Statesboro Domestic Violence Attorney
Protecting the Accused in Bulloch County
Domestic violence is a serious crime that can have a lasting impact on your life. If you are convicted, you may face jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. You may also be required to attend anger management classes and lose your right to own a firearm. If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is important to take them seriously and seek legal representation as soon as possible.
At The Brannen Law Office, P.C., we understand the stress and anxiety that comes with being accused of domestic violence. Our Statesboro domestic violence lawyer is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights. We have a proven track record of success and are prepared to aggressively advocate for you in court.
Call our office today at (912) 225-0066 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.
What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Georgia?
Domestic violence is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of criminal acts. In Georgia, domestic violence is defined as an act of family violence. Family violence is any felony or the commission of certain offenses involving violence or the threat of violence between past or present spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household.
Acts of family violence include:
- Battery
- Simple battery
- Simple assault
- Assault
- Stalking
- Criminal damage to property
- Unlawful restraint
- Criminal trespass
It is important to note that you can be charged with domestic violence even if you did not physically harm the other person. Threatening or harassing someone can also be considered an act of domestic violence.
What Is the Sentence for Domestic Violence in Georgia?
Domestic violence is a serious crime in Georgia. If you are convicted, you may face a range of criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, and more. The specific penalties you face will depend on the circumstances of your case and your criminal history.
Domestic violence is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Georgia. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you may face the following penalties:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Probation
- Anger management classes
- Community service
- Restitution
If you have a prior conviction for domestic violence, you may be charged with a felony. Felony domestic violence is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
In addition to these criminal penalties, a domestic violence conviction can also have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life. You may lose your job, your professional license, and your right to own a firearm. You may also be required to attend counseling and lose custody of your children.
What Is the Difference Between Domestic Violence and Simple Battery?
In Georgia, domestic violence and simple battery are two separate crimes. Simple battery is a crime that involves intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with another person. You can be charged with simple battery even if you did not cause any physical harm to the other person.
Simple battery is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Georgia. If you are convicted, you may face up to 12 months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. You may also be required to attend anger management classes, perform community service, and pay restitution to the victim.
Domestic violence, on the other hand, is a crime that involves an act of family violence. Family violence is any felony or the commission of certain offenses involving violence or the threat of violence between past or present spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household.
Acts of family violence include battery, simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint, and criminal trespass. Domestic violence is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Georgia, but if you have a prior conviction, you may be charged with a felony.
How Long Can You Go to Jail for Domestic Violence?
If you are convicted of domestic violence in Georgia, you may face up to 12 months in jail. However, if you have a prior conviction, you may be charged with a felony and face up to 5 years in prison. The specific penalties you face will depend on the circumstances of your case and your criminal history.
Can You Get a Domestic Violence Charge Dropped?
If you are facing domestic violence charges, you may be wondering if it is possible to get them dropped. The answer is, it depends. In some cases, the alleged victim may decide to drop the charges. However, once the police have been called and an arrest has been made, the decision to drop the charges is out of the victim’s hands.
Once the police have been called, it is up to the prosecutor to decide whether or not to move forward with the case. The prosecutor may decide to drop the charges if there is not enough evidence to prove that you committed the crime. However, if there is enough evidence, the prosecutor may decide to move forward with the case, even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges.
If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is important to take them seriously and seek legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced domestic violence attorney can help you build a strong defense and fight for your rights in court.
How Do You Beat a Domestic Violence Charge?
Being accused of domestic violence can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. If you are facing domestic violence charges, there are several defenses that may be available to you.
Some common defenses to domestic violence charges include:
- You were acting in self-defense
- You were falsely accused
- The alleged victim is lying
- The alleged victim’s injuries were not caused by you
- The police violated your rights
Every case is unique, and the defenses that may be available to you will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. An experienced domestic violence attorney can review your case, help you understand your legal options, and help you build a strong defense.
How Long Does a Domestic Violence Case Last?
If you are facing domestic violence charges, you may be wondering how long the legal process will take. The length of a domestic violence case will depend on several factors, including the specific circumstances of your case and the court’s schedule.
In some cases, a domestic violence case may be resolved in a matter of weeks. In other cases, it may take several months or longer to resolve the case. If the case goes to trial, it may take even longer to reach a resolution.
At The Brannen Law Office, P.C., we understand that you want to put this situation behind you as soon as possible. Our team will work diligently to resolve your case in a timely manner and help you move forward with your life.
How Can a Domestic Violence Attorney Help?
If you are facing domestic violence charges, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney. While it is possible to represent yourself in court, it is not recommended. Domestic violence is a serious crime that can have a lasting impact on your life. An experienced domestic violence attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for your rights in court.
Here are some of the ways a domestic violence attorney can help you:
- Review your case and help you understand your legal options
- Help you understand the potential penalties you face
- Help you understand the potential collateral consequences of a conviction
- Help you understand the potential defenses that may be available to you
- Help you gather evidence to support your defense
- Help you navigate the legal process
- Help you understand your rights
- Help you understand the potential consequences of a plea deal
- Help you understand the potential consequences of going to trial
- Help you understand the potential collateral
Call our office today at (912) 225-0066 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.
Testimonials
The Opinions That Matter Most
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Scott is great a wonderful lawyer that goes above and beyond for his clients!- Crystal
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This awesome team left no stones unturned handling my case, paid close attention to even the smallest details..- Anonymous
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The Brannen Law Office, P.C. kept their word to me and my family in our time of need. They answered every question and dug for answers when they didn’t have one. They even checked on us during off hours. Very satisfied with their professional manner.- Samantha
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The Brannen Law Office, P.C. handled my DUI case, which dragged on for more than a year, with great patience. They succeeded in getting my DUI dismissed, keeping my driving privileges intact. I'm highly grateful and would definitely recommend them.- Calib
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Very thankful to have The Brannen Law Office on our side. Their expertise, knowledge, & experience is solid. Beyond the law, they provided valuable life lessons for my family. I'm grateful we were supported & able to address what was needed.- Melinda A.