On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Domestic Violence on Sunday, April 3, 2016.
Domestic violence is often considered a family law issue, and while you should absolutely consult with a family law attorney to help you with your domestic violence issue, it is important to remember that, unlike many family law issues that are civil suits, domestic violence is a crime. This means that a person who is engaging in domestic violence can be accused of a criminal lawsuit and even arrested.
There are many different types of domestic violence, including physical and sexual abuse, and each of these could constitute a different type of crime. Some people believe domestic violence to be a case of assault and battery, but in many instances, domestic violence convictions come with even more serious penalties than cases involving assault and battery. This is because courts consider abusers as taking advantage of another person’s trust, which makes the crime even more heinous.
It is important to remember, however, that when a person is placed in handcuffs and escorted out of a house or into a courtroom, it is almost impossible for things ever to be the way that they were. The assailant will likely face jail time if convicted, and will, of course, have a criminal record. As such, you may wish to consider less extreme measures such as seeking an Order of Protection, which may, at least, save your children from seeing their father or mother escorted out of the house by police.
Additionally, if you have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence, you should contact an attorney to represent you immediately. A domestic violence conviction is not something that you should take lightly, and defending yourself is extremely important. If you live in Missouri and are suffering from domestic violence or from wrongful allegations, consider meeting with a Missouri attorney. He or she can help you build a case based on Missouri laws and precedents.