- July 25, 2024
- Domestic Violence
A domestic violence conviction carries serious consequences, including jail time and steep fines. Despite how it’s often portrayed in the news and in popular media, both men and women can be victims of domestic violence—and both men and women can be charged with domestic violence-related crimes. Regardless of your gender, if you’ve been charged with domestic violence, it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to craft an effective strategy on your behalf.
What Are the Rates and Risk Factors of Domestic Violence?
Statistics show that one in four women aged 18 years and older in the United States have suffered severe violence at the hands of an intimate partner in their lifetime. A recent study found that, globally, rates of domestic violence against men ranged from 3.4 percent to 20.3 percent. As many as 40 percent of male domestic violence survivors were victims of domestic violence as children.
For both genders, common factors associated with a greater risk of domestic violence include:
- Alcohol abuse
- Mental illness
- Jealousy
- Physical impairments
- Short relationship duration
What Are the Consequences of a Domestic Violence Charge?
In Michigan, several different crimes can be considered domestic violence, including stalking, criminal sexual conduct, unlawful imprisonment, and emotional or financial abuse.
Under Michigan law, a domestic assault charge will typically be a misdemeanor unless the defendant has prior convictions for weapons violations or the assault resulted in serious injuries. If the alleged victim suffered severe physical harm, the charge could be upgraded to a felony. Even if it is a first-time offense, a defendant may go to jail and have to pay a fine if convicted. Under federal law, those convicted of domestic violence cannot possess a firearm.
The ramifications of a domestic violence conviction go beyond prison sentences and fines and can extend to other areas of your life. Even if you do not have any other criminal history, a judge will consider a conviction in any child custody or parenting time orders. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a conviction could result in possible deportation. It could also harm your career status or ability to find a job.
Remember, a charge is not the same thing as a conviction. The stakes are high, but you have the right to defend yourself. Having a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side from the start is crucial.
Contact The Law Office of John Freeman Today
Regardless of your gender, if you are facing domestic violence charges in Michigan, call John Freeman for help immediately. A staunch advocate of personal liberties and the Second Amendment, Mr. Freeman wants to protect your rights and safeguard your freedoms, including your right to own a firearm. And as a former federal prosecutor, Mr. Freeman knows first-hand the tactics the prosecution may use in your case—and how to beat them. Contact us online or by phone for a free, confidential consultation.