Domestic/Family Violence Act is a subset of violent crimes determined by the relationship between the defendant and victim. “Family Violence” is defined as any felony, or act of battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint, or criminal trespass that involves past or present spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household.
The relationship between the “offender” and the “victim” can give rise to different sentences under the above-mentioned charges under Assault and Battery. It can also change, depending on the number of times charged, the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony, resulting in far greater sentences including the possibility of prison.
Family Violence Act also provides the “victim” the chance to apply for a Domestic Violence Temporary Protective Order (TPO), which, while a civil matter, can have serious consequences on future criminal sentences/sanctions. The entry of a TPO has consequences including entry into the Georgia Protective Order Registry run by the Criminal Information Center; require psychological or other treatment; the court can grant custody, child support and even spousal support in a TPO hearing.
The attorneys at Perrotta, Cahn & Associates represent clients throughout Georgia. We have offices conveniently located around Northwest Georgia. To schedule a free consultation with a lawyer at our firm, call us toll-free at 866-382-8900 or visit us online at www.northgafamilylawyer.com.
We have offices in: Cartersville, Calhoun, Dalton and Dallas
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