Charged With Domestic Violence in Shawnee, Oklahoma?
Immediately Contact a Defense Attorney.
Being charged with domestic violence is an incredibly serious situation that requires the immediate help of a defense attorney.
Our criminal defense attorneys in Shawnee, Oklahoma understand that these cases need to be handled with great care and caution. The impact that a guilty verdict can have on the accused’s future is significant, and to be wrongfully accused of this crime makes that future feel more bleak.
Jacqui Ford knows that the system can be biased. She doesn’t let that stand in the way of fighting back against unfair charges. Let her experience work for you and know that she’s helped clients through these incredibly tricky cases.
– Timothy L.
How Does the Statute of Limitations Effect My Need For A Criminal Defense Attorney in Shawnee, Oklahoma?
You may wonder why we recommend immediately contacting a criminal defense attorney if you have been accused of domestic violence. This is because like many other crimes, domestic violence has a statue of limitations. A statue of limitations is the legal timeframe that someone can file a case. Once that time is up, a case can no longer be filed.
Domestic violence itself doesn’t have a specific timeframe listed, so it is looped in to the general three-year limit for Shawnee, Oklahoma crimes. In other words, a victim only has three years after an instance of domestic violence to seek charges.
In the event that the person accusing you moves fast due to the limit, you want to be sure you are also prepared with representation from the get-go. It puts you in a stressful situation to be blindsided with a charge and not have an experienced domestic violence defense attorney already in your corner.
What Determines a Domestic Violence Case in Shawnee, Oklahoma?
There is an important distinction to consider when you’re attempting to determine if you will be accused of domestic violence or assault and battery. The factor that distinguishes the two is that domestic violence is defined by the victim and perpetrator having a pre-existing relationship. This does not necessarily have to be a blood-related or familial relationship.
Here are some examples of pre-existing relationships that make a case domestic violence:
- spouse
- former spouse
- boyfriend/girlfriend
- parent
- some sort of foster parent
- child
- some sort of blood relative
- relative by marriage
- parent of a mutual child, etc.
What are Domestic Violence Penalties You Can Face Upon Conviction in Shawnee, Oklahoma?
If you are found guilty of domestic violence in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the consequences can be severe, including incarceration, monetary fines, and various other penalties. The specific punishments you might encounter will depend on the specifics of your case, such as the seriousness of the alleged offense, any prior criminal history you may have, and additional relevant factors.
Common penalties for individuals convicted of domestic violence in Oklahoma include:
- Incarceration: Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you could be sentenced to months or even years in jail.
- Financial penalties: In addition to imprisonment, a conviction for domestic violence may result in substantial fines.
- Protective orders: The court may issue a protective order that mandates you to stay away from the victim, and in some cases, even prohibits you from entering your own residence.
- Loss of firearm rights: If you own firearms, a domestic violence conviction could lead to the revocation of your right to possess them.
- Criminal record: A domestic violence conviction will permanently appear on your criminal record, potentially hindering your chances of obtaining employment, housing, and other future opportunities.
To mitigate the risk of these penalties, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced legal professional. A skilled Shawnee, Oklahoma criminal defense attorney can help you comprehend the charges against you and construct a robust defense strategy aimed at safeguarding your rights and liberties.