Domestic Violence Laws in Ohio: What You Need to Know

Domestic Violence Laws in Ohio by Scott and Nolder

Domestic Violence Laws in in Columbus, OH Domestic Violence Laws in Ohio: What You Need to Know

Domestic violence is a complicated area of criminal law. Often, an accusation is based on hearsay or misinterpretations of the facts. If you have been accused of domestic violence in Ohio, you need the help of an experienced domestic violence lawyer . Your domestic violence lawyer serving Columbus can advise you as to the applicable laws and let you know about the potential penalties upon conviction.

Types

Ohio law recognizes multiple types of domestic violence. You may be charged with this crime if you’re believed to have recklessly or knowingly inflicted physical harm on the victim. However, you may also require the services of a domestic violence lawyer even if you never laid a finger on the victim. This is because the law recognizes the threat of violence as a form of domestic violence. As your sexual assault attorney can explain to you, this type of charge may be either a misdemeanor or a felony. This depends largely upon the specific circumstances, your prior criminal history, and the injuries, if any.

Victims

Under Ohio law, you can be charged with domestic violence for allegedly harming or threatening harm to a family member or household member. This is broadly defined as any person who currently lives with you or previously lived with you. The victims of domestic violence are often spouses, former spouses, or romantic partners. However, they can also be parents, foster parents, children, and extended family members. Ohio law also recognizes that domestic violence victims may be the family members of spouses, former spouses, or partners.

Penalties

The potential penalties upon conviction can vary widely, depending on whether it is a misdemeanor or felony charge. For example, if you have been convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, you could be sentenced to up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. A third-degree misdemeanor could lead to up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 in fines. If you’re convicted of a third-degree felony, you could be required to serve nine months to three years behind bars and to pay a fine of up to $10,000. But a domestic violence conviction becomes a disabling event making possession of a firearm, for any purpose, illegal under federal law.