Domestic violence is a crime that involves much more emotion than most. We have seen false allegations or exaggerated accusations against our clients from angry or hurt loved ones, as well as clients who were simply defending themselves against a family member’s violent attack. Because of the emotional aspects of these cases, domestic violence cases are often complicated. If you stand accused of this serious crime, you need an attorney who understands what it takes to win against these charges.

A domestic violence defense lawyer in Mason, OH at the Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC can go to work for you immediately. He can accompany you to police interrogations or your arraignment or build a defense to obtain the most favorable outcome possible in your case.

Call us today at 513-929-9333 to discuss your case with a member of the Not Guilty Adams team.

Understanding the Consequences of a Mason Domestic Violence Conviction

Under Ohio law, domestic violence encompasses a wide range of acts against an immediate family member or another loved one. The severity of these crimes can vary widely, so the potential consequences you face if convicted also vary. Prosecutors will grade the charges against you based on several factors, including:

  • The nature and severity of the crime
  • The circumstances surrounding your arrest
  • The strength of their case against you
  • The severity of the victim’s injuries
  • Your criminal history

Relatively minor domestic violence offenses include making threats of violence or “menacing” actions against a partner, former partner, or another immediate family member. These offenses involve no physical altercation and are typically graded as first-degree misdemeanors under Ohio Revised Code § 2919.25. While there is no minimum sentencing law for a first-degree misdemeanor, you can expect that a conviction could mean:

  • Up to Six months in jail
  • Up to a $1,000 fine
  • Probation, also known as community control

When the accusations involve physical violence, and the victim suffered injuries in the altercation, you can expect to face felony charges. These are more serious crimes, and a mandatory minimum jail or prison sentence may apply if convicted. A felony conviction could mean:

  • Extended jail or prison sentences
  • Significant fines
  • Longer periods of community control
  • More limitations placed on you during community control

It is important to note that mandatory minimum sentencing means you will spend at least a set number of months in jail without the option for us to try to negotiate community control or an alternative sentence. For this reason, we try to use plea deals and other strategies to avoid felony convictions for our clients if the prosecution has a strong case against them.

Building a Strong Defense to Fight Domestic Violence Charges in Mason, Ohio

We will review the facts of your Mason, Ohio domestic violence case, investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest, and analyze the case the prosecution tries to build against you. This helps us get a well-rounded view of your situation and allows us to determine the best approach to getting a more favorable outcome in your case.

Every Mason domestic violence case is different, so the defense strategy we develop and employ for every case varies somewhat as well. We will take the unique factors of your situation into account, as well as consider your priorities, such as avoiding jail or prison time. Some of the most common strategies we use to try to get a more favorable outcome for our clients include:

 

Negotiating to Get Charges Reduced or Dropped

Occasionally, we can present the prosecution with evidence that shows our client cannot be guilty or may have committed a lesser crime. When this happens, we may be able to convince the prosecution to pursue a less serious domestic violence charge. This may also happen if we can convince the judge to bar the prosecution from presenting crucial evidence in your case because of an issue with how officers obtained or stored it.

Negotiating a Plea Deal

We can sometimes negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors in a domestic violence case. While this requires you to enter a guilty plea to a lesser charge, it also gives us significantly more control over the penalties you face, and even allows us to negotiate to help you avoid jail time in some cases.

Take the Case to Court

Sometimes, the best way to clear your name is to stick with your not guilty plea and force the prosecution to present its case against you in court. We can then counter this evidence, and hopefully, convince the jury of your innocence.

Appealing a Mason, Ohio, Domestic Violence Conviction

If the courts already convicted you of a domestic violence offense in Mason, you may believe someone made a mistake handling your case. If this sounds familiar, give us a call. We can review your case and explain if we think you have grounds for a successful criminal appeal. If we can identify an issue with the original ruling, it may be possible to overturn your conviction or get a new trial based on the legal error that occurred.

Talk to a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Mason, OH Today

Mason, OH criminal justice attorney Steven R. Adams will fight aggressively for you. We will review the facts of your case and develop a robust defense strategy on your behalf. We may be able to help you defeat false or exaggerated allegations or reduce the penalties you face if convicted.

Are You Looking for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Cincinnati, OH?

If you are facing criminal charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation. 

Steven R. Adams
Steven R. Adams was a criminal defense lawyer dedicated to DUI, OVI, and criminal defense in Cincinnati, Ohio.