Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is defined as knowing or recklessly causing or attempting to cause harm to a household or family member (https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2919.25). A domestic violence charge is always issued on a warrant, which means you will either be arrested at the scene or you will have a warrant out for your arrest.

In addition to the potential penalties for a first degree misdemeanor, a Domestic Violence conviction can result in preventing you from owning firearms. It is also not a conviction that can be expunged and a future charge of Domestic Violence can be enhanced to a felony.

If you have been charged with this serious offense, please contact us at (614) 282-4345.

Related Offenses

Violation of Protection Order: You can be charged with violating a protection order if you recklessly violated the terms of a protection order that has been issued against you. This can be in the form of a Civil Protection Order or a Temporary Protection Order issued out of a criminal charge. These orders are actual, written orders signed by a Judge and served to you, which is different from a stay away order, which is just a condition of bond (see below). Similar to a Domestic Violence charge, this offense is a first degree misdemeanor and can be enhanced to a felony in the future.

Domestic Violence by Threat: You can also be charged with Domestic Violence by Threat if you threaten a family or household member, but it is an M4 instead of an M1.

Intimate Partner Violence: This is a similar charge to Domestic Violence charge under the Columbus City Code that broadens the definition of household or family member to include other dating relationships.