Domestic Violence Attorney in Kenosha, Wisconsin

35 Years of Criminal Defense Experience

Domestic violence crimes are aggressively pursued in the state of Wisconsin in an effort to protect household members and their children. These are offenses are sensitive, often complicated, and generally emotionally charged. They are often not black and white. Despite this, if police officers respond to a 911 call regarding domestic violence, they may make an arrest after listening to both parties tell their story. In some cases, those stories are false, misleading, or exaggerated and do not form an accurate or whole picture of the incident.

At the Law Office of John Anthony Ward, you can retain the services of a defender who has 35 years of experience, is a seasoned trial lawyer, and who will fight to protect your rights and best interests from start to finish. Our Kenosha domestic violence defense attorney will ensure that you understand your legal position at every phase and will provide the guidance you need throughout to make informed decisions. We understand the high stakes and complexity involved in such cases, in how deeply they can affect you and your family and will make every effort to help you achieve a favorable outcome.

What is Domestic Violence in Wisconsin?

Domestic violence is referred to as domestic abuse under Wisconsin law and includes the intentional infliction of pain, injury, or illness. It can also include sexual assault as well as acting in such a way as to threaten the victim and put him or her in fear of imminent harm.

Domestic violence occurs between the following individuals:

• Spouses and former spouses

• Individuals living together or who have formerly lived together

• Co-parents

• Individuals in a dating relationship

It can also apply to caregivers of adults and the elderly when they abuse those in their care.

Police officers are required to make an arrest if they believe that the abuse is likely to continue, if they see evidence that a party has been injured, and if they believe they are arresting the primary aggressor. Their decisions are based on their investigation of the incident when they arrive on the scene.

Penalties for Domestic Violence

Being convicted of a domestic violence crime can have a dramatic impact on many aspects of your life such as, substantial prison sentences and large fines. You may not only face criminal penalties, but you may lose the right to see your children and the right to own a firearm. If you have been arrested for a domestic violence offense in or around Kenosha, you should not further discuss your case with the police or anyone else without legal representation.

No-Contact Orders

Once you have been arrested for domestic abuse, you will be prohibited from making any contact with the alleged victim for 72 hours. Violating this no-contact rule carries penalties of a fine of up to $10,000 and/or nine months in jail. Furthermore, after this, if the court deems it necessary, a restraining order may be issued which continues the no-contact rule. If you are named in a restraining order, you will have to find elsewhere to live, may lose custody of your children, and be forced to abide by other restrictions.

Common Charges in Domestic Abuse

Common charges in a domestic abuse arrest consist of battery and substantial battery. Battery refers to causing bodily harm which is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to nine months in jail and/or fines of up to $10,000. Substantial battery is defined as causing substantial bodily harm, is charged as a Class I felony, and carries penalties of up to three and a half years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.