Domestic violence is a significant problem nationwide. According to estimations, one in three women and one in four men in the United States occasionally encounter violence from their spouse or family member. Today, we will examine every type of domestic violence offense in more detail and discuss what to do if you have been arrested on domestic violence charges. If you are charged with domestic violence, contact a Los Angeles assault attorney.

Is domestic assault considered a felony?

A domestic violence charge can be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. Whether charged with a misdemeanor or felony, persons found guilty of a domestic violence offense will lose their privilege to carry firearms in addition to serving long prison sentences and costly fines.

Additionally, domestic abuse allegations do not allow for the closure of criminal records. This means that your criminal record will be accessible to the public even after you finish your sentence, whether served in prison, on probation, or elsewhere.

Crimes frequently referred to as domestic violence are defined using the term “family violence.” The three categories of domestic abuse that the state recognizes are as follows:

• Domestic Assault

The state’s assault laws regulate charges associated with domestic abuse. However, the penalty might be harsher for crimes of violence against family members, a current or past love partner, or even a roommate.

• Serious Domestic Assault

Like domestic assault, severe domestic assault is not covered by separate regulations. A defendant may be charged with severe assault if the victim receives substantial physical damage, including disastrous brain injuries, broken bones, limb loss, and disfigurement.

• Persistent Violence Against the Family

If a person commits two domestic assaults within the course of a year, they could be found convicted of “continuous violence against the family”. Contrary to common belief, an individual can be found guilty of this felony even if prior assault accusations against them have not led to a conviction. In furthermore, it is not necessary for both attacks to have been executed against the same victim.

A third-degree felony charge of persistent aggression against the family involves a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a maximum fine of $4000.

What to do if you are convicted of domestic assault?

An assault accusation should be handled very seriously since it can lead to hefty penalties, jail time, and irreversible harm to your reputation and future. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself in case you are accused of a misdemeanor or felony assault is to contact a qualified criminal defense attorney.