Criminal Defense For Domestic Violence
Attorney Dorie Maryan at Maryan Uliana & Smith, an Association of Attorneys, is a domestic violence lawyer who has over 25 years of experience in the legal profession. As a criminal defense attorney and domestic assault lawyer, she regularly defends clients in Bargersville, Greenwood and Johnson County. She also takes on cases involving protective orders, domestic battery, domestic assault and expungements.
Common Types Of Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence charges are not all the same under Indiana law. They are all extremely serious, but the specifics of your case will change the potential charge ahead. Here are the main charges you may see:
- Domestic battery: Domestic battery is the act of battery, but on an individual you have an intimate relationship with. The state defines an intimate relationship as any household member, a direct blood relationship or someone in a “dating” relationship.
- Intimidation: Intimidation is one of the “assault” charges under Indiana law. In this case, it is, as with domestic battery, considered a domestic violence charge when the victim is in that class of intimate relationships.
- Harassment: Harassment as a charge includes an array of actions that lead to an individual to suffer “emotional distress.” Most often, stalking is a primary form of harassment as domestic violence, but there are other potential charges as well.
The problem with a domestic violence charge is how fast it can get out of control. The way that the evidence is found and built in these cases is not nearly as cut and dried as in other types of crime. Hearsay is often a major component of the prosecution’s case, and that is a vulnerability in these charges.
What Does A Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Do?
Not every domestic violence situation begins with criminal charges. Often, alleged victims of domestic violence will file for a restraining or protective order. If you have been served with a petition or have an upcoming court hearing regarding a domestic situation and there is a pending order for protection, it is important to seek the counsel and advice of a criminal defense attorney. An active order for protection can interfere with visitation rights and can lead to additional potential legal consequences down the road. In addition to defending against criminal charges for domestic violence or domestic battery, a domestic violence attorney can represent you at a hearing to consider a protective order, advise you of your rights throughout any court proceeding and even assist with the expungement of your criminal record in the years to come.
When Does Domestic Violence Become A Crime Or A Felony?
There are varying degrees of criminal charges for acts like shoving another person or pulling their hair are considered misdemeanors. But your domestic battery charge may be a felony if:
- A deadly weapon was used
- A protective order was in place
- The victim was particularly vulnerable
- The offense was committed in front of a child
Attorney Maryan regularly defends clients facing serious charges who have been charged with violent crimes like sexual assault and rape, and even homicide or murder. She can represent you in any sort of domestic violence court proceeding, ensure that your rights are protected and develop a criminal defense strategy designed to protect your future as well as your freedom.
Contact An Experienced Indiana Domestic Violence Lawyer
Maryan Uliana & Smith, an Association of Attorneys is invested in supporting its clients who have been accused of crimes and fighting the charges against them. To schedule an initial consultation with a domestic violence attorney, call 317-732-4055 or send an inquiry through the online form.