Domestic Violence Lawyers Blacktown

Expert Blacktown Domestic Violence Lawyers

What is a Domestic Violence offence?

Domestic violence is defined as any offence committed by a person against a member of the family with whom the person shares or has shared a domestic relationship. This is contained in the Crimes (Personal and Domestic Violence) Act 2007.

What is a Domestic Relationship?

A domestic relationship includes:

• Family members (including children) even if they don’t live with the offender
• Wives, ex-wives, husbands, ex-husbands, partners, ex-partners etc

Types of Domestic Violence offence and penalties?

1. Common Assault (dv related) – The maximum penalty for common assault domestic violence related is a term of imprisonment of 2 years.
2. Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (dv related) – The maximum penalty for Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm domestic violence related is 5 years imprisonment, although there is a jurisdictional limit in the Local Court of 2 years gaol.
3. Stalk and./or Intimidation intent to cause fear (dv related) – The maximum penalty for stalk and/or intimidate is 5 years prison. However, in the Local Court, the maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment or a fine of $5,500. The prosecution must also prove that the offender had the intention to cause mental or physical harm.
4. Reckless Wounding (dv related) – Reckless Wounding carries a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment. If the offence was committed while in company of another person and involved grievous bodily harm, the maximum penalty increases to 14 years gaol.
5. Malicious Damage of Property – The maximum penalty for malicious damage will depends on the value of the property and which court the case it is heard in. In the Local Court, if the property was worth more than $5,000, the maximum sentence is up to 24 months imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $11,000. However, if the property that was destroyed or damaged was valued at less than $5,000, the maximum penalty is 12 months imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $5,500. If the property is valued at less than $2,000, the maximum penalty becomes a $2,200 fine.

How to beat Domestic Violence Offence?

Our Blacktown Domestic Violence Lawyers can negotiate with the police to have the charges withdrawn or downgraded. This is through a process of writing “representations” to the police. If the representations are unsuccessful, the case may proceed to a “hearing date” where one of our Blacktown Domestic Violence Lawyers will defend you against your domestic violence charge.

Our Blacktown domestic violence lawyers can assist if you’re facing allegations of domestic violence. We specialise in domestic violence offences and will assist each step of the way. Our Blacktown domestic violence lawyers are committed to providing effective representation to protect you and your loved ones. Contact us today!