Atlanta Domestic Violence Attorney Assisting You with Your Domestic Violence Case

Times of family conflict are some of the most emotionally difficult times we can experience. If you or your children have been the victims of domestic abuse, you need someone on your side to help protect you from further abuse and get the relief you need. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and/or your children immediately, such as temporary restraining orders, while you wait for your domestic violence case to work its way through the court system. Having an experienced domestic violence lawyer on your side can take some of the stress out of this stressful situation.

Domestic violence has consequences not only for victims, but also for those accused. Being charged with domestic violence can be confusing and upsetting. The consequences can be great, not only disrupting your family relationships, but also potentially affecting your job, your finances, and your reputation. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, and that there are ways to defend yourself against domestic violence charges in court. Even if criminal charges are not pending, or you are not convicted, victims can pursue damages in civil court if they feel that they are owed some compensation for their suffering. Competent, professional legal representation can make a difference for you in your domestic violence case, whether criminal or civil.

Whether you are the accused person or the victim in a domestic abuse case, one of our knowledgeable and skilled domestic violence attorneys from Sessoms Law Group, LLC can help you to understand the laws in Georgia that deal with domestic violence and help you through the legal system during a stressful and confusing time of your life. Call our Atlanta office today at 678-853-7402.

What is Defined as Domestic Violence in Georgia?

Under Georgia’s Family Violence Act, the term “domestic violence” is defined as violence within a family. This includes people in your household, or formerly in your household, whether or not you are related by blood or marriage. People who might fit under this definition are current or past spouses or romantic partners, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, roommates, or other people who live or previously lived in the same household. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. It can include not only physical or sexual assault resulting in injury, but also stalking, unlawful restraint, criminal damage to personal property, coercive control, financial abuse, threats and intimidation, and criminal trespass, among other crimes.

What is a Protective Order?

A protective order, sometimes referred to as a “restraining order”, is a court order designed to protect adults and/or children from the threat of abuse, harassment, or harm, whether real or perceived. A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) can usually be obtained within 24 hours and is usually in effect for just a few weeks while the court hearing is being scheduled and an investigation is being done. At the scheduled court hearing for the TPO, a judge will hear evidence and determine if the protective order should be dropped, continued for a specified length of time, or made permanent. Most protective orders, whether short-term or long-term, forbid the alleged abuser from being in contact with the alleged victim(s) in any way or from coming within 1500 feet of them. This may involve the alleged abuser having to move if they live with the alleged victim(s). If a temporary or permanent protective order is violated, the alleged abuser may face contempt of court or criminal charges that can result in fines and jail time.

What Are the Consequences of A Domestic Violence Charge in Georgia?

Domestic violence is a serious crime, and the state of Georgia takes it seriously. Penalties for a domestic violence conviction in Georgia may include jail time, fines, required classes such as parenting or anger management classes, and firearm restrictions. Some domestic violence incidents are charged as misdemeanors, and some as felonies, depending on the details of the case. Being convicted of domestic violence can have long-term effects on child custody, current and future employment, and living situations, among other things. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers know Georgia’s domestic violence law and can work with you to craft the best defense strategy for your case. Call Sessoms Law Group, LLC today at 678-853-7402.

Is it a Good Idea to Hire a Domestic Violence Attorney?

If you or your children have been the victims of domestic violence, you need help to protect yourselves. If you have been accused of domestic violence, you have the constitutional right to a strong defense. In both cases, a skilled domestic violence lawyer from Sessoms Law Group can help to bring your case to its best possible conclusion.