Brunswick Domestic Violence Lawyer

Brunswick Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence cases can carry harsh sentences, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you have been charged with domestic violence, it may seem hopeless to fight back. Yet, defending against domestic violence charges with the help of a Brunswick domestic violence lawyer can protect your rights and your future. 

Why Work With DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder

With over 50 years of combined experience, the Brunswick criminal defense attorneys at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder are deeply familiar with domestic violence laws and Ohio’s legal processes in criminal trials. We pursue outcomes like not-guilty verdicts, dismissed charges, and lowered penalties wherever possible. 

Our guidance throughout this process can not only achieve the outcome you want but also alleviate your stress by explaining legal procedures and building a strong defense. 

Domestic Violence Cases in Brunswick

In 2025, domestic violence caused 157 deaths in Ohio. Ohio’s domestic violence laws prohibit recklessly or knowingly causing harm or imminent fear of harm to people in your household. In the U.S., about 3.3 million children experience domestic violence each year.

Most domestic violence situations in Brunswick are responded to by the Brunswick Hills Police Department or the Brunswick Division of Police. Officers often act quickly to arrest and charge you. 

Understanding Types of Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence offenses can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense, prior convictions, and the circumstances of the offense.

Misdemeanor charges can be fourth, third, second, or first-degree misdemeanors. Misdemeanor charges are less serious offenses compared to felony charges, but still carry severe consequences. You may be charged with a misdemeanor if you made threats or caused fear without causing physical harm.

You may be charged with a fifth, fourth, or third-degree felony. Felony charges can lead to time in prison and higher fines than misdemeanor charges. Causing physical harm to a family or household member can become a felony charge through the presence of aggravating factors. 

These are factors that increase the seriousness of an offense and can lead to higher penalties. Common examples of aggravating factors in a domestic violence case include:

• Causing serious bodily injury or death
• Previous domestic violence convictions
• Pregnant victim
• The involvement of a firearm or other deadly weapon

Ohio’s Domestic Violence Penalties

Domestic violence can lead to consequences such as mandatory anger management classes, protective orders against you, and a permanent criminal record. These consequences can impact your personal relationships, create issues in child custody cases, and cause difficulty finding employment. 

Jail or prison sentences and fines are the most common court-ordered penalties. However, sentencing guidelines depend on the degree of your charges, for example:

• Fourth-degree misdemeanors. Up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250 
• Third-degree misdemeanors. Up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500
• Second-degree misdemeanors. Up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750
• First-degree misdemeanors. Up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• Fifth-degree felonies. Between six and 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. 
• Fourth-degree felonies. Between six and 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. 
• Third-degree felonies. Between nine months and three years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. 

Why You Should Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer

A Brunswick domestic violence attorney can help you from the time of your arrest through sentencing. Their advocacy for you and your case can lead to outcomes such as dismissed charges, reduced penalties, or reduced charges. They can identify and develop a strong defense strategy unique to your case. Common defenses against these charges can include:

• Acting in self-defense or in defense of another. Acting in self-defense can lead to dismissed charges, but may require proving that the amount and duration of force were appropriate in the situation. 
• An accident caused the injury. This defense can be used if you are alleged to have caused an injury that the victim sustained during an accident, not through your actions. 
• Another person caused the injury. This defense can apply if the victim’s injuries were assumed to be caused by you but were actually caused by another person. 

FAQs

Who Can Be a Victim in a Domestic Violence Case?

Domestic violence charges can be filed after causing physical harm or the threat of harm to many different people in your household or family. The victim of a domestic violence case could be a:

• Spouse or domestic partner
• Former spouse
• Child
• Parents, siblings, or other relatives of you or relatives of your spouse

What Types of Evidence Can Be Used in a Domestic Violence Case?

A variety of evidence can be used in a domestic violence case. Medical records, witness statements, DNA evidence, photos, and videos from the offense or of visible injuries, and police reports can all be used in a domestic violence trial. If you hire a domestic violence lawyer, they can collect exculpatory evidence that proves your innocence, such as an alibi for when the offense occurred or security camera footage of another person causing the injuries. 

What if the Victim Was Pregnant During the Offense?

If the victim of a domestic violence offense was pregnant, there may be higher penalties. Causing serious injury to the unborn or terminating the pregnancy can lead to a mandatory minimum prison term of 12 months for fourth and fifth-degree felonies. Depending on what charges you have, you may need to have been aware of the pregnancy to face increased penalties.  

What Rights Do You Have During a Domestic Violence Investigation?

You have several rights during a domestic violence investigation. You have the right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination when you are arrested. You also have the right to legal counsel and can contact a Brunswick domestic violence lawyer for guidance. Additionally, you have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. 

Learn How a Brunswick Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help

If you are charged with domestic violence, contact DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder to learn how our experienced lawyers can help you move forward after these charges by pursuing lighter sentences, reduced charges, and case dismissal.