What penalties could I face for a domestic violence charge?

On Behalf of | May 16, 2019 | Criminal Defense |

There are a variety of potential domestic violence charges, and the potential consequences you could end up with depend on your specific charge. For example, you could be charged with domestic violence in the first degree, second degree, third degree, by strangulation, by suffocation or by interfering with an emergency domestic violence call. These range in severity from a Class A felony to a Class B misdemeanor.

Class B misdemeanor

You may have been charged with interfering with an emergency domestic violence call if you allegedly prevented or made it difficult for someone to call for assistance. If convicted, you may have a Class B misdemeanor on your record and you could spend up to six months in prison.

Class A misdemeanor

Domestic violence in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor. Domestic violence in the third degree may be charged in cases that involve acts of assault in the third degree, menacing, reckless endangerment, criminal coercion, harassment, criminal surveillance, harassing communications, criminal trespass in the third degree, criminal mischief in the second or third degree, or arson in the third degree. If you are convicted with a Class A misdemeanor you may serve up to a year in prison.

Class B felony

Strangulation, suffocation or domestic violence in the second degree are Class B felonies. Domestic violence in the second degree may be charged in cases that involve assault in the second degree, intimidating a witness, stalking, burglary in the second or third degree, or criminal mischief in the first degree. If convicted of a Class B felony, you could serve between two and 20 years in prison.

Class A felony

A charge of domestic violence in the first degree is the most severe domestic violence charge. These cases can involve assault in the first degree or aggravated stalking. Domestic violence in the first degree is a Class A felony, and, if convicted, you may serve life in prison.

Although the penalties for domestic violence convictions range in severity, all domestic violence accusations are serious, and any domestic violence conviction can have life-altering consequences. This is why it is important that you do everything in your power to seek the best possible outcome in court.