Tulsa Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
Domestic assault and battery is one of the most commonly charged offenses in the State of Oklahoma and a conviction can carry significant long lasting adverse effects on your rights. Individuals convicted of even misdemeanor domestic violence can experience difficulty obtaining employment, issues with in court orders custody battles and federal law prohibits convicted domestic abusers from possessing firearms anywhere in where they have jurisdiction. If you have been charged with the crime of assault or battery against a family member, you must meet with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
In order to be liable for domestic assault and battery in Oklahoma, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an assault and battery occurred on a person with whom the defendant is related by blood or with whom they are or had been in a dating or marital relationship. A first offense constitutes a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one (1) year in the county jail and a $5,000 fine. Domestic assault and battery is known as a “predicate offense” in Oklahoma and second or subsequent charges will be filed as a felony carrying up to four (4) years in the Department of Corrections and up to a $5,000 fine.
What You Need To Know
The judge in your case will be most concerned with ensuring the safety of the alleged victim. Depending upon the relationship of the parties, the judge may order a temporary or permanent no-contact order. If the complainant in your case is the parent of your children, this could result in a difficult situation in terms of custody and visitation. Individuals convicted of domestic violence also have difficulty obtaining or maintaining primary placement of their children and may even lose visitation rights as a result of the conviction.
Given the life-altering nature of a domestic violence conviction, it is imperative that you retain an experienced criminal defense attorney who can work to protect your freedom and relationship with your family. If this is your first time facing criminal charges and your history is clear of other felonies and misdemeanors, your attorney may be able to obtain leniency for you as a first-time offender, which could result in a dismissal of the pending charges.
