West Chester Domestic Violence Attorney

While there are abusers who deserve severe legal consequences for harming innocent people, we must not overlook the falsely accused in these situations as well. Domestic violence is an incredibly stigmatized crime in society. Thus, merely facing allegations of this crime will complicate your life, regardless of if you're truly innocent or guilty. A charge alone can adversely affect your employment, your schooling, your relationship with your children, and your reputation. The repercussions of a conviction are exponentially more devastating.

If you live in West Chester and have been arrested for domestic violence, it's imperative you seek legal counsel. With a crime like this looming over your head, you're going to need the help of an attorney who knows the ins and outs of Pennsylvania law and has a thorough understanding of the system. It's equally important for you to understand the gravity of these charges (in case you need convincing that retaining an attorney is absolutely necessary). Here's an overview of domestic violence specifically for West Chester defendants.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Pennsylvania?

The following actions constitute domestic violence in PA if they are committed against a family or household member:

  • Knowingly, intentionally or recklessly causing bodily injury of any kind
  • Causing fear of bodily injury of any kind
  • Assault
  • Rape
  • Sexually abusing minor children
  • Knowingly engaging in repetitive conduct towards a certain person (also known as stalking) that puts them in fear of bodily injury

Defining “Family and Household Members”

Domestic abuse is differentiated from other forms of abuse through the relationship between an abuser and the alleged victim. Domestic abuse occurs between family and household members. These relationships are characterized by the following:

  • Spouses or former spouses
  • Persons living as spouses or who lived as spouses
  • Parents and children
  • Current or former sexual or intimate partners
  • Persons who share biological parenthood

Domestic Violence Penalties

Due to the many changes domestic violence law has undergone in recent years, penalties for this offense vary. Overall, sentences for this crime largely depend on the severity of the abuse the victim endured and the defendant's pattern of conduct. Therefore, based on the unique circumstances of a case, the penalties range from being ordered to take anger management classes to being ordered to spend several years in prison. Regardless, you shouldn't expect leniency in a domestic violence case, the consequences most likely will be tough upon conviction.

Protective Orders

Criminal action isn't the only way to resolve domestic violence matters in West Chester. Alleged victims can petition the court for a civil court action, known as Protection From Abuse (PFA) order if they've been abused or are in fear of being abused.

Plaintiffs don't need substantial evidence to serve a temporary PFA. Ultimately, if a Chester County judge deems it necessary, the enforcement of a PFA will bar you from being in the vicinity of the plaintiff. This could lead to your removal from your own home, modifications in your custody agreement, lead to you paying child support to the plaintiff, and could force you to pay losses for the abuse.

It's important to note that violating a PFA order is criminal contempt. If you are found guilty, penalties can include a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment or supervised probation for up to six months, and/or a new protective order or an extension of the original one.

Charged With Domestic Violence? The LLF Law Firm Can Help

If you've been charged with domestic violence in West Chester, it's critical you secure the representation of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You should never defend yourself in any case, let alone a case as serious as this one. You won't have to face these charges alone with the help of the LLF Law Firm. For a consultation, contact the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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