Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Jersey City

A domestic violence charge can lead to issues even before conviction. You will face lots of uncertainties the moment you are arrested for this crime. This arrest can change your relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues even if you have yet to appear in court. And once you are found guilty of domestic violence, the damages you deal with only increase. That is why you should establish your defense with a reliable domestic violence lawyer near me. A domestic violence conviction can result in the following consequences:

Jail Time

Misdemeanor-level domestic violence offenses in Jersey City include probation, up to six months in jail, and anger management classes. A conviction for felony-level domestic abuse can lead to sentences depending on the degree of felony you are charged with. For a first-degree offense, you can spend up to 20 years in prison.

Fines and Treatment Programs

The maximum fine for misdemeanor domestic violence is $1000. For felony level, fines range from $10, 000 to $200, 000 depending on the degree of felony. Punishments can be reduced if you undergo treatment. This treatment is necessary if existing emotional or mental problems trigger your actions. Also, if you seek counseling or treatment following the occurrence of the offense, your punishments can be reduced.

Restraining Order

Following a domestic abuse charge, your alleged victim can request a restraining order in court. Such an order requires you to be away from the alleged victim for a certain distance, their house, and place of work. Also, you may be prohibited from contacting the victim through texts, calls, or a third-party messenger. Violating the order can result in a further criminal charge.

Divorce

After your spouse brings a domestic violence charge against you, they may file for divorce even if your case is still pending. You may not be able to appear in divorce court depending on your criminal case’s timeline. As a result, your partner will have control over the proceedings.

Loss of Child Custody

Your alleged victim may request the court to grant them sole custody of your children in divorce proceedings according to the domestic violence incident. The family court may consider you an abusive partner if you committed a severe act of abuse or several violent offenses. In this case, the court may not grant you child custody and visitation.

Lost Career Prospects

A domestic violence conviction may not lead to the loss of current employment; however, your criminal conviction will be reported on future job applications. This can prevent you from securing future employment, particularly in industries like education, social work, medical malpractice, and jobs that have high-level security clearance.