Jail Time for Domestic Violence Charges in Ohio

Domestic violence accusations can have immediate and serious consequences.

Aside from jail time, people tend to assume the worst, and domestic violence accusations can tarnish your reputation even before you have a chance to fight the charges.

Knowing the law about domestic violence in Ohio can help you face the challenges that arise after a domestic violence charge.

If you’re ready to start your defense, call (937) 222-1515 or contact the experienced Ohio criminal defense attorneys at Gounaris Abboud, LPA online today.

Why Choose Our Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyers?

What Is Domestic Violence in Ohio?

According to Ohio state statutes, both actual and intended or threatened harm to a household member are considered domestic violence.

In Ohio, domestic violence includes intentionally causing or attempting to cause harm to a family or household member. It also includes recklessly causing serious physical harm to a household or family member.

Even actions that were not specifically intended to harm someone can be domestic violence.

Threats of physical force are also considered domestic violence if they are intended to make a household or family member believe that physical harm is imminent.

A family member does not have to suffer any visible injuries to make a claim for domestic violence.

Ohio law defines “family or household member” as a spouse, former spouse, partner, parent, foster parent, child, or any other relative who is residing or has resided with you.

The definition also includes the natural parent of any child of whom you are the other natural parent, regardless of where they reside.

Common Domestic Violence Scenarios

Domestic violence includes harmful contact such as slapping, choking, pushing, any type of hitting, and physical restraint. It can also include actions that do not result in harmful physical contact.

Throwing things at a person or brandishing weapons or sharp objects to threaten someone can be considered domestic violence.

How Much Time Do You Get in Jail for Domestic Violence in Ohio?

Domestic violence charges and jail time look different depending on the situation.

The ranges of jail time for domestic violence in Ohio are:

• A 4th-degree misdemeanor is 30 days,
• A 1st-degree misdemeanor is 6 months, and
• A domestic violence felony is over 1 year.

Ohio Domestic Violence Classes

If you have never been convicted or pleaded guilty to domestic violence before, you could face a first-degree misdemeanor conviction for actual or attempted harm.

A first-time conviction for threatened harm is a fourth-degree misdemeanor.

The judge has the final say about sentencing, but domestic violence jail time can range between 0 and 30 days for a fourth-degree misdemeanor and up to six months for a first-degree misdemeanor.

Both convictions may result in fines in addition to jail time.

The consequences are more severe if you have a prior conviction for domestic violence. With priors, actual or attempted harm becomes a fourth-degree felony, and threatened harm becomes a second-degree misdemeanor.

A fourth-degree felony conviction may result in six to 18 months of jail time.

In addition, if you knew that the household member bringing the charges was pregnant at the time of the alleged incident, you can face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of six to twelve months.

Finally, a domestic violence conviction in Ohio will always remain on one’s record as they are currently not offenses that are eligible to be sealed or expunged.

Domestic violence charges carry serious penalties. It is important to talk to an experienced Ohio criminal defense attorney right away if you have been charged with domestic violence.

Possible Ohio Domestic Violence Defenses

There are a few defenses you can use to fight a charge and avoid domestic violence jail time. A skilled defense attorney will know which defense is best for you.

Burden of Proof

Criminal charges such as domestic violence require that the prosecution prove your guilt. Your attorney can defend you against a domestic violence charge by casting enough doubt on the prosecutor’s evidence.

If the prosecution does not meet its burden of proof, you must be found not guilty.

False Accusations

Your accuser may have a reason to falsely accuse you of domestic violence. Domestic violence accusations can affect divorce proceedings and child custody and visitation rights.

A spouse or partner may make a false accusation to get a certain custody outcome or a better divorce settlement. A skilled attorney may be able to help you prove that the domestic violence allegations against you are false.

Self-Defense

Self-defense is another possible defense against domestic violence. An attorney can help you establish that you were using reasonable force to defend yourself against intentional harm from the other party.