Many people think you would have to commit a serious crime to get incarcerated. However, some minor incidents escalate into felony charges and turn your life upside down. For example, a minor altercation with your spouse can become a spousal abuse charge. If you get arrested for domestic violence and charges have been brought against you in a court of law, it is time to hire a competent lawyer. Here is everything you need to know about the charge and how to handle your case.
Types of Spousal Abuse
Most people think about some form of physical violence that has left a person with bruises and scars at the mention of the name domestic abuse. However, there are more ways you can be abusive to a partner without harming them physically. Emotional abuse like gas-lighting and narcissistic control can also land you in jail for spousal abuse. Additionally, the law considers all acts of sex that your partner hasn't consented to as sexual abuse, which is a form of spousal abuse. Economic abuse includes withholding finances from your partner or misusing finances. If you have violated your partner in any of the mentioned ways, they can bring charges against you.
Getting Bail for Domestic Violence
Many states have a twenty-four to forty-eight-hour hold for everyone arrested over a spousal abuse alarm. The time is supposed to let the tempers cool down and avoid violence escalation. After the mandatory hold, you can speak to a lawyer about posting bail. Often, the bail comes with terms and conditions. For instance, the court might order you to maintain no contact with your spouse when they release you on bail. You can speak to bail companies to help you post bail and leave jail.
The Possible Punishment You Face
The punishment you face following a spousal abuse charge depends on the severity of the case. You could face a misdemeanor charge, which leads to several months of incarceration. The judge might also order you to do community service or attend an anger management program. Your spousal abuse charge becomes a felony when you have sexually abused your partner, raped them, or physically assaulted them.
It is advisable to contact a lawyer after getting arrested for spousal abuse. They will step in and help you post bail and create a defense plan to earn you the best-case outcome. The charges will be less stressful when a lawyer, like one from Bail Busters, is guiding you.
