About 49% of women and 40% of men in Oklahoma admit to having experienced some type of domestic violence at least once in their lifetime. Not just that, Oklahoma has witnessed the highest levels of domestic violence reports in the past 20 years. It is also pertinent to mention that many domestic violence cases go unreported.
It is imperative to understand that you should immediately report domestic violence and seek help as soon as possible. You can call 911 for immediate aid. Nonetheless, you should also hire a professional Yukon criminal defense lawyer to decide the course of legal action against the abuser.
Victims of domestic violence
Domestic violence is when a member of the household or a former or current intimate partner assaults you. However, domestic violence does not necessarily apply to causing physical harm; threats or attempts to engage in physically violent acts are also considered as domestic violence.
While a first offense of domestic violence is considered a misdemeanor, any subsequent offenses are treated as felonies. An abuser may have to face harsher penalties and even prison sentences for causing severe bodily injuries.
The victim in case of domestic violence can be any one of the following-
- A former or current spouse.
- A foster parent
- A current or former dating partner.
- A blood relative
- The parent of your child
- Anyone with whom you live or have lived with.
- Former spouse of your current spouse
Penalties and other consequences of domestic violence
Depending upon the severity of the domestic abuse, the abuser may have to face harsher penalties after conviction.
- A first-time offender with no aggravating factors may face up to one year in jail. However, the sentence may increase significantly in case of subsequent offenses, as the same is considered a felony conviction.
- A first-time offender may face a fine of up to $5,000, which can be increased up to $20,000 in case of a subsequent offense.
- Domestic violence conviction is reflected in an individual’s permanent criminal record and can affect different aspects of their future.
Apart from the above, there are several other consequences of a domestic violence conviction. Some of them are as follows.
- An abuser’s family life is permanently disrupted in most cases. Besides, they cannot be permitted to adopt or foster a child, and the abuser is not given custody of the child.
- A convicted domestic abuser may have to struggle to find a new job. In some cases, an individual may also lose a professional license.
- Many landlords do not allow tenants with criminal records; hence, a convicted abuser may find it challenging to find a home.
Defense against false domestic violence allegations
However, some domestic violence allegations may also be fake. In such cases, here’s how you can prove your innocence.
- Prove that the physical harm was the result of a self-defense act.
- Prove that you did not act with an intention to harm the victim and the harm was the result of an accident.
- Get a witness to testify in your favor.
- Prove that there are procedural errors.
However, you would need the help of a professional and experienced lawyer to prove your innocence. Therefore, choose your lawyer wisely.