Indianapolis Domestic Battery Attorney

Domestic Battery Charges Are Serious

Our Indianapolis Domestic Battery Attorneys are Here to Protect Your Rights

When the alleged victim of a battery offense is the spouse or intimate partner of the defendant, domestic battery charges can be filed. While the same general defenses you have in a normal battery charge will also apply to a domestic battery charge, a domestic battery conviction can carry additional penalties that make it critical to properly prepare your defense.

Short Summary:

• Domestic battery charges can be filed when the alleged victim is a spouse or intimate partner, carrying additional penalties beyond a normal battery charge.
• Defenses applicable to regular battery charges also apply, but the unique consequences of a domestic battery conviction make thorough defense preparation crucial.
• Hiring a law firm focusing on domestic battery is essential for a comprehensive defense.
• In Indiana, a previous domestic battery conviction or an incident in the presence of a minor upgrades the charge to a Level 6 felony, impacting penalties and consequences.
• A domestic battery conviction, even if for a misdemeanor, results in the loss of the right to own or possess a firearm, with severe consequences for possession post-conviction.
• The definition of domestic battery in Indiana involves intentional or reckless touching of a family or household member, with severity ranging from misdemeanor to felony based on circumstances and prior history.
• Penalties for domestic battery range from Class A misdemeanor to Level 2 felony, with severe consequences such as fines, imprisonment, and impacts on parenting time, voting rights, firearm possession, and employment.
• Domestic battery defense involves scrutinizing accusations, assessing the prosecutor’s case, and engaging a skilled defense attorney with a history of success in trials.
• Possible defenses to domestic battery charges include defensive actions, spousal abuse defense, and unintentional incidents, providing avenues to mitigate or eliminate consequences.
• Beyond immediate legal penalties, domestic battery convictions in Indianapolis have far-reaching consequences on employment, relationships, custody, and visitation, requiring a strategic and informed approach for mitigation.
• Consequences of a domestic battery conviction extend beyond potential jail time, impacting child custody, felony classification, and firearm ownership rights.
• The initial phase involves scrutinizing accusations, alleged victims, and witnesses to identify weaknesses in the State’s argument.
• Engaging a skilled domestic battery defense attorney with a history of success in trials is crucial for optimal defense.

Hiring an Indianapolis domestic battery law firm such as Razumich & Associates is crucial for taking all the necessary precautions for your defense

The consequences of a domestic battery conviction involve more than just potential jail time. The long-term ramifications of being convicted of domestic battery include:

• A conviction for domestic battery can be used in future civil proceedings to restrict or modify child custody or parenting time.
• If the defendant has a previous conviction for domestic battery, or if the alleged battery occurred in the presence of a minor or a child, the battery is charged as a Level 6 felony in the state of Indiana, rather than a Class A Misdemeanor.
• A person convicted of domestic battery loses their right to own or possess a firearm, even if the conviction was for a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Being found in possession of a firearm or ammunition after a domestic battery conviction can result in serious felony charges.

When facing domestic battery charges in Indianapolis, the importance of having an experienced Indianapolis domestic battery attorney cannot be overstated. A domestic battery lawyer is not just a legal representative. They are a crucial ally in the fight for justice. Get a consultation today!

What is Domestic Battery in Indiana?

In Indiana, domestic battery is defined as the intentional or reckless touching of a family or household member in a rude, insolent, or angry manner. Regulations concerning domestic violence come into effect if an offense is connected to a domestic relationship. The severity of the crime, whether it qualifies as a felony or misdemeanor, hinges on the offender’s previous legal history and the specific circumstances. A crucial aspect of building a suitable defense against criminal charges involves comprehending allegations related to domestic battery.

What are Crimes of Domestic Battery? 

In Indiana, the term “domestic battery” is employed to characterize the criminal act of battery against a family or household member. While the foundational offense is a misdemeanor, there are circumstances that could elevate it to a felony.

As outlined in Indiana Code § 35-42-2-1.3, domestic battery involves committing battery against an individual falling into one of these categories:

• The offender’s current or former spouse
• Someone the offender cohabited with in a spousal-like relationship
• A person with whom the offender shares parenthood

To ascertain whether cohabitation resembled a spousal relationship, factors such as the duration of the relationship, frequency of interaction, financial interdependence, joint parenting, shared household activities, and actions geared toward maintaining a common household are considered.

Being charged with domestic battery in Indiana carries severe repercussions for the accused. Securing the services of an appropriate attorney is pivotal to safeguarding your future.

What are the Penalties/Convictions of Domestic Battery? 

Domestic battery convictions encompass a broad spectrum of potential penalties. The fundamental domestic battery offense is categorized as a Class A misdemeanor, with a possible punishment of up to one year in jail and a fine of $5,000. It’s crucial to highlight that, in accordance with Indiana Code § 35-50-3-1, the court has the authority to suspend the sentence for a Class A misdemeanor. 

Additionally, in the case of a misdemeanor, the offender may be eligible for probation, with the combined duration of the sentence and probation not exceeding one year.

