Domestic violence charges can sometimes stem from a misunderstanding. Concerned people who overhear part of a dispute in public might report the matter to the police without the context to truly understand what occurred.
Many people who face domestic violence charges are anxious about the criminal defense process and might opt to enter a guilty plea to a lesser offense as part of a plea deal. What they may not realize is that doing so will not protect them from certain lifelong penalties.
Even misdemeanors have permanent consequences
The specific criminal penalties imposed for a domestic violence conviction depend in no small part on the nature of the charge and the history of the defendant. Typically, misdemeanor offenses carry lower criminal penalties and substantially reduced social stigma when compared with felony charges.
However, any type of domestic violence conviction shows up during a criminal background check, which can affect a person’s options for housing and employment, as well as education. If they end up involved in a custody dispute, a domestic violence conviction can affect their chances of a fair custody order.
Additionally, even misdemeanor domestic violence convictions trigger federal regulations prohibiting firearm ownership. People may no longer be able to participate in hunting and other sporting activities. They may become ineligible for law enforcement or military careers. They also lose the right to legally carry firearms to defend themselves.
Avoiding a conviction associated with accusations of domestic violence is the only way to protect against the various social and legal penalties of a conviction. An attorney who understands what is at stake can help a defendant accused of domestic violence develop a reasonable defense strategy accordingly.
