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Troy Michigan Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

If you live in Troy, Michigan, domestic violence charges are a serious matter. If convicted, you could face harsh penalties, including prison time and steep fines, not to mention the damage to your personal life and reputation.

You have the right to a presumption of innocence, and the best way to fight these charges is with the help of a legal specialist – a Troy, Michigan, domestic violence criminal defense lawyer. Having the right representation can literally mean the difference between outright dismissal, an acquittal, and a conviction that could affect the rest of your life.

If you have been arrested and charged with domestic violence in Troy, Michigan, your first and best resource is Blank Law, PC. Reach out today for a free initial consultation.

Domestic Violence in Troy, Michigan

Under Michigan law, domestic violence is not a specific crime, but rather the term used to describe the circumstances surrounding a crime where the victim and the perpetrator have a preexisting domestic relationship:

Spouse/Ex-spouse
Current or former intimate partner
Anyone who has or had a dating relationship
Anyone who has has a child together
People who live or have lived in the same household
A current or former in-law
A minor child of any of the above

Of special relevance, criminal cases involving other social, casual, or business relationships are not considered to be examples of domestic violence. This is an important legal distinction that can make a huge difference that an experienced domestic violence criminal defense attorney can use to your advantage.

Examples of Domestic Violence

Any crime committed in an attempt to harm, intimidate, control, or track another person who is/was a household or family member can be considered domestic violence. This includes not only physical assault, but also sexual misconduct, kidnapping, vandalism, arson, stalking, cyberbullying, and even threats.

This standard gives the prosecutor broad discretion on whether or not to prosecute and what charges to file.

Domestic violence is not considered a “private” crime, where one person decides whether or not to press charges against another. This means that the Oakland County District Attorney can file charges in a Troy domestic assault case, even if the victim refuses to cooperate.

Penalties for Domestic Violence in Troy, Michigan

Because so many different crimes can be prosecuted as acts of domestic violence, the penalties if convicted can vary considerably. The charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the exact nature of the crime, any injuries suffered by the victim, if a weapon was involved, and if the pepetrator has any prior convictions.

For example, an assault becomes a domestic assault if the victim and the perpetrator have or had a relationship as described above. This means the Oakland County DA can prosecute even if the victim does not want to file charges.

Domestic assault/assault and battery is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.

However, if you have any prior domestic violence convictions, there are enhanced penalties:

One prior – Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in prison, up to $1000 fine, or both
Two or more priors – Felony, up to 5 years in prison, up to $5000 fine, or both

Importantly, the prior conviction does not have to involve the same victim to qualify for enhanced penalties.

If the victim requires medical attention, it is a misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 1 year in prison, a $1000 fine, or both.

In this case, any prior conviction results in enhanced penalties of a felony charge, up to 5 years in prison, up to $5000 fine, or both.

There are other circumstances under which the penalties could be even greater – if a weapon was involved, if the victim was strangled or suffocated, or if there was provable intent to maim or do great bodily harm. These are felonies that carry a 10-year prison sentence.

With so much at stake, you need the experience and expertise of the domestic violence criminal defense specialists at Blank Law, PC.

The Best Domestic Violence Law Firm in Troy, Michigan

Founding criminal defense attorney Nicole Blank Becker has worked both sides of the law for more than 20 years, serving as both an Assistant Prosecutor and as private counsel. Before resuming her private practice, Nicole was the Chief of Macomb County Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Crimes Units.

Defense Attorney Christopher Coyle has equally invaluable experience. Before joining Blank Law, PC, Chris worked as a Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor for over 30 years, including the position of Deputy Chief of the Special Victims Unit.

That is 50-plus years of practical courtroom skill that can and should be put to work for your domestic violence defense. Contact Blank Law, PC TODAY for a free consultation.