If you’ve been accused of domestic abuse or battery, you must understand
the difference between these two allegations. Both share many similarities,
but there are important legal distinctions between the two.
Such distinctions are important in the law. In this case, they could mean
the difference between freedom and jail time.
Here is a broad overview of domestic abuse and domestic battery, along
with the potential penalties for each.
Defining Domestic Battery
In most states, domestic battery is defined as
physically striking or harming a family member or anyone else who lives
in the home.
You can be accused of domestic battery against:
-
Anyone romantic partner
- Current or former spouses
- Someone you are casually dating
- Current or former girlfriend/boyfriend/partner/etc.
- Cohabitants, including roommates
- Anyone with whom you share a child
- Family members, even if you don’t have a close relationship
Domestic battery is a crime, and it can result in criminal penalties.
Defining Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is a range of behaviors that are not necessarily illegal.
Examples include:
- isolation
- verbal abuse
- financial control
- emotional abuse
Criminal Penalties for Domestic Battery in Nevada
A
first-offense domestic battery charge is considered a
misdemeanor. Conviction can result
in up to 6 months in jail and
fines of up to $1,000.
Domestic battery is a
felony if:
- The battery resulted in significant bodily
- The offender has a prior domestic violence conviction
A
felony domestic battery conviction in Nevada can result in
up to 5 years in prison and
fines of up to $10,000. If the offender has
prior convictions, Nevada law requires a
mandatory prison sentence of at least 2 years.
Domestic battery charges in Nevada can also result in a restraining order,
limiting the alleged offender’s ability to see their family and
live in certain areas.
Penalties for Domestic Abuse You Could Suffer in Family Court
Because many examples of domestic abuse are not explicitly illegal, they
are penalized in other ways. Often, spouses will accuse one another of
abuse in court,
affecting the results of a divorce.
Abuse may influence the court's decisions on:
-
Custody and visitation arrangements
Alleged abusers could lose all parental rights to see their children,
or they may be forced to endure supervised visitation.
-
Property division and/or spousal support
The alleged abuser is forced to give up a larger portion of the marital
assets or pay more in spousal support.
Family court proceedings can take place at the same time as a criminal
trial, and the outcomes of these cases can impact each other.
Defenses Against Domestic Abuse Allegations
Self-Defense
Self-defense is justifiable when someone believes they are in danger of
being harmed by another, and they act accordingly.
False Accusation
If you can prove that the accuser made up the allegations, this casts a
strong reasonable doubt on the prosecution's case.
Lack of Intent
A successful abuse allegation requires intentional actions. If you can
demonstrate that the alleged abuse was accidental or unintentional, it
is possible to reduce the severity of the charges.
Lack of Evidence
In some cases, the prosecution may not have sufficient evidence to prove
their case. When this happens, it is easier to have your charges dropped
or reduced.
Mental Incapacity
If the defendant has a mental illness or incapacity that negates intent,
they can avoid criminal prosecution. However, be careful with this defense.
If the court agrees, it could order you to stay in a mental institution.
Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover is here to help you fight domestic abuse and domestic violence allegations. If you need representation, contact us online
for a free consultation. You can also reach us by calling (775) 502-1575.
