Certain crimes are considered domestic violence, or family violence under Georgia law. Felonies, battery, simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint and criminal trespass are covered under Georgia's family violence law. Additionally, you may be charged under the family violence act if you commit any of these offenses against:
- past or present spouses
- persons who are parents of the same child
- parents and children
- stepparents and stepchildren
- foster parents and foster children
- other persons living or formerly living in the same household
Unlike many of the same crimes that are not prosecuted under the Family Violence Act, the above-listed crimes often become high and aggravated misdemeanors under the FVA. Prosecutors often require many more terms and conditions to be completed under any plea deal where family violence has occurred. You may also be subject to a family violence protective order if the other party applies for one. A violation of these protective orders can become a separate felony crime.
If you have been charged for a crime of family violence, call us today to speak about defending your case. Even an altercation between two people dating can be prosecuted under family violence and the charges will have long-lasting implications if not defended properly. Both Mr. Zeliff and Mr. Watson have extensive experience in defending against family violence crimes.