Domestic Violence Charges Can Impact More Than Your Record | O'Keeffe O'Brien Lyson Attorneys

Domestic Violence Charges Can Impact More Than Your Record

Domestic violence is a serious issue which is widely known to cause physical injuries, broken families, and damaged relationships. As the years have progressed, society’s views on the crime have begun to change and many laws and charges are now reflecting the shift. Here are some of the impacts of domestic violence that go beyond the charge on your record.

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Jail Time and Treatment

Laws regarding domestic violence have evolved beyond being classified simply as battery. Now viewed as a unique offense, the consequences of domestic violence can start with jail or prison time, hefty fines, a year-long batterer treatment course, and the issuance of a criminal protective order. Jail sentences can range from 30 days up to 5 years in some instances, along with fines up to $5,000. Court-ordered treatment is mandatory for any conviction of assault related to domestic violence in the state of North Dakota.

Employment Effects

When you have a domestic violence charge on your record, the serious stigma associated with the crime follows you around. Because of this, it can be difficult to obtain employment in certain fields, make it difficult to obtain or maintain a state-issued license, such as a daycare or real estate license, and can affect job performance overall.

Loss of Rights

Along with jail time and effects on your job, a conviction of domestic violence can also result in the loss of some of your rights. The rights which can be revoked include right to possess firearms, which includes those who work in occupations which require them to carry handguns, immigration status, and child custody or visitation rights for children.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, know a victim or domestic violence or are charged with domestic violence charges, seek out the services of a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney from O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss Attorneys. Contact our team today for help during this difficult time.

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