A criminal defense attorney should be your first call when you find out you have been accused of domestic violence in Weatherford, Oklahoma Whether the accusation is true or not, you will need an attorney to create a strong case and keep you safe from biased judgment.
Without an attorney that has experience in domestic violence cases, you will not be able to properly create and defend your case against your accuser.
Our criminal defense attorney Jacqui Ford is here to provide her knowledge to your advantage. She is well aware of the potential biases within the legal system. That’s precisely why she dedicates herself to assisting clients in challenging their charges. If you find yourself facing allegations of domestic violence, it’s essential to understand the following information.
– Timothy L.
What is Considered Domestic Violence in Weatherford, Oklahoma?
In Weatherford, Oklahoma, when it comes to domestic violence charges, there must be some form of relationship between the accused and the victim. This relationship can encompass various categories such as spouse, former spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, parent, foster parent, child, blood relative, relative by marriage, or parent of a mutual child.
Oklahoma’s laws regarding domestic violence are located within the same statute as assault laws. However, domestic assault and battery generally carry more severe penalties. For a first offense, individuals may face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Felony domestic abuse entails more stringent consequences, including:
- Second or subsequent conviction of domestic abuse: A maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
- Second or subsequent conviction of domestic abuse of a pregnant woman: A minimum of 10 years in prison.
- Domestic abuse of a pregnant woman resulting in miscarriage: A minimum of 20 years in prison.
- Domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon: A maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
- Domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon: A maximum sentence of life in prison.
- Second or subsequent conviction of domestic assault and battery in the presence of a child: A sentence ranging from 1 to 5 years in prison.
- Domestic abuse with a prior pattern of physical abuse: A maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
- Domestic abuse by strangulation: A sentence ranging from 1 to 3 years in prison.
What Do The Penalties for Domestic Violence Look Like in Weatherford, Oklahoma
Domestic violence encompasses a wide range of behaviors, including stalking and physical harm inflicted upon someone.
In Oklahoma, the penalties for domestic abuse are as follows.
For first-time domestic violence offenders, misdemeanor charges are typically imposed. These penalties can result in a maximum sentence of one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000.
However, if an individual has a second or subsequent conviction for domestic abuse, they may face a maximum prison term of 4 years.
It’s important to note that certain aspects of the offense or a pattern of repeated domestic violence convictions can swiftly elevate the charges to a felony status.
What is the Statute of Limitations on Domestic Violence in Weatherford, Oklahoma?
A statute of limitations is a legal time limit set by legislation that determines the maximum period within which legal proceedings can be initiated after a particular event or crime has occurred. It essentially acts as a deadline, specifying the time frame within which a lawsuit or criminal charges can be filed.
The purpose of a statute of limitations is to ensure that legal disputes or criminal cases are resolved in a timely manner. It provides a sense of finality and promotes fairness by preventing the prosecution or litigation of stale claims where evidence may be difficult to gather or memories may have faded.
In regards to domestic violence, there is no specific timeframe specified, so it falls under Weatherford, Oklahoma’s general statute of limitations, which is three years. In other words, if more than three years have passed since a domestic violence incident, a victim cannot come forward and have law enforcement pursue charges against the accused.
This highlights the importance of securing the support of a knowledgeable domestic violence defense attorney right from the start. Having an experienced attorney by your side is vital because they can navigate the legal complexities and protect your rights effectively.
Contact a Weatherford, Oklahoma Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Today
Jacqui Ford Law is here to help in the event that you are accused of domestic violence. With the help of an experinced attorney, you will be able to fully understand the extent of your charges and come up with a unique plan to address every aspect of your case. Contact our Weatherford, Oklahoma attorneys today!
