Domestic Violence Attorney in Lawrenceville, GA

Charged with domestic violence?

Did you know that there were 72,000 reported incidents of domestic violence in Georgia in 2009? Overall 835 Georgia residents were killed because of domestic violence and 75% of them died because they were trying to leave the relationship. These crimes do not occur nearly as frequently as they used to however, because the state has increasingly severe penalties for anyone convicted offenders. Domestic violence charges typically stem from an assault and/or battery of a family member, stalking, property damage or criminal trespass.

In order for the victim to be categorized as family the relationship between the two must be a current or former spouse, a parent of the same child, a stepparent and stepchild, foster parents and foster children, or a person that is or was living in the same household. Domestic violence is then explained as knowingly causing any visible bodily harm to a family member. Some examples of bodily harm would be to give someone a black eye, swollen lips or body part, or substantial bruising to any part of the body.

What are the possible penalties?

Domestic violence is referred to as family violence in the courts of Georgia. When determining a sentence, the courts will look at your relationship to the victim and what physical harm you brought upon that person. If the act you committed was categorized as simple battery the penalties will be less severe than if you are sentenced with assault. If the victim gives the courts or authorities reason to believe that this will happen again in the near future, then they may be able to get a protective order against you, forcing you to leave your house and to cease all harassment and violence. Under Georgia Code Title 16 Section 16-5-23.1, battery is a serious crime that can result in devastating penalties for those who are convicted such as:

• Incarceration
• Fines and fees
• Mandated treatment programs

Upon the first conviction of battery, the offender will face aggravated misdemeanor charges that carry a sentence of 6 months -1 years of incarceration and/or a monetary fine up to $1,000. When someone is convicted of a second or subsequent battery offense, the crime is then categorized as a felony and it is punishable for 2-5 years of imprisonment.

Given the severity of the legal repercussions and what could potentially be at stake, if you or someone you know has been charged with domestic violence, it is crucial that you immediately seek the legal advocacy of our skilled Lawrenceville criminal attorney, Robert Booker, who will aggressively defend you against your charges. Protecting your rights is urgent when accused of any violent crime, and the best way to accomplish this is by acting quickly to engage the services of our attorney. Some individuals face accusations of domestic violence that are false, and the false accusation are associated with a bitter breakup or a divorce. Even if the charges have no basis in fact, a conviction is possible. We are committed to defending you against charges and to finding alternatives to the jail or prison time that you could face if you are convicted.

Qualified Defense You Need & Deserve

Whether this is the first time being in legal trouble or you have a criminal record, the Law Office of Robert L. Booker is prepared to provide you with the superior level of representation you need and deserve. Our attorney can help you defend against domestic violence cases and knows how to defend and protect your constitutional rights in and out of the courtroom.

Family violence charges can strain every area of a defendant's life and we are acutely aware of the pressure you are now under to achieve a favorable result in your case. We are committed to employing every possible option to help you with your case, and to aggressively fighting on your behalf to help preserve your future freedom, legal record, and your personal and professional reputation.

Contact our Lawrenceville criminal defense lawyer, Robert Booker, now to confidentially discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in your defense.