Fort Wayne Domestic Violence Lawyer 

What is Domestic Violence in Indiana?

Domestic violence is defined as causing or threatening sexual, emotional, or physical abuse against a family member. Additionally, dating partners, children, and previous dating partners are also protected under Indiana domestic violence laws. The penalties for these crimes vary due to range of severity that can occur. It is best to discuss the details of your crimes with an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer in Fort Wayne.

Domestic relationships are required between the parties. Under the law, a domestic relationship does not require that the parties be married. Relationships qualifying for qualification include:

• An individual's spouse
• Partners who live with you
• Whether or not the parties live together, they have children in common

It is important to consider the following factors when determining if two individuals live together as spouses:

• Approximately how long the relationship lasted
• Individuals' frequency of contact
• The degree to which the individuals were financially interdependent
• Whether the individuals had children together or not
• Actions taken to maintain a common household by the individuals

The defendant is subject to serious consequences if convicted of domestic battery in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The quality of your defense depends on the lawyer you choose.

What is Domestic Battery in Indiana?

Domestic battery is prohibited by Indiana law 35-42-2-1.3. When a person intentionally touches a person in a rude, insolvent, or angry manner causing injury, the law defines it as a crime.

What are the Different Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Indiana?

• Misdemeanor Domestic Battery (Class A Misdemeanor): If someone is charged with a misdemeanor for domestic battery, it typically means that the accused person caused bodily injury to a family member or intimate partner. This may include slapping, pushing, or hitting someone. A conviction can result in up to one year in jail and fines.
• Domestic Battery with Prior Convictions (Level 6 Felony): If the accused has a previous conviction for domestic battery, the charge may be upgraded to a Level 6 felony. This can result in a sentence of six months to two and a half years in prison.
• Aggravated Domestic Battery (Level 3 or Level 5 Felony): If the alleged assault caused serious bodily injury or if a weapon was involved, the charge could be upgraded to a felony. In these cases, the penalties are more severe, ranging from several years in prison to decades depending on the specific facts of the case.
• Strangulation (Level 6 Felony): If the alleged act involved strangulation (i.e., choking) of the victim, the charge could be a Level 6 felony, which can lead to up to two and a half years in prison.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Battery in Indiana?

Domestic battery is usually a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines. It is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. Prior convictions make domestic battery a class D felony.

Additionally, if you are convicted of domestic violence in Indiana, you may face:

• Probation: In some cases, you may be sentenced to probation rather than incarceration. However, this may still involve regular check-ins with a probation officer and compliance with other terms such as counseling or community service.
• Protective Orders: A conviction may lead to a protective order being placed against you, restricting your ability to have contact with the alleged victim.
• Loss of Firearms: A domestic violence conviction may result in the loss of your right to possess firearms, which can have long-term consequences.
• Impact on Child Custody: If you are involved in a child custody dispute, a domestic violence conviction can negatively impact your ability to retain custody or visitation rights.

Fort Wayne's Trusted Domestic Violence Defense Team

At Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., our Indiana domestic violence attorneys bring together decades of combined experience that we utilize to build a strong case for our clients. We know the impact that these charges can have on a person's life and are committed to putting all our skill and experience to work defending your rights so that you can live your life without the burden of a domestic violence conviction.

Reasons To Choose Us:

• Free initial phone consultations
• Committed to helping clients succeed
• Passionate about defending the accused
• Aggressive and effective defense strategies
• 75+ years of collective experience
• Honored and recognized legal team
• Rated Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fort Wayne by Fort Wayne Monthly Magazine

Contact Our Fort Wayne Domestic Violence Attorney Today 

If you are facing domestic violence charges, you need a defense that can protect your rights. The Fort Wayne, Indiana, domestic violence defense lawyers of Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., offer the defense you need. Our mission is to provide you with the most aggressive defense possible. We will work tirelessly to both meet and exceed your goals.