Domestic Violence Crimes
The U.S. Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” Abusive behavior can come in the following forms:
Physical
Sexual
Emotional
Economic
Psychological
Technological
In Louisiana, domestic violence is charged when a family member, someone in a household, or a dating partner is harmed. Household members are people who live together. Family members are spouses or children, parents or step-parents, foster parents or foster children, and stepchildren. A dating partner is anyone who is currently involved in an intimate or sexual relationship or was previously in one.
If you were charged with a domestic violence crime, you may not have meant to commit an unlawful act or you could have been unaware that what you were doing was criminal. It can be advantageous to work with an attorney to avoid the harsh penalties that can come with a domestic violence crime conviction and the resulting reputational and professional harm that also may result from such a conviction.
A domestic violence criminal defense attorney will evaluate your case and determine the most effective defense strategy so you can secure the best possible outcome under the circumstances. Depending on the case facts, it could be possible to lessen your charges or have your charges dropped. Innocent people do get brought into the justice system through incomplete investigations and false accusations.
Domestic abuse battery crimes carry not just the possibility of jail time and fines but also are ineligible for expungement under Louisiana law in the event of conviction. This means that the record of the offense will follow you for the rest of your life.
At the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams, LLC, our skilled and competent domestic violence criminal defense attorney has represented many individuals charged with the most serious crimes.
For more information, contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams.
Louisiana Domestic Violence Crimes
Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault
Domestic abuse aggravated assault happens when a household or family member uses a weapon to assault another.
Penalties can include one year to five years of imprisonment with hard labor as well as a fine as high as $5,000. When minor children under the age of 13 are present when an aggravated domestic assault happens, there is a two-year mandatory imprisonment sentence with hard labor.
Aggravated Assault of a Dating Partner
Aggravated assault of a dating partner happens when an individual in an intimate or sexual relationship uses a weapon to assault their dating partner.
Penalties can include one year to five years of imprisonment with hard labor as well as a fine as high as $5,000. When minor children under the age of 13 are present when an aggravated domestic assault happens, there is a two-year mandatory imprisonment sentence with hard labor.
Domestic Abuse Battery
Domestic abuse battery happens when a household or family member uses force against another household or family member. Domestic abuse battery is initially charged at the misdemeanor level and can come with penalties of up to six months in jail and a fine as high as $1,000.
Battery of a Dating Partner
Battery of a dating partner happens when force is used by one dating partner on the other. Penalties can include 30 days to six months in jail and fines ranging from $300 to $1,000.
Violating a Louisiana Protective Order
When no battery is involved, penalties can include up to two years of imprisonment and as high as a $1,000 fine, depending on whether the crime was a first or subsequent violation.
When a battery is involved or if the offender has a gun while violating the protective order, penalties can include as many as five years of imprisonment and a fine as high as $2,000 depending on if the crime was a first violation or a subsequent violation.
Call An Experienced Louisiana Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Protecting your rights and freedoms from the most grievous penalties when you have been charged with a domestic violence crime in Louisiana is Attorney Adams' top priority.
If you were charged with a domestic violence crime in Louisiana, you need a committed and experienced domestic violence criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams today for a case evaluation.