Throughout your life, you will likely have disagreements with family and friends. However, accusations of domestic violence are serious and can leave you emotionally and mentally drained.
While there certainly are situations where the accused is guilty, there are plenty of instances where the accused is innocent of the crime charged. When you are wrongfully accused of domestic violence, you should reach out to our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys at AMA Law. An Oklahoma City domestic violence defense lawyer could help you build a strong defense and work to safeguard your future.
In Oklahoma, domestic violence is generally referred to as domestic abuse. Under 21 Oklahoma Statutes § 60.1, domestic abuse is “any act of physical harm or the threat of imminent physical harm committed by an adult.” A minor at least thirteen years of age or older at the time of the act can also be charged with abuse. According to 21 OK Stat § 60.1, an act or threat of physical harm is considered domestic abuse if it is allegedly done against a:
Charges of criminal assault and battery typically accompany a charge of domestic violence. Criminal assault is “any willful and unlawful attempt or offer with force or violence to do a corporal hurt to another” (21 OK Stat § 641). The act of battery is “any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another” (21 OK Stat § 642).
It is important to note that actual physical contact is not required for a person to be charged with domestic abuse and criminal assault. For more detailed information, an individual can contact a knowledgeable legal professional at our firm. One of our proactive Oklahoma City domestic violence defense attorneys could investigate a specific case and collect evidence establishing that the charges should be dismissed or reduced.
One common misconception about domestic violence is that it only involves physical contact; however, a person could potentially be charged with domestic violence if they engage in any of the following actions:
This is conduct viewed as controlling, possessive, and designed to keep a person away from their loved ones and social interactions.
This is physical violence against a person and includes actions such as strangulation or making a person feel physical contact is going to happen.
This is actual conduct—or perceived actions—of a sexual nature without consent by the other party.
This is when another person controls another through financial methods, such as refusing to let the other person work.
It can be incredibly challenging for someone accused of domestic violence to prove their innocence in court without adequate counsel. This is because the law is complex, and typically, officers and prosecutors tend to take the word of the accuser. An accuser might be an upset loved one, a confused child, or a household member. A skilled domestic abuse defense lawyer in Oklahoma City could help an accused individual overcome the opposition and build a solid case establishing their innocence.
If a person is convicted of domestic violence, they can receive harsh punishment. For example, for a first offense, a person can receive up to 12 months in jail and have to pay roughly $5,000 in fines. The penalties increase after each conviction. For a second offense, a person can receive between 1-4 years in prison, and if a weapon is involved, a person can receive up to 10 years. The fines typically hover around $5,000 but can increase based on possible additional charges.
Our compassionate Oklahoma City domestic abuse defense attorneys view each case from a holistic perspective. They could help protect an accused person’s reputation and livelihood by standing up for their rights and working to get the best possible case result.
An Oklahoma City domestic violence defense lawyer from AMA Law is prepared to stand by your side to help you fight baseless allegations. Call, text, or chat at any hour of the day to speak with one of our dedicated legal professionals. At AMA Law, we are committed to protecting the rights of those wrongfully accused.