Lackawanna Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic Violence Charges in Pennsylvania

Domestic violence in our state includes various types of behavior committed against family members, household members, and dating or intimate partners. 

According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, these can include:

• Physical violence: punching, slapping, shoving, choking, and more of spouses, intimate partners, and/or children.
• Sexual abuse: forcing sexual acts upon the alleged victim or abusing minor children.
• Property crimes: destroying belongings or shared property, such as phones, laptops, and more.
• Crimes against pets.
• Theft: removing cash, access to bank accounts, or other shared items.
• Threats of harm to children: this may be done to force control over victimized adults.
• False imprisonment: this can be done by keeping the alleged victim confined to the home through fear of imminent harm. 

Per Pennsylvania law, domestic violence involves simple assault, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, terroristic threats, stalking, strangulation, and threats against the alleged victims that make them fear bodily injury. 

Penalties for Domestic Violence Crimes

Domestic violence crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the nature of the offense and its severity. Misdemeanors can range from third-degree, and second-degree up to first-degree, with penalties ranging from up to a year in jail and/or fines of up to $2,500 to five years in prison with fines of up to $10,000. 

Felony convictions will generally result in even harsher penalties ranging from seven to 20 years in prison and fines ranging from $15,000 up to $25,000. 

Protection from Abuse Orders

Victims of domestic violence crimes can seek restraining orders known as Protection from Abuse orders (PFAs). 

These orders can drastically impact you as the accused in the following ways:

• Order you to cease any further acts or threats of violence against the victim or your shared children
• Order you to vacate the shared home and hand over full possession to the victim
• Restrict you from making any kind of contact with the victim or going within a certain distance of his/her home, work, or other locations
• Give temporary custody of shared children to the victim
• Order you to pay child support
• Take away your possession of any firearms
• Order you to pay the victim for any financial losses related to the abuse
• Order any other restrictions or directives the court deems appropriate

Final PFAs can be made effective for up to three years and may be extended beyond that if the court finds it necessary. 

How A Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help

Domestic violence charges can cast a long, harrowing shadow over the accused's life, impacting their freedom, reputation, and future. A skilled domestic violence lawyer plays a crucial role not only in defending the accused but also in navigating the intricate legal system to mitigate these consequences. Recognizing the stakes involved, these attorneys deploy a comprehensive approach to defense, painstakingly investigating the circumstances surrounding the charges, scrutinizing evidence for discrepancies, and advocating tirelessly for their client's rights. Their expertise is pivotal in formulating a defense strategy tailored to each unique case, aiming to either dismiss or reduce the charges whenever possible.

Services Provided by Domestic Violence Attorneys:

• Case Evaluation: Conducting an in-depth analysis of the case to identify strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments.
• Evidence Review: Scrutinizing the evidence for inconsistencies or violations of rights that could undermine the prosecution's case.
• Legal Advice: Offering informed advice on the legal options available, potential outcomes, and the best course of action.
• Defense Strategy: Developing a robust defense strategy that may include challenging the credibility of the evidence, arguing self-defense, or negotiating plea bargains.
• Representation in Court: Representing the client in all court appearances, hearings, and trials, fiercely advocating on their behalf.
• Negotiation with Prosecutors: Engaging in negotiations with the prosecution to reduce charges, secure alternative sentencing, or even dismiss cases when possible.
• Support and Guidance: Providing emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping clients understand each step and what to expect.
• Expungement: Assisting in the expungement process for eligible cases, aiming to clear the client's record post-resolution of the case.

By leveraging these services, domestic violence attorneys endeavor to protect their client's rights while aiming for the most favorable outcome under the given circumstances.

Protect Yourself & Your Future with a Strategic Defense

If you are facing any type of domestic violence accusation, the sooner you engage the services of our criminal defense lawyer, the better your chances will be of protecting yourself against prosecution. Accusations and charges do not automatically mean convictions. However, you will need a dedicated and savvy lawyer on your side working on your defense. To do that, we strongly urge you to contact our firm to get the advice and guidance you need today.