Baldwin County Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Baldwin County, AL

Domestic violence offenses may be filed after domestic conflicts, and these conflicts are often much more uncertain and complicated. The charges can still have significant consequences on your life, and this can be terrifying. It is essential that you find a skilled Baldwin County domestic violence defense lawyer to fight for you.

This support is crucial for both your criminal defense and support during this difficult time. It can feel like the world is already against you when you face these charges, regardless of your guilt or innocence. You need dedicated support by your side.

Find the Right Domestic Violence Defense Attorney With Angela L Walker PC

Angela L Walker PC provides you with a straightforward understanding of your case. She assesses the possible outcomes and walks you through the ways to handle your case. Her dedicated legal representation fights for your justice. She understands how complex these cases are because she has more than 31 years of criminal defense experience and extensive practical experience in criminal trials.

Angela Walker has substantial experience with local courts, from the 28th Judicial Circuit Court in Baldwin County to the Alabama Supreme Court. She brings you unbiased legal representation and compassionate support. It can be incredibly overwhelming and devastating to face criminal charges for domestic violence. You don’t have to deal with it alone. Angela Walker has supported many people in the communities she serves, and she can fight for you.

What Offenses Are Considered Crimes of Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence crimes are violence or endangerment against a family member or person in a dating relationship. There are several offenses that can lead to one of the three degrees of domestic violence being charged. They include:

• Assault
• Menacing
• Reckless endangerment
• Harassment
• Criminal coercion
• Criminal surveillance
• Harassing communications
• Criminal trespass
• Criminal mischief
• Arson
• Intimidating a witness
• Burglary
• Stalking
• Aggravated stalking

These offenses are considered crimes of domestic violence when the victim of the offense is a:

• Current or ex-spouse
• Parent or step-parent
• Child or stepchild
• Grandparent or step-grandparent
• Grandchild or step-grandchild
• The person with whom the alleged offender has a child in common
• Present household member, which excludes people residing together without a romantic or intimate relationship
• A person with whom the alleged offender has a current or past dating relationship, meaning a romantic or intimate relationship with an expectation of affection or sexual involvement

In Baldwin County in 2018, there were 1,138 simple assault domestic violence cases, 96 aggravated assault domestic violence cases, and 12 rape domestic violence cases.

Domestic violence charges are incredibly complicated, due to the complex nature of domestic disputes. Everyone facing these charges deserves effective and unbiased legal representation. These offenses may have been filed because law enforcement officers misunderstood a conflict, because of a misunderstanding or altercation with mutual violence, or even charges filed as part of revenge or to gain an upper hand in another case.

If you have been charged with a domestic violence offense, you need to hire a domestic violence defense lawyer who will fight for you. When these charges are filed, it can often feel like the public has already decided your guilt. It’s important that your attorney stands up for you, your future, and your reputation. Angela Walker works to fight the charges you face with an effective defense.

Degrees of Domestic Violence Charges in Baldwin County

There are three degrees of domestic violence offenses. It’s important to understand these offenses and the potential charges associated with them. Domestic violence charges include:

Third-Degree Domestic Violence

This offense can be charged for offenses like criminal coercion, harassment, criminal surveillance, reckless endangerment, harassing communications, menacing, and:

• Third-degree assault
• Third-degree criminal trespass
• Second- or third-degree criminal mischief
• Third-degree arson

A first conviction of this offense is a Class A misdemeanor. This can include penalties like:

• Up to one year in jail
• Up to $6,000 in fines

There is also a minimum of 30 days of imprisonment if the offense was committed as a willful violation of a protective order. Subsequent convictions of third-degree domestic violence can result in more severe penalties, including a third offense being a Class C felony. Other factors can also increase the penalties of this offense, such as prior convictions for other violent and domestic violence offenses.

Second-Degree Domestic Violence

Offenses that are included in second-degree domestic violence charges include witness intimidation, stalking, and:

• Second-degree assault
• Second- or third-degree burglary
• First-degree criminal mischief

This is charged as a Class B felony, which can result in penalties such as between two and 20 years of imprisonment and up to $30,000 in fines.

The minimum term of imprisonment for a second-degree domestic violence offense will be doubled if the offense was a willful violation of a protective order. The imprisonment is also doubled if the offense is done when a child 14 or under is present, and that child is the child of the victim or offender, or is visiting or living in the home of the victim or offender.

First-Degree Domestic Violence

First-degree domestic violence is charged when offenses are committed, including aggravated stalking, first-degree assault, and first-degree burglary. For a first offense, it is charged as a Class A felony. Penalties include between 10 and 99 years or life imprisonment and up to $60,000 in fines. The minimum imprisonment term for this offense can also be doubled for a willful violation of a protective order or the presence of a child.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Domestic Violence Charges?

Criminal convictions can have a serious impact on your future. When you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you are more likely to reach a favorable outcome, such as having the penalties mitigated or avoiding conviction entirely. You need a criminal defense lawyer because they can look at your specific case and how you were arrested to determine the ideal defense for your situation. They can also assess the use of a plea deal.

Angela L Walker PC can investigate the charges you face, and she can consider the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. She listens to your side of things and helps guide you through the options for your defense based on those facts. She represents you in court and helps you negotiate plea deals. Her goal is to protect your future.

Navigating Baldwin County Domestic Violence Defense Laws

Angela L Walker PC works with you directly to craft a defense to fight for your fresh start. Contact Angela Walker today.