Winchester Domestic Violence Attorney
One of the most traumatizing and, at the same time, hushed-up, crimes committed in America is domestic violence. One in three women will experience domestic abuse by an intimate partner within their lifetimes, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. And, 34 percent of all Virginia murders are domestic violence-related. Furthermore, while most domestic violence is never reported to any law enforcement agency, there were still a staggering 17,644 Virginia domestic violence crimes reported to law enforcement agencies in 2012. Due to the prolific amount of domestic violence, and the huge ramifications it carries for the families involved, including children, Virginia has very little tolerance for those alleged with committing domestic violence crimes and comes down with the full force of the law on those individuals. Contact our experienced Winchester domestic violence attorneys today, we can help.
Defining Domestic Violence
Domestic violence, or “family abuse,” is defined by Virginia’s Judicial System as any act involving violence, force, or threat including any forceful detention, which results in physical injury or places one in reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury and which is committed by a person against such a person’s family or household member.” A family member or household member includes (regardless of residence) a spouse, ex-spouse, in-laws, individuals with children in common, cohabitants, and former cohabitants with children who have lived under the same roof within the past year. Because so many Virginia residents are traumatized and seriously injured by family members, and live with that abuse for years on end, the law treats domestic violence more seriously than some other types of crimes. If you have been charged with domestic violence, do not wait any longer to contact an experienced domestic violence attorney at once to begin working on your case.
Low Conviction Rate of Domestic Violence Charges
With an experienced domestic violence attorney at your side, you stand a much higher chance of lowering the charges brought against you or beating the charges outright and proving your innocence. Of the 20,718 domestic violence arrests made in 2012, only 26 percent ended with convictions. However, of the more serious felony domestic violence charges (there were 1,016 in 2012), 90 percent ended with convictions.
A domestic violence charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. However, after the third or more conviction of domestic assault or battery in a 10 year period, the crime is escalated to a Call 6 felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Domestic violence charges also, of course, bring about divorce or separation and loss of all custody and visitation rights.
If you have been charged with a domestic assault or domestic assault and battery charge, you need to speak with an experienced Winchester domestic violence attorney at once. The Winchester legal defense team of Simms Showers, LLP has the resources, knowledge, and experience to help reduce the punishment that you face and beat the allegations to prove your innocence and keep you good standing within your community. Call us today for immediate help.
