Will I Go To Prison For A Domestic Violence First Offence?
Domestic violence is not an offence in itself. It is a factor in assaults and other offences.
Domestic violence is defined by the government as –
“any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.”
Whether you would go to prison depends on the offence you have been charged with. This can vary from Common Assault up to Murder. It can also include harassment and threatening behaviour.
The fact that an offence is committed in a domestic situation makes it more serious. The court will look at a number of factors including any injuries, how often it has happened and the effect on the victim.
Factors that will reduce the risk of a prison sentence include genuine remorse, effect that prison will have on you and others together with the specifics of the offence.
It is likely there will also be an application for a restraining order – this will be an order with conditions such as not to contact the victim or go within a given range of their house.
Forrest Williams are criminal defence solicitors with considerable experience in dealing with these type of matters, most of our clients have never been in trouble before. We know how to present your case in the best possible light, we also understand the stress that these type of cases cause especially for people who have never been in trouble before.
We are a nationwide team of specialists who can support you from the very beginning of a police investigation right up to the Court process, whether you plan to plead guilty or not guilty to the charge.
If you want a free chat to discuss your options call us on 01623 397200.
