Are you familiar with the consequences of domestic violence charges in North Carolina? If you aren’t, you should be.
Domestic violence is a grave offense, and if convicted, you or a loved one could face life-long consequences.
Domestic violence charges can be confusing when defining what counts as a “personal relationship” or knowing the actions a victim can take against their aggressor.
Here’s what you need to know about domestic violence charges in North Carolina. If you or a loved one have found yourself in a domestic dispute or need to know what to do, call a lawyer and bail bonds services immediately.
What Defines Domestic Violence Charges?
In North Carolina, domestic violence is defined as a crime committed against someone with whom you have a personal relationship with. The following offenses are recognized as domestic violence charges in North Carolina.
- Attempting to cause bodily harm to someone
- Making someone afraid of their’s or their family’s life
- Committing rape or any sexual offense
- Harassing someone to the point of emotional distress
- Tormenting or terrifying repeated behavior
- Criminal trespassing
- Disclosure of private images
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Domestic homicide
Essentially, any harassment or stalking behavior can be considered a domestic violence charge. If the courts believe it, the victim can take out a domestic violence protective order (DVPO).
If the threat of harm is imminent, a judge can put the victim under an ex-parte temporary protective order for 72 hours. This secures the victim’s safety while the courts can file the DVPO.
What Counts as a ‘Personal Relationship’?
Under the domestic protection laws a personal relationship is defined as two people who are apart of the following groups:
- Are or were previously married
- Live together or have lived together
- Related as a parent to child or grandparent to child
- Have a child together
- Are or were in a romantic relationship
If a DVPO has been filed and the aggressor is found guilty of domestic violence, the court can place extra restrictions on their sentence. For example, if they are found guilty, and the judge finds out there are previous offenses with this partner, they can face a Class H felony.
Some domestic violence charges don’t require a specific personal relationship, such as the case of stalking.
Possible Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges
Depending on the crime committed and the details of the personal relationship, a judge may sentence extra duties.
These duties may include extra rehabilitation treatment and drug/alcohol classes. In some cases involving minors, the court may sentence child support payments, and in some cases not allowed to see their children.
In North Carolina, judges tend to rule cautiously when dealing with domestic violence cases. The definition of a personal relationship can vary with each case. In cases that the victim was not caused physical harm, it can be difficult to prove the guilt of the aggressor.
What to Do if Facing Domestic Violence Charges
If you, or a loved one, have been arrested on domestic violence charges, bail bonds services should be your first call.
It can be a scary and confusing time, and our professionals can help guide you through the entire process. If you live in, or near, the Greenville area, contact us today!
