Family Violence

Domestic Violence is an accusation of some sort of assault where a person accuses another of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical harm and that accuser is related to the accused by either consanguinity (blood) or affinity (marriage). This definition has been expanded to include people who are roommates or in a romantic relationship with one another. When this allegation is added to an accusation of assault, it increases the consequences and puts the accused at even greater risk for serious punishment. A person who resolves a case such as this with a plea to probation can be brought on felony charges for the slightest accusation afterwards even if the accused wasn’t found guilty on the first accusation. Most family violence accusations cannot be expunged or cleared from your record with out a jury or judge finding you not guilty. (There are some exceptions. We can discuss these when you come and see me.) Any finding of family violence can suspend your rights to own or even possess a firearm under Federal Law. Please consult an attorney immediately if you are accused.