Domestic assault is one of the most common types of assault and usually occurs inside a household. You may have heard the phrase “having a domestic” before which often suggests that a husband and wife/ son and father/ mother and daughter/ etc are engaged in a loud screaming match. However, sometimes these screaming matches can turn violent and, in many instances, these fights can result in domestic abuse.

Domestic assault is defined as: ‘Committing an act with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death and/or intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm against a family or household member’

If you have been accused of domestic assault by a family member, then you could be facing a serious criminal offense. It is important that you contact a Minneapolis domestic assault attorney to help assess your case and determine your best legal defense in this situation.

Domestic Assault and Family Members

Domestic assault does not only occur to those related by blood. Domestic assault is often present in all types of relationships. If there is a problem with domestic or household abuse, then there is a good chance that the charges will fall under domestic assault.

Domestic assault charges may be laid if you are found guilty of assault any of the following people:

• Spouse
• Former spouse
• Parent
• Child
• Persons related by blood
• Persons who are presently residing together (common law)
• Persons who have resided together in the past (common law)
• Persons who have children in common regardless of if they are married or not
• A man and women, if the women is pregnant, and the man is alleged to be the father
• Persons involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship

Domestic Assault Charges

Domestic assault can be charged as a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity and the aggravating factors surrounding your case. If tried and convicted with domestic assault, you could be facing jail time, restitution to the victim, fines, counseling and a permanent criminal record.

Furthermore, domestic assault charges often come with an Order for Protection, which will protect the victim from future contact or abuse. Order of Protection can come with custody claims, alimony claims and possession of property claims which can further impact your quality of life.

Another serious complication that can arise from having a domestic assault conviction is that domestic assault is considered an ‘enhancable offense’ under the Minnesota law, which means that any future criminal charge may be made more severe due to this prior conviction for domestic assault. What this means for the alleged defendant is that you are not only facing severe consequences now, but you may have to pay for your mistake for the rest of your life.

Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

There are a number of defense options available when it comes to defending your rights and your case. A Minneapolis criminal lawyer will be able to gather evidence, interview key witnesses and determine which the best defense strategy to take is.

If you have been charged with domestic assault your best defense is to contact Olson Law Firm as soon as possible. There is hope when it comes to domestic assault charges and we can provide you with the knowledge, aggression and experience to ensure you the best outcome possible. For a free consultation regarding your case and your options, contact Olson Law Firm today at 612-816-2322.