Domestic violence is a horrible crime that affects, on average, 20 people a minute. In Pennsylvania, such charges can sustain anywhere between 1 year in jail for third-degree misdemeanors and up to 20 years in prison for first-degree felonies. With such devastating potential punishments, we can all agree that the prosecution must prove first and foremost that the defendants actually committed the domestic violence.   

For a crime to fall under the domestic violence umbrella, it must refer to alleged abuse between individuals who are involved in a qualifying domestic relationship. While most people believe that domestic violence can only happen between current or former partners or spouses or family members sharing a home, it can extend to other individuals, such as new partners or children of former partners.  

Thus, if you or someone you love has been accused of domestic violence, but there is no qualifying domestic relationship, even with a new person entering the relationship in some way, your case should be dismissed. Either way, you need a strong defense from a competent criminal law team. 

LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has helped individuals throughout Pennsylvania who have been accused of domestic violence. They will work tirelessly to gather evidence and witness testimony to present in court on your behalf. Call 888-535-3686 today for help, or schedule a consultation online.  

Domestic Violence Charges Can Ruin Your Life 

Cases of domestic violence are constantly in the news. For instance, in January 2024, Christopher Moore Jr., a resident of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to spend decades in state prison after pleading guilty to burglary and third-degree murder. Moore had broken into his ex-girlfriend's apartment and shot and killed her new boyfriend. Before their breakup, the couple had been involved in a pattern of domestic violence, with witnesses and neighbors calling in reports of violence and arguments several times. Moore even told his ex-girlfriend that he would shoot anyone she dated.  

In Moore's case, the history of domestic violence likely impacted the judge's sentencing. In Pennsylvania, third-degree murder convictions receive anywhere between 20 to 40 years in prison, and burglary qualifies for up to 20 years imprisonment, depending on the situation. Here, Moore was sentenced to between 28 and 56 years in prison.  

The truth is that domestic violence charges can significantly impact every area of your life. Not only are you forced to fight for your freedom, but such charges carry social stigmas that can affect your personal relationships, community standing, employment, immigration status, and custody battles. Therefore, the key to a solid defense is to begin mitigating negative consequences before being seen by a judge.  

How LLF Law Firm Can Help 

The attorneys at LLF Law Firm have years of experience helping individuals accused of domestic violence in Pennsylvania. As such, they can leverage this experience to craft a strategic defense that guarantees the best possible outcome for your case.  

You do not have to fight these charges alone. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Law Team can help. Call 888-535-3686 today for help, or schedule a consultation online.