Posted on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 at 9:00 am
Domestic violence is a significant issue that Cincinnati courts take very seriously. When law enforcement responds to an incident and has probable cause or sufficient evidence, they may arrest an individual or issue a domestic violence warrant. Arrest warrants are a matter of public record and can cause significant problems for an individual, jeopardizing their freedom and personal and professional reputation.
What is a warrant for domestic violence in Ohio, and how can it change your life? The criminal defense team at Moermond & Mulligan, LLC has the answers. We want to help you understand Ohio’s criminal justice system and how a domestic violence warrant works.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a complicated area of Ohio law. Several factors can influence whether an individual gets charged with a domestic violence offense. Most people think domestic violence must include physical contact with another person, like hitting or kicking. However, that is not always the case. To be charged with domestic violence in Ohio, an individual must cause or attempt to cause physical harm to a family or household member. Harm can refer to physical harm caused intentionally, reckless harm caused accidentally, or the threat of causing a family member harm.
Relationships can be challenging, and sometimes tension boils over. However, if you find yourself involved in a domestic dispute, immediately contact an experienced violent crimes defense attorney to help you navigate the situation. Domestic violence charges can significantly change your life and jeopardize everything you’ve worked for.
Domestic Violence Warrants
What is a domestic violence warrant? When an individual is accused of domestic violence and law enforcement has probable cause or sufficient evidence, the authorities can request a domestic violence warrant from a judge. In most cases, a warrant gets issued when law enforcement believes an individual may be responsible for domestic violence but has left the scene of the incident; otherwise, the officers would have arrested the individual on the spot.
What does an arrest warrant do? It gives law enforcement legal authorization to apprehend the individual who is the subject of the warrant, taking them into police custody. There is little point in hiding from a domestic violence arrest warrant. Agencies across the state share information with one another, and eventually, the authorities will track down the person they are looking for. Warrants do not disappear or drop off a person’s record until the issue gets resolved in court.
Do you have an outstanding warrant on your record for domestic violence? Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney and turning yourself in to the authorities is far better than hiding. An attorney can protect your legal rights and build a strategic plan to help increase your chances of obtaining the most favorable outcome possible for your situation.
Domestic Violence Warrants: Penalties and Other Consequences
Domestic violence offenses can be charged in several ways depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. Charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony offense. Penalties for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction can include:
Fourth-degree misdemeanor
- Fines up to $250
- Jail time up to 30 days
Third-degree misdemeanor
- Fines up to $500
- Jail time up to 60 days
Second-degree misdemeanor
- Fines up to $750
- Jail time up to 90 days
First-degree misdemeanor
- Fines up to $1,000
- Jail time up to six months
The penalties for felony domestic violence are significantly more severe and can include:
Fifth-degree felony
- Fines up to $2,500
- Six to 12 months in prison
Fourth-degree felony
- Fines up to $5,000
- Six to 18 months in prison
Third-degree felony
- Fines up to $10,000
- Nine months to three years in prison
With a criminal conviction on your record, you may face numerous consequences once you complete your sentence. It can be challenging to find employment and housing. A domestic violence conviction can also damage your personal and professional relationships for the foreseeable future, making moving forward with your life difficult.
Can an Ohio Domestic Violence Warrants Lawyer Help?
Can a criminal defense attorney help you fight back against domestic violence charges? Yes. Whether you are facing domestic violence charges or are being charged with violating a protection order, at Moermond & Mulligan, LLC, we aim to fight for you. Individuals who face alleged domestic violence charges deserve effective legal representation. We’ll carefully review the facts and circumstances of your situation and craft a strategic defense plan on your behalf. We can also help you navigate the complexities of the Ohio criminal justice system.
Before you talk to the police, talk to our office. Call us at (513) 421-9790 and set up a confidential consultation with a resourceful criminal defense lawyer.