Cuyahoga Falls Domestic Violence Lawyer

Cuyahoga Falls Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence charges come with serious penalties and lasting collateral consequences. If you’ve been accused of committing an act of domestic violence, you need a Cuyahoga Falls domestic violence lawyer who can help you understand the charges being levied against you and craft a compelling defense.

The team here at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder has been representing defendants in domestic violence cases for years. We understand what it takes to get charges dropped and protect our clients against the worst potential consequences of a conviction if that’s not possible. You can trust us to provide you with an aggressive defense against your domestic violence charges.

Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer

Recent reports on domestic violence in Ohio show that 2022 and 2023 were two of the deadliest years on record. In 2023, 112 fatalities occurred in 82 cases of domestic violence. From 2016 to 2022, domestic violence cases totalled nearly 800 victims per 100,000 people. In other words, domestic violence is a severe ongoing problem in Ohio, and it makes sense that the state takes it seriously.

If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, you should hire a domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. A Cuyahoga Falls domestic violence attorney can help you craft an effective defense against the charges being brought against you and provide representation at Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court, should it become necessary. 

Defendants facing domestic violence with sexual assault charges have even more reason to prioritize finding a skilled attorney, as conviction rates for this crime are extremely high at 98%. If you want to maximize your chances of getting the case dismissed or getting a good plea bargain, reach out to our team as soon as possible.

Defining Domestic Violence in Ohio

Ohio Code 2919.25 defines domestic violence as knowingly or recklessly causing or attempting to cause substantial physical harm to a household or family member or using threat of force to convince a household or family member to believe physical harm is imminent.

Domestic violence cases are often tried as simple assault. Other incidents that fall under this category include:

• Homicide
• Sex offenses
• Aggravated assault
• Intimidation
• Kidnapping

Although 51% of domestic violence incidents involve intimate partners, it’s also possible to commit an act of domestic violence against another member of the family or household, including:

• Parents
• Stepparents
• Children
• Stepchildren
• Children of boyfriends or girlfriends
• Siblings
• Stepsiblings
• Grandparents
• Grandchildren
• In-laws

Any act of violence committed against a family or household member can be considered domestic violence, even if that person does not live in the home.

Common Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges

If you want to fight the charges brought against you, you’ll need to craft a compelling defense. Common defense strategies include:

• False allegations or misunderstanding. Partners sometimes make false allegations against each other to gain an advantage in custody battles and other domestic issues. Misunderstandings can also occur regarding the identity of the perpetrator in chaotic domestic settings.
• Lack of sufficient evidence. Domestic violence cases cannot rely on hearsay, and they need to be supported by sufficient evidence, including physical evidence or reliable testimony. If there isn’t proof that you’ve committed domestic violence, you may be able to have the charges dropped.
• Rights violations. Police officers must have probable cause to arrest anyone for anything, including domestic violence, and they must inform the accused of their rights. A failure to follow these rules can lead to any evidence collected being considered inadmissible.
• Self-defense. This can be a powerful argument in domestic violence cases, especially if there is evidence of prior aggressive behavior.

FAQs

How Much Do Lawyers Charge for Domestic Violence Cases?

How much lawyers charge for domestic violence cases depends on a variety of factors. Complex cases and those that wind up going to trial will cost more than simple cases that can be dismissed quickly or in which the accused accepts a plea bargain early in the process. To get a clear idea of how much it will cost to defend yourself against domestic violence charges, contact law firms directly to discuss their fee schedules.

What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Ohio?

Acts that qualify as domestic violence in Ohio include any intentional attempts to recklessly cause serious physical harm to family or household members. Causing a member of the family or household to believe that physical harm is imminent by threat of force can also be considered an act of domestic violence.

Why Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Get Dismissed?

Most domestic violence cases get dismissed due to insufficient evidence, victim non-cooperation, or procedural errors. Prosecutors are allowed to drop charges if they believe the evidence is too weak or pursuing the case is not in the public interest, and victims can refuse to testify due to fear of their abusers or attempts to avoid dealing with the criminal justice system. Errors by law enforcement can also lead to a case being dismissed.

How Do You Get a Domestic Violence Case Dismissed in Ohio?

You can increase your chances of getting a domestic violence case dismissed in Ohio by hiring a skilled lawyer with experience representing similar clients successfully. There is no guarantee that you’ll be able to have a case dismissed, but if your lawyer can prove that there is insufficient evidence to support the case or procedural errors occurred during the investigation, you may be able to get the case thrown out.

Cuyahoga Falls Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of committing an act of domestic violence, you need a Cuyahoga Falls domestic violence lawyer on your side who can competently defend you against these serious charges. DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder can help. We have over 85 years of combined experience in criminal defense and an in-depth understanding of domestic violence laws. Let us bring our knowledge and experience to bear on your case. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.