Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Lawyer in Madison, MS

Understanding Mississippi Domestic Violence Laws

If you have been arrested for domestic violence, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side. When you turn to The Coon Law Firm, PLLC at our office in Madison, an experienced domestic violence defense attorney will effectively guide you through the legal process and fight to protect your rights. We have a passion for justice and work tirelessly toward obtaining a favorable outcome for our clients.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence allegations are essentially charges of assault against a person with whom the offender has a specific relationship.

An act of assault results in domestic violence charges when the victim is:

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    A Current or Former Spouse

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    A Child of the Defendant

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    A Child of a Current or Former Spouse

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    A Parent or Grandparent

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    A Person Who is or Was in a Romantic Relationship With the Offender

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    A Family Member Who Lives or Previously Lived With the Defendant

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    An Individual With Whom the Offender Has a Child

What are Mississippi’s Mandatory Arrest Laws?

In Mississippi, if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that an individual committed an act of domestic violence, they are required to arrest the accused.

The alleged offender will be taken into custody and will most likely become subject to a restraining order. Depending on the specific circumstances, the act of domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

What is the Difference Between Simple and Aggravated Domestic Violence?

Under Mississippi law, domestic violence crimes are divided into two categories: simple and aggravated

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    Simple Domestic Violence - involves a reckless act that causes bodily injury to another without the use of a weapon. This type of charge is considered a misdemeanor and results in less severe penalties.

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    Aggravated Domestic Violence – This is a felony charge and occurs when the offender causes serious bodily injury. This type of domestic violence crime receives harsher punishments.

What are the Consequences of Domestic Violence Offenses?

A conviction for simple domestic violence is punishable by 6 months in jail and a fine of $500. If the offender is convicted a third time, the term for imprisonment rises to 5 to 10 years. Those convicted of aggravated domestic violence will face at least 2 years in prison for the first and second offenses. The jail sentence is increased to 10 to 20 years for third and subsequent convictions.

The consequences of a domestic violence conviction extend beyond fines and imprisonment. The individual can also lose several civil liberties.

Additional consequences include:

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    Restraining Orders

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    Probation

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    Mandatory Anger Management Classes

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    Loss of Custody and Visitation

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    Disqualification for Certain Types of Employment

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    Lifetime Ban on the Possession and Ownership of Guns

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    Ineligibility for Certain Degree Programs

We Can Help Fight Your Domestic Violence Charges

With so much at stake, you cannot afford to wait to obtain experienced legal counsel. Take the first step in your defense by calling our Madison domestic violence attorney. We have successfully handled numerous cases, and we have the knowledge and resources to work toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Call The Coon Law Firm, PLLC at (601) 299-4464, or contact us online to begin planning your defense with a consultation.