Understanding the Criminal Justice System
Domestic battery is a serious criminal charge with potentially severe consequences. If you’re facing a domestic battery charge, you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney right away.
Under Indiana law, domestic battery, which is found in Indiana Code Section 35-42-2-1.3, is intentional touching in a rude, insolent, or angry manner that results in bodily injury to a spouse, former spouse, intimate partner, or co-parent of a child. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, domestic battery can result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction.
The penalties can be particularly harsh for repeat offenders. Furthermore, an individual charged with domestic battery can be prosecuted even if the alleged victim does not wish the case to proceed.
In many cases, the court issues an order of protection against an individual charged with domestic battery. This can cause significant problems for the accused, including trouble at work, loss of reputation, and an inability to see and visit minor children. In some cases, a person is even left without a place to live, as the order may prevent him from returning to a home shared with the accuser.
False accusations happen. Unfortunately, it’s common for police to arrest first and ask questions later when faced with a domestic dispute. If you have been arrested for domestic battery, your future is at stake. Don’t wait to speak to a criminal defense attorney about your case.
