An accusation of domestic violence can tear a family apart and damage your reputation for years to come. At Tacopina, Seigel & DeOreo in New York City, our legal team vigorously defends people who are up against criminal charges for physical, emotional, mental and financial abuse. During court hearings, in discussions with prosecutors and at trial if necessary, we ensure that your side of the story is told in the most compelling way, using witness testimony, communication records, photographs and other evidence to support your case.
Domestic violence is broadly defined as one partner in an intimate partner relationship using a pattern of behaviors to exert power and control over the other partner. The relationship can be between current or former romantic partners, in-laws, parent and child, immediate and extended family members or roommates and housemates.
A wide range of crimes may be classified as domestic violence offenses, including:
Punching, kicking, biting, throwing objects and other acts may lead to assault charges.
Any nonconsensual sexual act between intimate partners may be charged as sexual assault.
Harassment involves intentional actions meant to harass, annoy or alarm another person. A stalking charge may result when harassing behaviors cause reasonable fear of harm.
The subject of alleged verbal abuse may obtain a restraining order against the perpetrator if the abuse, alleging harassment.
Words intended to instill fear of death or physical, economic or psychological harm are classified as criminal threats.
Intentionally restricting another person’s movement by restraint may be charged as unlawful imprisonment, which can be a felony or a misdemeanor.
Our criminal law attorneys, with a thorough understanding of New York’s criminal laws, can provide a strong and strategic defense to the charges filed against you.
If you are accused of committing a domestic violence crime, the family court or criminal court that handles your case will likely issue a temporary order of protection. Sometime called a restraining order, it requires a person to limit certain activities. You may be legally barred from contacting or being physically close to another person or space. An order may also require you to pay child support and surrender firearms.
The temporary order of protection will be in place while the court case is open and can thereafter be changed to a permanent order of protection, which covers a specific amount of time, up to five years.
The consequences of a domestic violence charge can affect every aspect of your life. In New York, a law enforcement officers who receives a report of a felony act of domestic violence is legally required to arrest the alleged offender. The mandatory arrest rule also applies when a person violates his or her order of protection by making contact with a protected party or by committing a family-related offense. In addition to the limitations of an order of protection, you may face the loss of your child custody rights and face jail time, probation and/or monetary fines. You may also be required to undergo anger management. We can represent you at every stage of a domestic violence case, from dealing with the original charges to limiting the impact on your freedom.
The attorneys at Tacopina, Seigel & DeOreo defend clients accused of domestic violence charges in courts throughout the state. We are conveniently located near Grand Central Station in New York City. Call 212-227-8877 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.