DOMESTIC ASSAULT

Minnesota Domestic Assault Lawyer

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All it took was a call to 911 and now your life has been turned completely upside down. You need someone who can stand up for you and your rights and push back against a system that convicts and punishes before all the facts are in. Days in jail can lead to stress, job loss, or loss of reputation. A no contact order can keep you from your home, property and loved ones - all before you have been found guilty of doing anything wrong.

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There isn’t going to be a fair and impartial investigation into your innocence. While this may seem unfair, this is how the system works. You need an attorney on your side that understands the system and how to stand up for your rights. A domestic assault conviction, or any qualified domestic violence related offense, such as stalking, violation of a harassment restraining order, an order for protection, or interference with a 911 call, can have serious consequences for your job, professional license, ability to find housing, and right to possesses a firearm.

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If you have been arrested, charged, or questioned by the police, because of domestic assault allegations, contact Eric Doolittle and the legal team at Lighthouse Defense. Make the first strong move toward protecting what’s important to you.

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Minnesota Domestic Assault Law

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Domestic assault is an assault committed against a family or household member; your spouse, children, roommate, boyfriend or girlfriend, family, or anyone that you have a child in common with. Like assault, physical contact is not required, only that someone committed an act intending to cause fear of immediate bodily harm. Unfortunately, even a heated argument can turn into a domestic assault charge when someone calls 911.

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Also like assault, or a DWI, domestic assault is an “enhanceable offense.” This means that any previous qualified domestic violence related offense, such as a violation of an order for protection, harassment charges, or even an unrelated assault, can make your current charge more serious. In the case of someone who had two previous convictions for qualifying offenses, the same conduct that fits a misdemeanor charge, becomes a felony.

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Domestic Assault by Strangulation

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Besides having prior domestic related convictions, the other way domestic assault can become a felony offense is when someone is charged with domestic assault by strangulation. This offense alleges that as a result of an assault, a family or household member had their normal breathing restricted or impeded. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to see this charged with very little evidence to back it up. Domestic assault by strangulation is punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

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Domestic Assault Attorney in Minnesota

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The stakes are high. You need to protect what’s important to you. You need an experienced Minnesota domestic assault lawyer to defend your rights. Call Eric Doolittle and the team at Lighthouse Defense to set up a free and confidential case evaluation.