Columbus Domestic Assault/Battery Attorneys

People often use the terms assault and battery synonymously to describe the same criminal offense, and some states indeed have different criminal charges applicable to each of these crimes. Ohio has no criminal battery law, so the only violent crime a person can be charged with in Ohio is assault.

There are varying levels to assault crimes, and an offense can be further complicated when an alleged victim is a family or household member. Alleged offenders in such cases could be charged with crimes that are often described as domestic assault.

Domestic Assault/Battery Defense Lawyers in Columbus, OH | Sabol | Mallory

Were you arrested for an alleged domestic assault in Columbus or a surrounding area of Franklin County? Do not say anything about your alleged offense to authorities until you have legal representation.

Sabol Mallory fights to protect the rights of alleged offenders accused of crimes of domestic violence, including assault offenses. You can have our attorneys assess all of your legal options when you call (614) 300-5088 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation.

Domestic Assault/Battery Charges in Ohio

Ohio Revised Code § 3113.31(A)(3) defines a family or household member as any of the following who is residing with or has resided with the alleged offender:

• A spouse, a person living as a spouse, or former spouse

• A parent, a foster parent, or child of the alleged offender, or another person related by consanguinity or affinity

• A parent or a child of a spouse, person living as a spouse, or former spouse of the alleged offender, or another person related by consanguinity or affinity to a spouse, person living as a spouse, or former spouse of the alleged offender.

Ohio Revised Code § 3113.31(A)(1)(a) defines domestic violence as any of the following acts committed against a family or household member: Attempting to cause or recklessly causing bodily injury; placing another person by the threat of force in fear of imminent serious physical harm or committing a violation; committing any act with respect to a child that would result in the child being an abused child, as defined in section 2151.031 of the Revised Code; or committing a sexually oriented offense.

Domestic violence is a fourth-degree misdemeanor but an alleged offender who has one prior conviction commits a second-degree misdemeanor and an alleged offender who has two or more prior convictions commits a first-degree misdemeanor. If the alleged offender knew that an alleged victim was pregnant, domestic violence is a fifth-degree felony.

In some cases, a domestic assault charge could result in an alleged offender being charged with an actual assault crime. Ohio Revised Code § 2903.13 establishes that a person commits assault if they knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to another person or to their unborn, or recklessly cause serious physical harm to another person or to their unborn.

Assault is typically a first-degree misdemeanor but aggravating factors can result in felony charges. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.12, a person commits aggravated assault if they, while under the influence of sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage, either of which is brought on by serious provocation occasioned by the victim that is reasonably sufficient to incite the person into using deadly force, knowingly cause serious physical harm to another person or to their unborn, or cause or attempt to cause physical harm to another person or to their unborn by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance.

Aggravated assault is a fourth-degree felony.  

Ohio Domestic Assault/Battery Penalties

The possible consequences for a domestic assault conviction will depend on how the crime has been categorized and classified. In general, convictions in Ohio are punishable as follows:

• Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 30 days in jail and/or fine of up to $250

• Third-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 60 days in jail and/or fine of up to $500

• Second-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 90 days in jail and/or fine of up to $750

• First-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 180 days in jail and/or fine of up to $1,000

• Fifth-Degree Felony — Six to 12 months in prison and/or fine of up to $2,500

• Fourth-Degree Felony — Six to 18 months in prison and/or fine of up to $5,000

• Third-Degree Felony — Nine months to five years in prison and/or fine of up to $10,000

• Second-Degree Felony — Two to eight years in prison and/or fine of up to $15,000

• First-Degree Felony — Three to 11 years in prison and/or fine of up to $20,000

Columbus, OH Domestic Assault/Battery Resources

The National Domestic Violence Hotline — The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a free and confidential 24-hour service provided to victims and other people affected by domestic violence. The non-profit organization was established in 1996 as part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Loveisrespect, a 24-hour national Web-based and telephone resource, was created by the National Domestic Violence Hotline in 2007 to help teenagers dealing with dating abuse.

WheresTheLine.info — The “Where’s The Line?” campaign identifies itself as a first-of-its-kind effort designed to increase awareness of family violence and to change the behaviors of bystanders in these cases. Find information about how to help as a mandated reporter, abused or neglected child, teen dating abuse victim, domestic violence, victim, elder abuse victim, or abuser. Also find information about different programs and services.

Prevent Sexual Violence | Be the One Ohio | Sexual Violence Awareness — Be the One Ohio is an initiative led by the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV). The OAESV is a statewide coalition that advocates for comprehensive responses and rape crisis services for survivors and empowers communities to prevent sexual violence. You can use this website to download posters and other information about domestic violence.

Contact a Columbus Domestic Assault/Battery Defense Attorney Today

If you were arrested for an alleged domestic assault in the Columbus area, you will want to find yourself a lawyer right away. Try not to say anything to police officers until you have legal counsel.

Sabol | Mallory will protect your rights and fight to possibly have any criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Call (614) 300-5088 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.