If you are charged with domestic violence in Berks County, PA you need a strong defense to protect your constitutional rights. Domestic violence cases are treated very seriously by law enforcement and the courts. However, all too often accusations of violence stem from family problems, rather than violence that actually occurred.
Whatever the circumstances of your case are, an experienced Berks County Domestic Violence attorney is ready to defend your case and protect your constitutional rights.
Domestic Violence Charges in Berks County, PA
There are different crimes that all fall within the purview of the "domestic violence" definition. Domestic violence offenses that are common in Berks County include:
- Harassment
- Stalking
- False Imprisonment
- Child Abuse
- Sexual Assault
- Violation of a Protective Order
- Endangering the Welfare of Children
- Kidnapping
- Homicide
- Domestic Assault
"Domestic abuse" is defined as causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, rape, sexual assault with or without a weapon, false imprisonment, or child abuse knowingly or intentionally to a family or household member. A "family or household member" includes:
- Spouse
- Ex-spouse
- Persons related by blood
- Persons related by marriage
- Persons who have a biological child together
- Current sexual partners
- Former sexual partners
- Cohabiters
- Persons who have previously cohabited
Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges in Pennsylvania
While any of the above crimes listed can be considered domestic violence if they occur against a family or household member, certain crimes are the most common. Their potential penalties are listed below:
Harassment
Harassment occurs when a person makes physical contact, follows a person, communicates repeatedly with them, or repeatedly engages in conduct to influence another. Harassment charges can lead to penalties that include:
- up to 90 days in jail
- up to $300 fine
Stalking
Stalking occurs when a person repeatedly follows or communicates with another person and that causes the person to suffer severe emotional distress or a reasonable fear of bodily injury. Penalties include:
- 2.5-5 years or 3.5 to 7 years in jail, depending on classification
- $10,000 or $15,000 fine, depending on classification
False Imprisonment
False imprisonment occurs when a person knowingly and unlawfully restrains another against his or her will. Penalties include:
- 1 to 2 years in prison
- up to a $5,000 fine
Child Abuse
Child abuse occurs when a parent or guardian knowingly endangers the welfare of a child through reckless or negligent actions. Penalties include:
- 2.5 to 5 years, or 3.5 to 7 years, depending on classification
- up to $10,000 or $15,000 fine, depending on classification
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault occurs when a person engages in sexual intercourse with a person against his or her consent or with a person unable to give consent. Penalties include:
- 5 to 10 years in prison
- up to a $25,000 fine
Protective Order Violations
Protective orders grant certain people protection from contact or harassment by another. It may set limits on how a person can be contacted, and the distance a person must remain away from another.
Violating a protective order can lead to serious criminal penalties, including a contempt citation, 6 months in prison, and a $1,000 fine.
Consult an Experienced Berks County Domestic Violence Attorney
Attorney Joseph D. Lento is ready to put his years of experience to work for you. He will craft a unique defense to protect your constitutional rights.
If you have been arrested and charged with domestic violence in Pennsylvania, an experienced Berks County Domestic Violence attorney will fight for your constitutional rights. Call (888) 535-3686 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation of your case.
