Domestic Violence Lawyer in Indianapolis Protecting Your Legal Rights

The Indiana State of Domestic Violence Report shows that 40 percent of women and 26 percent of men experience intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking in their lifetime.

Domestic violence in Indiana, also known as “intimate partner violence,” is a negative pattern of any behavior in a relationship used to maintain power and instill fear or control over another person or household member. Victims of domestic abuse can include children, the elderly, a family member, spouse, or ex-partner.

Abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and psychological. A serious allegation, the consequences match the crime, as domestic violence offenses jeopardize your freedom, child custody rights, reputation, career, and life.

The individuals that typically utilize the services of our Indiana domestic violence lawyers have been convicted of a domestic violence charge, wrongly accused of domestic battery or violent crime, or need legal representation to safely escape an abusive situation.

As attorneys, we see as many legitimate domestic violence claims as false claims. For this reason, we work tirelessly to examine every detail, possible angle, and evidence presented to us to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients.

It’s important not to jump to conclusions if you’ve been charged of a violent crime, as you have constitutional rights and are innocent until proven guilty. Engaging an Indiana domestic violence attorney to better understand the consequences of your charges and examine the facts surrounding your case will be valuable in building a possible defense.

Discuss your criminal charges and book a free consultation with the Law Office of Corey L. Scott LLC today: (317) 623-4546.

What are the Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges?

In Indiana, the offense of battery occurs when a person knowingly or intentionally touches another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner.

A domestic violence charge occurs when a person contacts law enforcement regarding this domestic dispute. Once police officers are called to the scene of a domestic violence incident, they are required to make an arrest as long as they have reasonable grounds to believe domestic violence has occurred, could happen again, and there is any evidence of physical injuries present.

This initial arrest, even before the domestic violence charge has been validated, immediately impacts your record and reputation.

Domestic abuse is not a singular charge, and it’s typically added to other crimes with additional penalties if convicted, such as battery and assault, disorderly conduct, damage to property, criminal trespassing, and other similar charges. Depending on the facts of a case, this offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

As a basic offense, domestic battery is considered a Class A misdemeanor and could lead to one year of jail, in addition to fines up to $5,000. A felony conviction and more serious criminal charges could lead to 10 to 30 years in prison.

Penalties vary depending on the severity of the charge, and without an attorney, your sentence might be left up to chance. Having an experienced Indianapolis domestic violence lawyer will increase your chances of a fair trial and a more favorable outcome in your domestic battery case.

Book a free consultation to see how we can help today: (317) 623-4546.

Are all Domestic Violence Charges Legitimate?

In Indiana, domestic violence involves violent contact between people who:

• Is or was a former spouse of the other person;
• Is or was living as if a spouse;
• Has a child in common with the other person.

Sometimes domestic violence charges arise through exaggeration of a story during a spousal dispute or child custody battle. In other instances, self-defense is an act of aggression. The point is that every case is different, and you need an attorney to decide the difference.

Beyond the definition, domestic battery differs from most criminal offenses in several important aspects.  First, because these offenses mostly occur in a private setting, they are much easier to fabricate.

For instance, in the heat of the moment, a person may make false accusations or exaggerated claims against a person, and this can quickly escalate into a full-blown criminal case.  Second, the state often files charges even if the alleged victim admits to fabrication and does not want to follow through with the case.

Indianapolis domestic violence lawyers with the Law Office of Corey L. Scott LLC are particularly experienced in handling domestic violence cases, having spent more than a year exclusively dedicating time and attention to managing domestic violence cases.

Domestic violence is a serious offense and must be treated as such. Book a free case evaluation to review your case and discuss possible defenses: (317) 623-4546.

What Should I do After a Domestic Violence Charge?

An arrest occurs in domestic disputes if a family member or household member was physically injured, harmed, sexually assaulted, or property damage occurred. The court or the victim might order a temporary restraining order or protective restraining order against the abuser to prevent further harm.

Hiring a criminal defense attorney sooner rather than later will likely be in your best interest before you’re charged with any penalties, which might be the maximum sentence without legal representation, or you accept a plea bargain from the opposing side that might not be in your best interest, depending on the facts of the case.

After a domestic violence charge, do not contact the alleged victim, avoid talking to law enforcement without discussing your legal options, and hire an experienced domestic violence attorney. Taking these steps will protect your rights and not hinder your chances of improving your sentence.

Coming up with a defensive strategy and defensible case is what a good criminal lawyer does best. The Law Office of Corey L. Scott LLC is ready and prepared to review your case. Call us: (317) 623-4546.

How can a Domestic Violence Lawyer Help Me?

How you respond to domestic violence charges, what you choose to say, and how you manage it can change the outcome of your sentence. The steps you take before conviction, good or bad, can influence the results of your charge, whether a lesser sentence, penalties, or dropped charges altogether.

A domestic violence conviction can lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction if charged with the crime. The impact on you and your family might look like this:

• Imprisonment
• Job loss
• Loss of the right to lawfully possess firearms
• Probation
• Restricted parenting time with children
• Substantial court costs and fines

The attorney-client relationship is a central part of our firm’s approach, and we devote our time and attention to every case knowing the sensitive nature. We’re here to help you understand how the criminal justice system works, the charges against you, and how we can resolve the situation.

If you are faced with domestic violence charges or feel wrongly accused and need legal representation, our domestic violence attorneys are here to take action and work tirelessly on your behalf to get results.

Get started and schedule a free consultation with the Law Office of Corey L. Scott LLC today: (317) 623-4546.