Emotions often run high during arguments between family members, and sometimes those emotions spill over into physical violence. When police are called to the scene of a domestic dispute, they are walking blindly into a situation that has likely been ongoing for quite some time. They do their best to identify who is the victim in the situation and who is the aggressor.
However, they might not always get it right. Domestic violence charges are extremely serious, and a conviction for domestic violence can have ripple effects that stay with you for years down the road. If you have been charged with domestic violence, contact our Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyers at Josh Lee & Associates today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Us?
Domestic violence charges are extremely serious, and they can badly damage your reputation. We understand that not everyone wants to listen to your side of the story, but we will give you the personal attention you deserve and listen to every detail. Our founding attorney, Joshua A. Lee, has over 20 years of experience handling criminal matters in Oklahoma, and we will work diligently to get you the best possible outcome.
This could mean aggressively fighting the charges, negotiating for reduced charges, or some other strategy to keep a domestic violence conviction off your record. Give our Oklahoma City domestic violence lawyers a call today for your free consultation.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence in Oklahoma is defined as an assault or battery against a family member or member of the same household. Some people may believe that domestic violence is limited to only situations between spouses. However, Oklahoma law has significantly expanded the situations that will be classified as domestic violence. The domestic violence laws may apply to any of the following relationships:
- Spouse or former spouse
- Parents
- Adult children
- Former spouse of current spouse
- Current spouse of former spouse
- Roommate or other person living in the same household
- Former roommate
- Person with which the defendant has had a child
- Anyone related to the defendant by blood or marriage
Given the wide applicability of domestic violence laws and the stiff penalties associated with a conviction, make sure you have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you protect your rights.
Punishment For Domestic Violence
Domestic violence convictions carry harsher penalties than traditional assault and battery. Whereas a first charge for assault and battery may carry jail time of up to 90 days, the first charge for domestic violence can result in jail time of up to one year (Okla. Stat. 21 § 644). Subsequent convictions can result in jail time of several years and fines of up to $5,000. Additionally, if a weapon is involved, if strangulation occurs, or if an unborn baby is harmed, the penalties increase even more. Convictions can also lead to mandatory domestic violence classes and gun ownership restrictions, so having an experienced Oklahoma City defense lawyer on your side is crucial when facing these types of charges.
Contact A Domestic Violence Defense Attorney In Oklahoma City Today
If you have been charged with domestic violence or domestic abuse, contact the office of Josh Lee & Associates today. We will use our knowledge and experience with these types of cases to help get you the outcome you desire. Give our Oklahoma City domestic violence attorney a call at (405) 759-5529 today to let us walk you through the process and learn how we can help you.
