Defense Against Charges of Domestic Violence in the Presence of Children
All domestic assault charges are serious, but the worst is a charge of domestic violence in front of a child.
Prosecutors bring a class B misdemeanor domestic violence charge if a person commits an act of domestic violence (hitting, slapping, kicking, etc.) against a household member in front of a child. That charge becomes a third-degree felony if:
- The victim of the domestic assault died.
- The person who committed the assault intended to inflict serious harm, the victim suffered serious injuries, or the person who committed the assault used a dangerous weapon.
Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing multiple criminal charges that would add up to a lengthy jail or prison sentence.
At the law office of Greg Smith and Associates, we work hard to protect our clients’ rights when they face criminal charges for domestic violence. Our lead attorneys have prosecutorial experience and have helped train police officers. We understand how this type of criminal case is investigated and charged, and we use that knowledge to build an effective legal defense.
You can contact our Utah domestic violence lawyers by contacting us online or by calling 801-651-1512.
Was the Charge Legitimate?
Children are not particularly reliable witnesses. A child in the next room may think he or she heard or saw something when the child was not actually in a position to hear or see anything. A child is particularly susceptible to the influence of adults who have an agenda that they try to push forward using the child.
Investigating the claims of a child is delicate business, but we’ve done it many times. We are sensitive to the needs of children and the effect that domestic violence or family discord can have on them.
Contact an Experienced Utah Domestic Violence Lawyer
You do not need to face this very serious charge alone. Contact an SLC domestic violence attorney at Greg Smith and Associates for a free initial consultation. We protect the rights of clients accused of domestic violence in Salt Lake City, Provo, Orem, Park City and surrounding communities in Utah.
