Domestic violence--known as "domestic abuse" under Oklahoma law--refers to any criminal assault or battery committed against an intimate partner, family member, or household member. It also includes criminal prosecutions of someone accused of violating a previously issued protective order. If you are accused of either offense you could be facing jail time, fines, and other potentially serious consequences. The experienced Yukon domestic violence attorneys at Fassio Law can provide you with experienced, knowledgeable, and creative representation and assist you in seeking the best possible resolution for your case.
Domestic abuse is broadly defined in Oklahoma to include "any act of physical harm" (battery) or any "threat of imminent physical harm" (assault) committed against of the following family or household members:
The penalties for domestic abuse in Oklahoma escalate based on the number of prior convictions:
Oklahoma law enables victims of domestic violence to seek a protective (restraining) order from the court. Judges can even issue short-term emergency protective orders without a formal hearing. If the subject of the protective order violates its terms--i.e., makes prohibited contact with the person who sought the order--the subject can be charged with a misdemeanor for a first offense. If convicted, this carries a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Many people accused of domestic abuse feel shocked, betrayed, and angry. These are all understandable emotions. But it is important to remain calm and remember you have certain rights under the law. This includes the right to seek representation from a qualified Yukon criminal defense attorney. There are several possible defenses that our domestic abuse attorneys can explore on your behalf to make sure you get the best outcome possible for your case.
The worst thing you can do in the situation is to directly confront your accuser. For one thing, this would violate any standing protective order against you. And it will do nothing to convince the prosecution to dismiss the charges against you or negotiate a more favorable plea agreement. Instead, your best move is to work with an experienced Yukon domestic violence attorney who can walk you through the process of resolving your case, ideally without the need for a public trial.
So if you need legal assistance, contact Fassio Law today at (405) 593-8444 to schedule a free case assessment with a member of our staff.