Domestic Disputes and Criminal Consequences
Anyone who has been involved in a marriage or romantic relationship has likely experienced the roller coaster ride that comes with it somewhere along the way - ups & downs, highs & lows, peaks & valleys. Unfortunately, during the course of a relationship when people find themselves in a low point, emotions can spiral out of control and verbal arguments can escalate into physical confrontation. When this occurs, the police too often become involved.
While police involvement in some cases can eliminate the risks of serious physical harm to one or both of the parties, it can often result in consequences neither of the parties involved in the dispute expected or intended. Often, once the situation is diffused, people are afforded an opportunity to reflect. In doing so, they realize that their perception at that time was skewed by the heat of the emotions.
Unfortunately, once the police are involved and statements are made under these circumstances, it is difficult to take them back later. The "victim" may want to later drop the charges. However, at that point, the decision to prosecute or drop the charges is in the discretion of the police or district attorney, not the "victim."
The consequences are real. An isolated domestic dispute can cause long-term disruption in an otherwise harmonious relationship.
One or both of the parties could be charged criminally. Depending on the extent of the altercation and the circumstances, a person could be charged with any number of offenses ranging from simple assault to aggravated assault, harassment to recklessly endangering another person, even criminal trespass or burglary.
The criminal penalties for these crimes can be severe depending on the nature of the charge and prior criminal history. Depending on the circumstances, a person could be subject to jail, probation, fines, and/or court costs. Conditions of bail while the case is pending or conditions of supervision following sentencing could include a no contact order, which means the person charged or convicted with the crime cannot have contact with the victim. This could obviously put significant strain on a relationship if the victim is your spouse or significant other.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime as a result of a domestic dispute or altercation, it is important to get an experienced attorney involved in the case at the earliest possible stage in the criminal justice process before it spirals further out of control. For an initial, free phone consultation, contact
PA Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Curry today.