For a Level 6 felony, the least severe felony level in Indiana, the defendant may face a prison term ranging from six months to three years and a fine of up to $10,000. A Level 5 felony carries a sentence between one and six years, and a fine of up to $10,000. More heinous felonies warrant more severe penalties, with a Level 2 felony carrying a maximum sentence of ten to thirty years and a fine of $10,000.

Felony convictions cause substantial additional consequences impacting matters such as parenting time or custody and influencing voting rights, firearm possession, and employment in specific professions. Non-citizens may face the risk of removal or deportation. Furthermore, for any individual, incarceration can have devastating effects on both career and family relationships.

What Happens in Domestic Battery Cases?

In a typical domestic battery case, the initial phase often involves collecting information. Your defense lawyer will scrutinize the accusations, the alleged victim, and the witnesses to identify weaknesses in the State’s argument. The State needs to establish every element of the charged domestic battery offense convincingly. A skilled defense attorney specializing in domestic battery will meticulously scrutinize the details, assessing the prosecutor’s likelihood of success on each aspect of the offense. Given that the prosecution carries the burden of proof, the absence of a single element can lead to the collapse of the entire case.

The State must successfully present its case to convince a jury of its peers. During this phase, your optimal strategy involves engaging a domestic battery defense attorney with a documented history of success in trials.

Domestic Battery Charges Should Be Treated Seriously

A domestic battery conviction can be devastating for you and your family. These charges need to be treated with the utmost seriousness. Do NOT base your defense on the possibility that your spouse or significant other might not show up. Make sure to do everything you can to prepare a strong defense.

If you are accused of a domestic battery offense, the law office of Razumich & Associates can fight to protect your rights, and make sure that your case is properly defended. Contact us immediately, and we can begin protecting your future.

Possible Defenses To Domestic Battery Charges

Apart from ensuring the prosecutor can present legally admissible evidence for each aspect of the offense, your Indiana domestic battery attorney will discuss potential defenses with you. Occasionally, circumstances related to the purported domestic battery can mitigate the repercussions of the defendant’s actions. In essence, specific defenses can diminish or eliminate the consequences, even if the State successfully demonstrates all elements of domestic battery. Commonly observed defenses in domestic battery cases include:

• Defensive actions: The harm inflicted on the purported victim occurred as the defendant sought to defend themselves from an assault by the alleged victim.
• Spousal abuse defense: The defendant was, in fact, the target of prolonged mistreatment by the domestic partner, regardless of marital status, and the harm caused to the domestic partner stemmed from Battered Spouse Syndrome.
• Unintentional incident: The injury sustained by the victim was unintentional, contrasting with deliberate or knowingly carried out actions.

Consequences of Domestic Battery Convictions

Domestic battery convictions can have far-reaching consequences extending beyond immediate legal penalties. In Indianapolis, being convicted of domestic battery can significantly impact various aspects of an individual’s life. It is crucial to comprehend these consequences to navigate the legal process effectively and make informed decisions.

• Legal Ramifications: A domestic battery conviction in Indianapolis can lead to severe legal repercussions. Individuals may face fines, probation, mandatory counseling, or even imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the severity of the offense and any previous criminal history. Understanding the potential legal consequences is vital for those navigating the criminal justice system.
• Impact on Employment: One of the most significant long-term consequences is the effect on employment. A domestic battery conviction can tarnish an individual’s reputation, making it challenging to secure or maintain employment. Employers often conduct background checks, and a criminal record may lead to job loss or difficulty finding new opportunities. Exploring legal avenues to minimize the impact on employment is crucial for those facing such charges.
• Strained Relationships: Domestic battery convictions can strain relationships with family and friends. The legal process itself can be emotionally draining, leading to fractures in personal connections. Rebuilding trust may take considerable time and effort, and some relationships may never fully recover. Seeking counseling and support services can be instrumental in mitigating the emotional toll on personal connections.
• Custody and Visitation Issues: For individuals with children, a domestic battery conviction can complicate custody and visitation arrangements. Family courts consider the child’s best interests when making decisions, and a criminal record may be a determining factor. It is essential to work with legal professionals to navigate family court proceedings and address concerns about parental rights.
• Future Legal Consequences: A domestic battery conviction can have lasting legal consequences beyond immediate penalties. It may affect the ability to obtain certain professional licenses, participate in specific activities, or travel to certain countries. Understanding the broader legal implications is crucial for individuals planning their future and seeking ways to mitigate potential obstacles.

Facing the consequences of a domestic battery conviction in Indianapolis requires a strategic and informed approach. Seeking the guidance of an experienced domestic battery attorney is essential to navigate the legal system and work toward minimizing the impact on various aspects of life. By understanding the potential consequences, individuals can make informed decisions and take proactive steps to mitigate the long-term effects of a domestic battery conviction.

Speak With Our Indianapolis Domestic Battery Attorney Today!

Facing charges of domestic battery is highly frightening, given the anticipated consequences following a conviction. Without an experienced domestic battery attorney by your side, establishing your innocence under the law becomes challenging. It is advised that you seek legal help as soon as possible to save time and effort in navigating the complex laws surrounding domestic battery.

With Razumich & Associates, PLLC, you no longer need to study anything about criminal laws in Indiana. Our firm can make a significant difference without requiring much of your time and effort. Schedule a consultation today!