Skip to Content

Ohio’s Trusted Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence is more complex compared to other areas of criminal law; accusations are often based on hearsay or various interpretations of the facts. Ohio law recognizes several forms of domestic violence, and it’s treated very seriously, with penalties ranging from jail time and fines to restraining orders and mandatory therapy. Domestic violence charges can carry massive repercussions, impacting not only your legal standing but also your personal and professional life. At Jay Perez Law, we understand the sensitive nature of domestic violence cases and work diligently to defend your rights while protecting your future.

Our Columbus-based domestic violence attorneys provide legal assistance for the following charges: 

  • Domestic Assault
  • Sexual Battery
  • Stalking/Menacing by Stalking
  • Protection Order Violations
  • False Accusations
  • Rape
  • Negotiation & Plea Bargains
  • And More

At Jay Perez Law, our legal team provides compassionate and experienced representation, ensuring that each case is handled carefully. Whether you face accusations from a misunderstanding or a more complex situation, we are committed to building a solid defense tailored to your unique circumstances. Our Ohio domestic violence lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, offering support and expertise to help you make informed decisions. Reach out to us and experience how we can give you a critical inside edge when dealing with domestic violence defense cases.

Domestic Violence Sentencing Guidelines

Each domestic violence case will result in different penalties and may result in mandatory prison sentences. To help your case, it’s wise to study and understand the sentencing guidelines for domestic violence charges. The state of Ohio acknowledges various types of domestic violence, such as recklessly or knowingly inflicting physical harm on an individual. Additionally, Ohio law also recognizes the threat of violence as a form of domestic violence. The following sentencing guidelines on both a federal and state level can change depending on the severity of the crime, prior offenses, and many other factors: 

Federal

For Ohio’s criminal cases acknowledged in federal court, the United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines apply to people convicted of felonies and Class A misdemeanors. These guidelines determine sentencing based on two main factors: the severity of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal history. The guidelines feature 43 offense levels and 6 criminal history categories, divided into 4 sentencing zones that determine the length of incarceration. Combining your domestic violence-related offense level and criminal history will place your case in one of these zones. Guidelines can also be adjusted due to the court instigating departures, increasing or decreasing the sentence, or other factors.

Federal law is very complex; convictions usually result in strict consequences and long incarceration times. Without a professional attorney by your side, it’s challenging to understand federal law for domestic violence charges thoroughly. Jay Perez Law’s team has over 20 years of experience representing domestic violence cases—and we’ve been trusted to get the best possible outcome for our clients. Our Columbus, Ohio, domestic violence attorneys are diligent, empathetic, and attentive to your needs, and we’re experts at navigating the intricacies of the federal legal system—Trust Jay Perez Law to handle your case with professionalism and proper representation.

Ohio

On a state level, Ohio separates misdemeanors into 5 levels: M1, M2, M3, M4, and MM, with M1 being the most serious and MM (Minor Misdemeanor) being the least. Felony offenses are also categorized into 5 levels: F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5. First-degree felonies (F1) have the most life-altering penalties, while fifth-degree felonies (F5) are the least serious. For both misdemeanors and felonies, several circumstances can affect the final sentence. Working with a domestic violence lawyer who understands your case and offers adequate representation in court is key.

Felony Level    Prison Time   Maximum Fine

F1

3-11 years

$20,000

F2

2-8 years

$15,000

F3

12-60 months** or 9-36 months

$10,000

F4

6-18 months

$5,000

F5

6-12 months

$2,500

**Longer sentence range applies to aggravated vehicular homicide and assaults, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, sex with a minor, and robbery and burglary with two or more separate aggravated or non-aggravated robberies or burglaries, as well as certain F-3 drug offenses.

Misdemeanor Level                  Jail Time    Maximum Fine

M1

Up to 180 days

$1,000

M2

Up to 90 days

$750

M3

Up to 60 days

$500

M4

Up to 30 days

$250

MM

None

$150

It can be intimidating to navigate Ohio’s sentencing guidelines alone—but Jay Perez Law’s team is here to make it easy. Our Columbus-based domestic violence attorneys know the ins and outs of federal and state law, and we aim to ensure your voice is heard in court. Our attentive attorneys are dedicated, knowledgeable, and available 24/7 to offer support.

Ohio’s Dedicated Domestic Violence Attorneys 

If you’re facing severe domestic violence charges, it’s crucial to have a skilled attorney who understands the complexities of your case. Jay Perez Law is dedicated to providing you with a strong defense, protecting your rights, and helping you confidently navigate the legal system. Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to us today for a consultation, and let us start building a solid defense on your behalf.