Any criminal charge that involves allegations of violence is a serious matter. When a partner, family or household member is accusing you of the threat or actual use of violence, the stakes are high. Pennsylvania law provides harsh consequences for a conviction of domestic violence. Moreover, a conviction will impact your Second Amendment rights to own a firearm under federal law — even for a misdemeanor-level domestic violence offense. You can be forced to leave your home if your accuser files a petition for a Protective Order, also known as a Protection From Abuse (PFA). You may need a domestic violence defense lawyer to assist you through this process.
Aggressive Defense In Criminal Assault Cases
If you have been accused of domestic abuse, it is not an overstatement to say that your long-term future could be at stake. We provide aggressive defense against domestic abuse accusations. As a former police officer with more than a decade of experience as an effective criminal defense and family law attorney, Craig P. Kalinoski is well-prepared to provide aggressive advocacy to obtain the most favorable outcome possible.
The entire legal team at Kalinoski Law Offices P.C. in Scranton is ready to stand strong to defend against all matters of domestic violation allegations, such as:
- Domestic assault
- Child abuse or endangerment
- Sexual assault
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- Violation of protection from abuse order
There are numerous defenses that may be put to use in your criminal assault case including fabrication of events, intoxication by one or both parties, and self-defense.
Attorney Kalinoski will review the facts of the case to ensure that all police proceedings were accurately recorded and that your rights were not violated as that can impact your defense, as well.
Consequences of a Domestic Violence Charge
In Pennsylvania, it is important to know that there are no specific domestic violence charges. You would be charged with assault or another crime. However, any criminal offense can be considered a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence if:
- The charge is a misdemeanor under federal or state law
- Has the attack as the use of, or attempt to use physical force or threatened to use a deadly weapon
- The crime is committed by a current or former spouse, parent, guardian, etc. of the victim
If found guilty, your penality can range depending on the severity of the charge. You may be ordered to anger management courses or counseling. Or, if it becomes a felony charge, you may face prison time, specifically if this is not your first time being charged.
Skilled Advocacy To Defend You In PFA Hearings
If it is alleged that a temporary or final PFA is violated, the defendant can be arrested and incarcerated for indirect criminal contempt of the court order pending a hearing. Clearly, these are serious charges. Unfortunately, Attorney Kalinoski has seen a number of instances in which a false accusation of domestic abuse was made in an attempt to gain an advantage in a divorce, a divisive child custody battle, a retaliation situation or other dispute. He has vigorously defended men and women charged with criminal domestic violence, as well as in all aspects of protection from abuse (PFA) hearings and PFA violation matters.
Contact A Strong Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer To Protect Your Future
If you are facing civil or criminal domestic abuse allegations, call 570-207-4000 or use our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Our well-rounded experience in criminal defense and family law matters is a clear strength of the firm.