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Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Penalties

If you have been accused of committing domestic violence against a spouse, roommate, child, or another family member, the charges you face could impact the rest of your life. To get the best possible outcome for a case, an attorney should investigate the facts surrounding your allegations as soon as possible. Contacting an attorney early on in your legal process will allow your experienced criminal defense lawyer to minimize any potential Mecklenburg County domestic violence penalties and fight for your rights. A domestic violence conviction could impact all aspects of your life from incarceration, to lost employment opportunities. When you are facing such serious charges, there is not a moment to lose.

The Consequences You May Face

Most domestic violence charges are prosecuted as Class 1 misdemeanors in Mecklenburg County. This level of infraction carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Under certain circumstances, including subsequent domestic violence charges or charges involving serious injury, felonies often include substantial time in jail and in some circumstances, up to 20 years or even life. Prison is often the most concerning domestic violence penalty in Mecklenburg County.

What Are the Long Term Ramifications of a Domestic Violence Conviction?

Beyond incarceration, there are many long-term consequences of domestic violence convictions that could impact the rest of a defendant’s life. These ramifications include difficulties finding new employment due to a violent record, or it may bar individuals convicted of felony domestic violence from possessing a firearm for any reason. Additionally, even charges alone could severely impact custody and parenting rights.

How Might Domestic Violence Penalties in Mecklenburg County Be Enhanced?

The penalties for domestic violence are aggravated when somebody has previously been convicted of domestic assault and battery twice before. In such circumstances, they will be charged with a felony and could face up to five years in prison instead of just one year in jail. Enhanced penalties also apply when the domestic violence allegations include a serious injury or use of a deadly weapon.

Those consequences can lead to very long prison terms if a conviction is obtained. If there is a chance that charges may be aggravated and penalties enhanced, working with a seasoned domestic violence lawyer in Mecklenburg County becomes even more essential.

Civil Protective Orders In Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Cases

When someone is charged with domestic violence, they are almost always an emergency protective order is put in place. That protective order could be extended until the completion of the trial and may eventually be extended for to as long as two years. The terms of that protective order could mean that the accused is no longer able to reside in their house or go anywhere they normally would as they may run into the protectee.

Additionally, any violation of a court protective order, sometimes known as a restraining order, is a whole separate class one misdemeanor. Committing a violation of this type could ensure that there are even more severe Mecklenburg County domestic violence penalties.

An Attorney Could Help Mitigate Potential Penalties

If you have been charged with domestic violence or assault in Mecklenburg County, you are likely restrained by a protective order, and wondering how to protect your rights during a pending criminal trial. Mecklenburg County domestic violence penalties are very serious, involving jail time at every level of the offense. Call an attorney today to start working on your defense.

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