Bowling Green, Ohio Domestic Violence Lawyer

In Ohio, an assault on a family member is considered to be domestic violence. However, making a threat against a family member can lead to a domestic violence charge as well. In Section 2919.25 of the Ohio Revised Code, domestic violence is defined as “No person shall knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to a family or household member.” Keep in mind that “family or household member” includes more than people you are presently living with. It includes a spouse, someone living as a spouse or former spouse, who has lived with you in the past. It includes parents, foster parents, children – in fact, anyone related to you. Ohio’s domestic violence law also prohibits causing, by threat of force, a family or household member to believe that the offender will cause imminent physical harm to the family or household member. If the victim is pregnant, domestic violence is a felony, as opposed to a misdemeanor. Also, having a prior conviction for domestic violence can elevate a new domestic violence charge to the felony level. So it’s important to avoid a conviction for domestic violence – if at all possible. As your lawyer, I will investigate the facts of your case, and try to talk to the alleged victim to hear the other side of the story. I will obtain police reports, pictures and medical records, if available and needed. Getting a domestic violence charge dismissed is difficult – but not impossible. Getting a domestic violence charge reduced to a lower charge is also a possibility. However, no lawyer can promise or guarantee any particular outcome in a case. Many courts have diversion programs in place that require you to go to counseling and complete other requirement prior to a dismissal. In most cases, pretrial diversion is an excellent outcome if it leads to a dismissal. A domestic violence conviction can lead to a lifetime prohibition on owning a firearm.