Facing a domestic violence charge can impact your life. Branson West Law is here to protect your rights and fight for the best outcome.
Domestic Violence Attorney in Utah
Branson West Law
When it comes to domestic violence, a charge against you can be more than just life-altering as it can lead to serious legal, financial and personal consequences. In cases like these, you need a criminal defense team that understands violent charges and will do the most to help you, by either lessening your charge or working to get rid of the charges altogether.
If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic violence, Branson West Law is the experienced criminal defense and domestic violence attorney in Utah that can help.
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learn more about Utah Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Gun Laws in Utah
Individuals convicted of certain domestic violence offenses are prohibited from possessing firearms under both state and federal law. This prohibition applies to misdemeanor and felony convictions related to domestic violence.
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If you're facing criminal or DUI charges, don't wait. Branson West offers free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights, the charges against you, and what steps to take next. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Utah court system, Branson provides honest, straightforward legal insight, whether you choose to move forward with him or not.
What Is Domestic Violence?
In the state of Utah, there is one definition for domestic violence: any criminal offense involving violence, or the threat/attempt of violence when committed by one cohabitant against another. Now, this definition is not exactly clear-cut or specific as the vagueness can mean that the cohabitant(s) in question are a husband or wife, brother or sister, roommates, a couple living together, or even two individuals who lived together in the past.
Also, it’s important to note that domestic violence is not a charge in and of itself, rather it is a category that increases the consequences for criminal actions. Depending on the circumstances of the case, your charge may be assault, property damage, etc. but the domestic violence category will enhance any penalties. Penalties and consequences depend on the criminal act(s) involved, past incidents, whether a child was present and other factors. Facing all of this alone can be complicated, so you must look into a competent domestic violence attorney near you to understand the confusing implications of this law.
If you are facing a domestic violence charge and convicted, you could also be facing severe consequences, such as:
- Anger management or other required classes. These classes can be costly and run you thousands of dollars
- Heavy fines and court fees
- Jail time and/or a 12-24 month probation
- Loss of your Second Amendment rights – the right to carry a firearm
- A notice on your criminal record can prevent you from obtaining employment or housing
- Personal consequences, such as a troubled marriage or relationship and familial difficulties
- Damage to personal reputation
In many domestic violence cases, one of the individuals involved in the incident (or a neighbor) calls the police in the heat of the moment. Once the argument has fizzled out, it is common that the accused or caller wishes to have the charges dropped. However, once police are involved, the charges cannot be removed.
With so much at stake in a domestic violence case, it's important to have a solid defense as Utah takes domestic violence cases very seriously. If you are searching for a domestic violence attorney and have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Branson West Law for a free consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are various penalties associated with a domestic violence charge. The worst consequences of a criminal charge like domestic violence, unfortunately, are long-lasting and personal. A domestic violence charge on your criminal record can make it nearly impossible to find a well-paying job. Many countries consider domestic violence a felony, so international travel will be difficult if not impossible. Additionally, a domestic violence charge can change the way your family and friends view you and may lead to isolation or other social problems.
A protective order may be issued in cases of domestic violence and keeps the two parties separated to prevent any possibility of violence. Protective orders can affect custody and carry serious consequences if violated.
If a protective order has been issued in response to the domestic violence charge, you will not be able to return to the home where the incidence took place as you are prohibited from being near the victim. There are a variety of ways you can retrieve personal belongings, such as with a police escort or retrieval by a third party. A domestic violence lawyer can talk you through the options and help you decide which is the best course of action for your particular case.
Once a case is made, it is not possible to withdraw it. A victim's request to drop charges can improve the outcome of your case, however. It takes a talented domestic violence lawyer to be able to turn a case like this in favor of the accused as judges may be skeptical of a victim's change of heart. Branson West has handled many cases where the victim no longer wishes to pursue criminal charges and has turned the case around favorably for his client.
Spousal privilege protects married couples in court proceedings as it states that spouses cannot be compelled to testify against each other in a criminal trial. An additional marital privilege defined in Utah law states that all private spousal communications are confidential. These privileges can give leverage to a couple that is fighting unwanted domestic violence charges.
