A person charged with domestic violence in Lancaster County, PA faces a serious criminal charge. You will need a strong defense to protect your constitutional rights. These charges are treated very seriously by Pennsylvania law enforcement. Sadly, many accusations are false and stem from family issues rather than any actual violence.
With the help of the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense team, you can ensure your constitutional rights are protected. You do not have to face this process alone.
Domestic Violence Charges in Lancaster County, PA
There are many different offenses that fall within the umbrella of the definition of "domestic violence." Domestic violence offenses that are common in Lancaster County include:
- Endangering the Welfare of Children
- Stalking
- False Imprisonment
- Violation of a Protective Order
- Child Abuse
- Harassment
- Sexual Assault
- Homicide
- Kidnapping
- Domestic Assault
The term "domestic abuse" is defined as causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, sexual assault, or rape with or without a weapon, child abuse, or false imprisonment either knowingly or intentionally to a family or household member.
"Family or household member" includes:
- Spouse
- Ex-spouse
- Persons related by marriage
- Persons related by blood
- Cohabiters
- Persons who have a biological child together
- Current sexual partners
- Former sexual partners
- Persons who have previously cohabited
Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges in Pennsylvania
Certain crimes are among the most commonly charged as domestic violence in Pennsylvania. The penalties for each are listed for you below:
Stalking
Stalking happens when a person repeatedly communicates or follows with another person and that causes that individual 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 the classification
- $10,000 or $15,000 fine, depending on the classification
False Imprisonment
False imprisonment takes place when a person unlawfully and knowingly restrains another against his or her will. Penalties include:
- 1 to 2 years in prison
- up to a $5,000 fine
Harassment
Harassment takes place when a person follows another, makes physical contact, 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
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
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
Protective Order Violations
Protective orders grant certain protections to a person that include an order to a suspect not to contact the protected person, or to be within a certain distance of the protected person.
Violating a protective order can lead to serious penalties, including a contempt citation, 6 months in prison, and a $1,000 fine.
Consult an Experienced Lancaster County Criminal Defense Team
The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense team, is highly experienced andvready to put that experience to work for you. They will create a unique defense developed in your case's unique needs.
If you have been arrested and charged with domestic violence in Pennsylvania, the LLF Law Firm will fight for your constitutional rights. Call (888) 535-3686 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation of your case.
