How serious is a domestic violence charge?
In today’s world, sadly, domestic violence has become more prevalent in American homes. Or possibly, thanks to the news and social media, it is made more apparent. In either case, domestic violence punishment is a top subject on the news front and the minds of the American people, and yet, many still ask, “Is domestic violence punishable?”.
The answer to this is “YES” and it has been for many years, but surprisingly, there are household that see domestic violence as “It’s nobody’s business what’s going on in my home.” To some extent, that is true, but when it comes to domestic violence, there has to be an acceptable limit before law enforcement can’t look the other way.
In the state of Tennessee, as it is in many states, there are different types of violence, and within the category of domestic violence, there are different types. For example, if a person is injured during a domestic dispute by person that had intentions of injuring them, that domestic violence is considered an assault. If a member of a family or a household is seriously injured by a person that has the intentions of causing serious injury, that type of domestic violence is considered and aggravated assault.
Domestic assault is when a victim that is family member or the household is assaulted can include any of the following person(s):
- The offender’s current or former spouse
- A person that resides with or has previously resided with the offender
- A person that currently or previously dated or had sexual relations with the offender
- A blood relative or related by adoption
- A person currently or previously related to the offender by marriage, and
- A family member or household member of the offender to any person of adult age or a minor child.
Is a domestic violence conviction a felony?
In Tennessee, a domestic assault convictions is treated differently from other convictions. A domestic violence charge is seen and treated particularly serious with significant consequences.
A domestic violence assault conviction is a misdemeanor with resulting implications similar to a felony in that the conviction prevents the convicted person will never be allowed to legally own a firearm. In addition, in the state of Tennessee, a domestic violence assault conviction will remain on the convicted person’s record, it cannot be expunged.
Is there domestic violence bail?
In Tennessee, the domestic violence bail will be based on the classification the domestic violence charge, typically 10%. As with arrest, bail is at the judge’s discretion and is set by a pre-determined schedule that has a range listed for each offense presented before the judge.
How many years do you get for domestic violence?
The circumstances and evidence could have increased fines, and/or increased jail time at the judge’s discretion, especially for a person looking at repeat offenses. The following are four classifications in Tennessee:
- Class A is a misdemeanor that is punished by a fine of $2500 in conjunction with time in jail of eleven months and twenty-nine days.
- Class B is a misdemeanor punished by a fine of $500 with maximum of six months behind bars.
- Class C is a felony with punishment no less than 3 years and up to 15 years behind bars and a $10,000 fine.
- Class D is a felony and punished with no less than 2 year and up to maximum of 12 years in prison with a $5,000 fine.
How do most domestic violence cases end?
As frustrating as it is, a majority of domestic violence defendants are a first time offender of any offense and the domestic violence charges end up dismissed, but only haver kept in jail for a minimum of twelve hours. The end goal of this twelve-hour holding is considered to be a cooling off period so that the accused is less likely to attack the victim immediately.
There are several conditions set forth by the court before this accused person is released from custody. Among those conditions include no contact between the accused and the victim, even if that means their own home, other arrangements need to be made. GPS monitoring is often required so the courts can follow the accused to assure they are following the requirements of their release.
Once a domestic violence case goes to court, the procedures vary in most states. This special courtrooms, prosecutor, and judges. The policies presented are created for domestic violence cases only, including the fines and punishments, and possible counseling for domestic abuse and domestic violence, for all parties involved.
How does domestic violence affect the victim?
Domestic violence doesn’t just go away when the front door opens to a home. It tears the lives of everyone involved and those around them apart, including the community. It isn’t only a personal matter, but it is a social matter with economic effects. The victim of domestic abuse has effect that can result in illness, injury, even disability and death. The emotional and psychological damage is deep and lingering, many become homeless, and fall to alcohol and drug abuse as an escape to ease their pain.
The family unit is often destroyed with frequent moves and constant conflict in the home. Everything becomes an issue, often resulting in involvement of law enforcement and child protective services. Children learn how to disrespect and dishonor parents and family members, often see a parent or adult figure being arrested, and they too will grow up looking to alcohol and drugs for easing their pain.
The victim and those around them, especially children, will have low self-esteem, become depressed and live with a level of anxiety that can run others away. They develop eating disorders and have trouble with sleeping, managing stress, and many turn to self-harm to cope with their childhood.
We’ll never be able to omit domestic violence totally in this world. What we can do is learn how to cope with it ourselves and learn how to help those who are victims. In some ways, we can it to be hereditary, but it doesn’t have to be. Call 901-476-1125 today for bail bonds in Covington, TN.