Mentor Domestic Violence Lawyer

Mentor Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence accusations can change a person’s life immediately. Even if they are not convicted, they can face social and reputational harm, as well as legal roadblocks, such as child custody restrictions and restraining orders. When accused of domestic violence, it is important to recruit the help of a Mentor domestic violence lawyer right away to help fight for your rights and get your life back on track.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence in Ohio is defined as physical harm, the threat of physical harm, or other specific actions against a family or household member. Domestic violence laws, such as the Ohio Revised Code §2919.25, make it possible to charge an offender with domestic violence if they purposefully, physically harm or try to harm a family or household member.

Family or household members can be identified as spouses, former spouses, people in a romantic relationship, parents, children, or people living in the same household. For these reasons, domestic violence charges can occur in different types of families.

Common Examples of Domestic Violence

In 2024, there were 67,047 domestic dispute calls. There were a total of 54,572 offenders, with 37,609 being male and 16,963 being female. Domestic violence can take on many forms. Some of the most common types of domestic violence include:

• Physical violence. Perhaps the most well-known form of domestic violence includes physical violence, such as hitting, pushing, shoving, slapping, kicking, or punching.
• Intimidation. Making threats against another can also be considered domestic violence, particularly if the alleged victim has a valid reason to fear for their safety.
• Emotional and psychological abuse. This can include rejection, humiliation, forced or coerced isolation from friends or family, monitoring or controlling a person’s movements, or intentionally placing the victim in danger.
• Destroying property. An example of this would be punching a wall or throwing (and potentially breaking) one’s belongings, especially in the heat of an argument.
• Violating a protective order. If a protective order is in place and a person violates the terms, such as by contacting the other or visiting them at home or work, this can be considered domestic violence.

These domestic violence cases often involve conflicting statements, a lack of witnesses, and high emotions, making them especially difficult to resolve without a Mentor domestic violence attorney.

Domestic Violence Penalties

Domestic violence is a crime in Ohio, so if a person is convicted, they can face criminal penalties, including having a criminal record, jail time, and fines. However, due to the nature of the crime, a person can face additional penalties.

If the convicted person has children with the abused, their parental rights may be terminated or restricted, depending on the nature of the offense. For instance, they may lose custody, or they may be required to only have supervised visits with their children. A person may also face bans on certain civil liberties, such as their right to own a firearm.

Having a domestic violence conviction on your record can also make it difficult to secure employment, especially for jobs that require a background check. The same can apply to housing units that perform criminal background checks. They may see the applicant as a risk and deny them employment or housing.

Additionally, being accused of domestic violence, whether convicted or not, comes with reputational damage. This can cause harm and strain on your personal relationships. Hire a domestic violence lawyer today to begin fighting for your rights and help mitigate some of these consequences.

Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer at Fortress Law Group, LLC

Fortress Law Group, LLC, has been successfully handling some of the most complex and emotional domestic violence cases for clients all over Ohio since 2009. We take pride in protecting your rights and guiding you through the legal process with professionalism and care.

We are based out of Mentor and frequently defend clients at the Lake County Courthouse. This means we have a deep understanding of the local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures. We know how important your future is and fight tirelessly to achieve the greatest possible outcome.

FAQs

How Do I Beat a Domestic Violence Charge in Ohio?

Beating a domestic violence charge in Mentor, Ohio usually requires discrediting the evidence, revealing false accusations, or showing that you acted in self-defense. The defense attorney might claim that injuries were accidental or that the prosecution doesn’t have evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. Since each case is different, you should work with an experienced domestic violence lawyer to develop the most appropriate defense.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Domestic Violence Case?

The cost of a lawyer for a domestic violence case will depend on the specifics of your case, the pay structure of your lawyer, and how complex your case is. Some charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. Generally speaking, the more complex your case is, the more it will likely cost, as your lawyer may have to work longer and do more than what simple cases require in order to achieve a favorable outcome.

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped in Ohio?

No, in Ohio, domestic violence charges cannot be dropped just because the victim asks for them to be dismissed. Only the prosecutor can drop the case, even if the accuser recants. Weak, inconsistent, or self-defense evidence may lead to the prosecutor reducing or dismissing charges following an evidentiary review. However, this is on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.

What Makes a Strong Domestic Violence Case?

A strong domestic violence case depends on credible testimony from the alleged victim, visible injuries, witness statements, and additional tangible proof, such as photographs, medical reports, and 911 recordings. Prosecutors seek consistency in the accuser’s story and supporting evidence to confidently move forward with a conviction.

On the other hand, discrepancies in testimony, lack of evidence, or indications of a false accusation can substantially weaken a domestic violence case.

Contact Fortress Law Group, LLC, Today

If you have been charged with domestic violence, an attorney at Fortress Law Group, LLC, is available to help you fight for your future. You do not have to do this alone. Contact us today to begin protecting your rights.

Ohio Domestic Violence Resources:

• Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dismissed in Ohio?
• Basics of Domestic Violence Law – Gain Key Insights to Domestic Violence Criminal Violations
• Will My Domestic Violence Case Get Dismissed If The Alleged Victim Doesn’t Want To Press Charges?