A person charged with domestic violence in Northampton County, PA faces a difficult charge and potentially serious penalties. These types of cases are treated very seriously by the courts and Pennsylvania law enforcement. Sadly though, so many people are falsely accused and are actually innocent of the charges.
An experienced Northampton County Domestic Violence attorney can build a unique defense based on your case. You can fight the charges against you.
Domestic Violence Charges in Northampton County, PA
There are a serious of different crimes that may be considered "domestic violence" under Pennsylvania law. Domestic violence offenses that are common in Northampton County include:
- Violation of a Protective Order
- Stalking
- False Imprisonment
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Endangering the Welfare of Children
- Kidnapping
- Harassment
- Homicide
Important Definitions
The term "domestic abuse" means to cause or attempt to cause bodily injury, sexual assault, or rape with or without a weapon, child abuse, or false imprisonment intentionally or knowingly against a family or household member.
A "family or household member" includes the following:
- Current sexual partners
- Former sexual partners
- Spouse
- Ex-spouse
- Persons related by blood
- Persons who have previously cohabited
- Persons who have a biological child together
- Cohabiters
- Persons related by marriage
Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges in Pennsylvania
While there are more crimes that can be charged as domestic violence as shown above, the following are a few of the most commonly charged domestic violence offenses, as well as their potential penalties:
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 the classification
- up to $10,000 or $15,000 fine, depending on the 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
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
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
Violations of Protective Orders
Protective orders, known as Protection from Abuse orders, help to protect people from alleged perpetrators. These orders are strictly enforced, and violations of them are serious issues.
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 Northampton County Domestic Violence Attorney
Attorney Joseph D. Lento is a skilled and highly motivated attorney who will put his full effort into your legal defense.
If you have been arrested and charged with domestic violence in Pennsylvania, an experienced Northampton 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.
