Law enforcement officers arrested you and took you into custody. Later, you appeared before a judge who determined whether to grant bail. At trial, a judge or jury rendered a guilty verdict.
Though your initial arrest and sentencing were stressful, you realize the legal repercussions will affect every aspect of your life. You might feel powerless and alone. Yet, your future opportunities might not be as hopeless as you fear.
At this pivotal moment, the attorneys of Wolf Law LLC are poised to take action. Our years of experience equip us to aggressively defend your rights while treating you with dignity and compassion. We hope this article informs you of the potential consequences of a domestic violence conviction and how our lawyers can help you overcome them.
On Your Family
A domestic violence conviction doesn’t only affect the defendant’s life. Parent-child and intimate relationships also suffer. If you were convicted of domestic violence, you need to understand its potential effects on the subjects discussed below.
Child custody
Serving jail time can keep you away from your family. Yet, the legal process can also permanently change your personal relationships.
Courts prioritize the safety and well-being of children. “Any act, attempted act, or threatened act” constituting domestic violence could trigger consequences to protect a child from severe injury. Even false accusations could have a devastating impact.
So what happens if your criminal record includes domestic violence charges? A judge might wonder if you are also capable of child abuse.
If there seems to be a risk of emotional or physical violence against children, the legal consequences may be:
- Loss of custody: You could lose your legal rights to make decisions for your children or have them live in your home
- Limited visitation rights: The frequency, duration, and location of your visits will be determined by the court
- Supervised visitation: The court only allows visits in the presence of a third party, such as a family member, social worker, or designated supervisor (whom you would need to pay)
The goal of these arrangements is to protect victims and their children from potential harm, but they are often painful for those facing domestic violence charges. You will need to rely on legal defenses to protect your parental rights.
Housing
Many landlords conduct background checks on potential tenants. Domestic violence offenses could contribute to the denial of rental applications. Your limited housing options could force your family into unsafe or undesirable housing.
Why not seek legal guidance? You might qualify for housing assistance programs. Understanding your rights is the first step to overcoming this obstacle.
Immigration
Domestic violence cases only add to the legal complexities of immigration. Federal law defines some domestic violence cases as “crimes of violence.” A noncitizen can lose his or her residency status if he or she is convicted of a single act. This criminal history could become grounds for mandatory deportation and permanent ineligibility for naturalization or work visas.
In many states, domestic violence requires a mandatory arrest. Dropping the charges might not erase the stigma and hardship that come along with the experience. Even expunging your criminal record may not remove a guilty plea for immigration purposes.
No one wants to be separated from their loved ones. Criminal defense attorneys can help you avoid violence-related immigration consequences that could impact your residency and citizenship status.
On Your Finances
A domestic abuse allegation can have long-lasting effects on your ability to earn a living. You might face severe penalties associated with victim compensation. Personal injury damages and court fees can cost thousands of dollars.
Employment
Research has long indicated that contact with the penal system negatively impacts job seekers and workers.
Regarding the impact a domestic violence conviction has on employment, one 2022 study revealed that people who were arrested, convicted, or incarcerated:
- Are less likely to find a job
- Work fewer weeks per year on average
- Earn significantly lower wages
Employers conduct background checks for those who work in specific sectors like these listed below:
- Education
- Childcare
- Military
- Federal or state positions
- Criminal law
- Healthcare
- Aviation
Someone whose record reveals such charges could face dismissal. He or she might lose professional licenses and would likely fail security clearances that rely on background checks.
Is possessing firearms necessary for your career in personal safety? Do you carry weapons for self-defense? A domestic violence conviction could revoke your gun ownership rights.
What about your future professional life goals? Some professions won’t hire those convicted of sexual assault, aggravated assault, or other domestic violence offenses.
What about your education-related professional life goals? Some colleges and universities bar admittance if you have been convicted of sexual assault, aggravated assault, or other domestic violence offenses.
Legal penalties
Legal ramifications sometimes involve financial damages. Penalties vary based on the severity of the domestic violence conviction. For instance, misdemeanor domestic violence charges might carry less severe consequences than a felony conviction.
Where the alleged criminal offense took place also affects the economic consequences. Domestic violence laws and civil damage caps vary by state. Colorado law, for example, might carry the following severe penalties for someone convicted of a criminal offense.
Hefty fines
In Colorado, a mandatory protection order is issued with all domestic violence charges. It requires you to avoid the alleged victim and abstain from alcohol. You could be charged up to $1,000 for your first offense if you violate your protective order.
People who have multiple domestic violence charges face harsher penalties and jail time. The fines can reach up to $100,000 in addition to the initial ones imposed for your prior criminal history.
Community service
Your assignment might include activities like cleaning, volunteering, or performing tasks for charities, businesses, or community members. A court could also ask you to enroll in pre-trial diversion programs, mandatory counseling, or treatment programs for drugs or alcohol.
This aspect of the legal system can benefit you and your neighbors. You might learn a job skill or refine your qualities such as generosity, patience, or anger management. According to one Colorado Court, these problem-solving models create opportunities for “personal insight, behavioral change, and non-violent living.”
Yet, by definition, community service is unpaid labor. If you have to spend a significant amount of time working without earning money, you might suffer financially.
Insurance costs
A domestic violence conviction can increase your insurance premiums. Some health, auto, and homeowner’s insurance companies consider criminal records as risk factors. Insurers might charge you higher rates or even deny coverage.
Overcoming the Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction
What if you believe there was insufficient evidence against you or you were the victim of false allegations? You can contest the verdict of your domestic violence case. Building an appeal is a complex legal process.
Having a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side can make all the difference. Better yet, contact us before your domestic violence case goes to trial so we can provide the qualified legal representation you need.
At Wolf Law LLC, our lawyers understand the nuances of presenting a strong case. We can investigate the evidence and the parties involved to pursue the most favorable outcome. Our team can also challenge restraining orders and work to clear your record.
The time has come for you to tell your side of the story. Schedule a free consultation with Wolf Law LLC to discuss your options by calling (720) 479-8574. You deserve the chance to protect your future; a criminal defense attorney can help.
