Sherea Vitelli’s Legal Blog

Domestic violence is a crime and the abuser needs to be stopped.  I have seen many people abused both physically and mentally.  Yes, I mentioned mentally.  Mental abuse comes from a boyfriends, therapist, room-mate, and/or spouse who makes you submit to them through their words or threats.  Physical abuse is visible in most instances.  Other times, the victim will result in self mutilation to deal with the lack of self confidence and coping mechanism.  I have seen an abuser force his victim to drink Drano by the simple use of threats.  Mentally abused clients have no self confidence. They cannot make a rational decision or a decision on their own without complete and utter hesitation.  I have found some victims to have been abused so long that after the abuser has left, their name still resonates fear in their mind.  Domestic violence is ugly and not tolerated.  If you are the victim, get help immediately.  If you are charged with domestic violence generally it is a Class B misdemeanor which is punishable by 180 days in jail and/or a $2000 fine.  If it is with a family member then it raises to a Class A misdemeanor punishable by 1 year in jail and/or a $4000 fine.  If there is the use of a deadly weapon then obviously it will become a state jail felony or higher.  Get the picture.   If you are caught in the middle of a domestic violence – get help and get out.  Here at Smith & Garg, LLC this is common, let me help you.