor or felony. Any past or present family, household, or dating relationship would generally qualify as far as the required relationship between the defendant and the victim is concerned.
Obeying the orders of the court is the first move since being convicted of domestic abuse. The very fact that they have been created creates a severe situation for the person facing criminal charges or civil restraining order, irrespective of the veracity of the claims. In this case, a clause prohibiting contact with the accuser would almost undoubtedly be enforced by the judge. Violating this requirement will result in prison time and it will make it more difficult to defend the case's merits.
It takes more than refraining from contacting the accuser in person to follow an initial no-contact order. Indirect contact must also be avoided, and this will possibly include, depending on the language of the order, telephone calls, text messages, e-mail, and social media, and contact by shared or other third-party contacts. The surest course of action is to totally dismiss the accuser and contact an attorney for assistance.
An offender charged with domestic abuse will begin to understand more thoroughly the complexities of the legal process and the options available after meeting with an attorney and reviewing the details of the case. It is possible to settle a criminal case in two ways. By proceeding to trial, the defendant may decide to combat the charges, or the defendant may enter a guilty or no contest plea in return for more lenient sentences than would otherwise be levied.
It won't be simple to determine which path to follow. On the one side, winning an acquittal at trial means that a free man, vindicated in the eyes of the law, walks out of the courtroom. On the other hand, the suspense of the prosecution is reduced by plea bargaining and the defendant can escape the harsh repercussions of an unmitigated sentence. Although an attorney may offer insight into the issue, the decision to plead or go to trial ultimately resides exclusively with the defendant.
Of course, in the decision, the intensity of the proof against the defendant plays a vital part. Cases of domestic violence also contain "he said, she said," facts, making the credibility of the complainant highly relevant. The accuser's reported statements are also key to the case because even though the accuser recants or wishes not to press charges, the prosecution will go ahead. Medical tests, video analysis, and law enforcement testimony may also indicate what a trial's result would be.
Of course, in the decision, the intensity of the proof against the defendant plays a vital part. Cases of domestic violence also contain "he said, she said," facts, making the credibility of the complainant highly relevant. The accuser's reported statements are also key to the case because even though the accuser recants or wishes not to press charges, the prosecution will go ahead. Medical tests, video analysis, and law enforcement testimony may also indicate what a trial's result would be.
Restraining orders preclude the attacker from getting beyond the victim's designated distance. They can require the abuser to stop all contact, move out of the family home, and pay care for the child or spouse. The judge can include clauses requiring the abuser to surrender weapons, attend substance abuse treatment, and more, depending on the scope of the order. Under an immediate or long-term basis, restraining orders may be issued.
The implications of domestic abuse may have a substantial and enduring impact on the lives of those involved. You need an experienced lawyer on your side if you have suffered or been accused of committing this form of harm. To learn more, contact a domestic abuse attorney.
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