Greensboro Domestic Violence Lawyer

Greensboro Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence charges carry heavy criminal penalties, civil consequences, and reputational damage. These charges can happen because of accusations during a custody case or from complicated law enforcement calls at a domestic violence incident. These allegations can have serious and long-term consequences on your entire life, so it is crucial that you work with a Greensboro domestic violence lawyer who can defend your rights and future.

Steven T. Meier, PLLC: Your Dedicated Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyer

The attorneys with Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can address domestic violence charges. We know how overwhelming this situation can be, whether you made a mistake, were involved in mutual violence, or are facing accusations from someone who abused you. Our firm can protect you and your rights, providing compassionate and experienced legal advice and representation. We want to create a strong defense strategy that secures the ideal outcome for you.

Misdemeanor cases in Greensboro may be handled by the Guilford County Courthouse, located at 201 South Eugene Street, but more severely charged cases could be handled by other courts. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we have experience in state and federal courts throughout the communities near Greensboro, as we have spent more than 15 years in criminal defense.

Understanding the Criminal Offense of Domestic Violence in Greensboro

In 2023, there were 2,912 arrests for offenses against the family in North Carolina based on information gathered by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, compared to 3,192 arrests in 2019 based on information reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Domestic violence is usually charged as a Class A1 misdemeanor. This is the crime of using or attempting to use physical force against another, or the offender threatens to use a deadly weapon against another. Any person who commits the offense must have one of the following relationships with the victim for it to be a crime of domestic violence:

1. Being a current or former spouse
2. Being the victim’s parent or guardian
3. Existing in cohabitation as a parent, guardian, or spouse
4. Sharing a child with the victim
5. Existing similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim
6. Having an existing or recent former dating relationship

In addition to this misdemeanor offense, many other crimes can be part of a domestic violence charge, including assault, battery, rape, stalking, and kidnapping. Several of these offenses could be charged as felonies, which bring much more significant penalties with them.

Civil Consequences for Domestic Violence

North Carolina also defines domestic violence for the purpose of taking civil action and filing protective orders. Acts of domestic violence include:

1. Intentionally causing or attempting to cause bodily injury
2. Putting the individual or a member of their household or family in fear of harassment or serious injury
3. Offenses of rape and sexual battery

These actions are considered domestic violence, and they can be the basis for a protective order when they are taken against a person whom the offender has a personal relationship with. One could also file a protective order if the acts are taken against a minor child in the care of that individual by the offender. Personal relationships include:

• Spouses or ex-spouses
• Individuals who live or used to live together in a cohabiting arrangement
• Parents and children
• Individuals acting as parents for a minor child
• Grandparents and grandchildren
• Individuals who have a child in common
• Individuals who are or were household members
• Individuals who are or were in a dating relationship

You may be criminally prosecuted for domestic violence, or you might face consequences in civil court through protective orders. No matter the situation, you need to protect your rights under the Greensboro domestic violence laws. Just because you are facing these charges does not make you guilty of the offense.

Domestic violence cases are very complex. Often, law enforcement or prosecutors may make the wrong assumptions based on biases. It is crucial that you hire a domestic violence lawyer to protect your interests.

FAQs

Q: Is There a New Law for Domestic Violence in North Carolina?

A: In late 2023, North Carolina added a law for misdemeanor domestic violence. Previously, domestic violence crimes would be prosecuted as other offenses, like assault or stalking. This offense is charged as a Class A1 misdemeanor, which is the most severe classification of misdemeanor. It is the offense of using physical force or the threat of a deadly weapon against a family member, spouse, or dating partner.

Q: How Much Is a Defense Lawyer for a Domestic Violence Case?

A: The cost of a defense lawyer in a domestic violence case varies depending on several factors. This includes the attorney’s experience, the complexity and severity of the charges you face, the attorney and firm’s location, and whether your case goes to trial or not. In North Carolina, it is critical to discuss the exact hourly cost of your defense lawyer with them before you agree to hire them.

Q: Should I Hire a Defense Lawyer for a Domestic Violence Case?

A: It is incredibly beneficial to hire a criminal defense lawyer for a domestic violence case, regardless of whether you committed the crime or not. You should always get strong legal support to safeguard your rights and interests. There may have been a misunderstanding, or your abuser may be accusing you of a domestic violence offense. A domestic violence attorney can listen to the facts of your situation and build a defense to mitigate or prevent the consequences of a conviction.

Q: How Long Do You Go to Jail for Domestic Violence in North Carolina?

A: A misdemeanor domestic violence offense in North Carolina is an A1 misdemeanor, which can result in between one and 60 days in jail for a first offense. If you have a previous conviction, penalties increase to between one and 75 days in jail. For five or more prior convictions, a sentence can be up to 150 days in jail. Whether a judge sentences you to the full jail time will depend on many factors.

Reach Out to Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyers in Greensboro

A conviction for a domestic violence offense can result in fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record that has collateral consequences on your employment, credit, and other aspects of your life. You should never take this case lightly. North Carolina prosecutors harshly prosecute domestic violence cases. It is crucial that you get the legal representation you need. Contact Steven T. Meier, PLLC, today to get dedicated legal support.