Criminal Defense Attorney Valparaiso & Valparaiso Family Law Lawyer
call: (219) 575-8565
Domestic Violence
This is probably the top lawyers that you can find. They are very professional. They respond very quickly and both Tara and Mark have really made a positive impact on changing my life.
DUI
Client Was Unable to Drive Following DUIs
Result
Full license restoration and driving privileges were successfully reinstated after meeting all requirements.
Theft
Defendant Accused of Theft Faces Severe Penalties
Result
After investigation, negotiation with the State of Indiana, and working with the Court, charges were dropped.
Misdemeanor Offense
Accused Faces Harsh Sentencing for a Minor Offense
Result
Despite facing harsh sentencing for a minor offense, our legal team argued for a reduced sentence, arguing mitigating factors.
Northwest Indiana Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you have been accused of domestic violence in Indiana, you need a qualified, competent lawyer on your side to help you improve your case outcomes.
Domestic violence charges are serious, and without the proper representation, you could receive a prison sentence of up to 30 years for a domestic violence conviction. However, having professional legal representation from our criminal defense lawyer in Valparaiso, Indiana, can help you navigate your case effectively and minimize your sentence.
At Worthley Law, we have experience successfully representing clients accused of domestic violence in Valparaiso or the surrounding areas. Call today to schedule your consultation.
Domestic Violence Defined
According to the Department of Justice, domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior within a familial relationship. The perpetrator typically uses abusive behavior to gain power or control over the victim.
Domestic violence can include various types of abusive behavior, including any of the following:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Economic abuse (controlling or restraining access to resources)
- Psychological abuse
- Technological abuse (stalking, controlling internet devices)
The term “domestic” refers to an act of violence against someone within your family or household. A domestic relationship can include:
- Marriage
- Cohabitation
- Blood relationship
- Intimate relationship (not always sexual)
- De-facto relationship
Indiana Domestic Violence Statistics and Laws
According to a 2021 survey, 42.5% of women and 27.9% of men in Indiana experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Local domestic violence hotlines experience over 19,000 calls each day, averaging 13 calls per minute.
Indiana state law refers to domestic violence as “domestic battery” and involves any physical action that causes injury. The law also outlines aggravated battery, which leads to the chance of severe injury, permanent disfigurement, or death.
Domestic assault may also fall under domestic violence charges. Assault involves intentional acts that cause a person to fear imminent physical harm.
However, the law states other offenses that many people would classify as domestic violence, including:
- Invasion of privacy
- Intimidation
- Harassment
- Confinement
- Strangulation
Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A domestic violence conviction in Indiana can lead to criminal penalties and collateral consequences. The severity of your penalties depends on the exact circumstances surrounding the domestic violence. Indiana can classify domestic violence as a level 2 through 6 felony or class A misdemeanor. Each results in varying penalties:
- Level 2 felony: Ten to 30 years in prison
- Level 3 felony: Three to 16 years in prison
- Level 4 felony: Two to 12 years in prison
- Level 5 felony: 12 to 72 months in prison
- Level 6 felony: Six to 30 months in prison
These felonies can also come with up to $10,000 in fines. A class A misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in county jail and up to $5,000 in fines.
If you have previous domestic violence charges or convictions, your penalties may be harsher. Meanwhile, first-time offenders tend to receive lighter sentences.
Additionally, a domestic violence conviction will go on your criminal record. Having a criminal record can lead to a range of collateral consequences, such as:
- Difficulty finding housing
- Trouble landing a job
- Child custody challenges
- Loss of gun rights
- Trouble securing professional licenses
One of the most effective ways to reduce your criminal penalties is to work with a qualified domestic violence attorney. Our team at Worthley Legal has the experience, resources, and dedication necessary to represent you well.
How a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Valparaiso, Indiana Can Help
When you receive criminal charges, you must strategically navigate the following days, weeks, and months to minimize your consequences and avoid incriminating yourself. Whether you’re familiar with the criminal justice system or not, you can’t expect to know the best ways to move forward after your charges. Instead, you need a qualified attorney guiding you every step of the way.
When you hire our team of domestic violence lawyers, we can provide the following services to assist your case:
- Investigate the charges against you and the officers’ conduct
- Provide legal advice and guidance
- Help you navigate the legal process
- Develop a theory of defense
- Communicate with your family
- Gather evidence to support your case
- Represent you in court
We’ll provide the qualified assistance necessary to help you navigate your case effectively.
Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges
Presenting a solid defense against your criminal charges is an important step in receiving an acquittal. Here are a few defenses we have raised for clients in the past:
False Accusation
One of the most common defenses against domestic violence is false accusation. Someone could have claimed that you committed domestic violence, but they may not have any proof or reasoning behind the claim. They may have made the story up out of anger.
When you receive a criminal charge, you are innocent until proven guilty. As a result, the prosecution must provide evidence that you committed the act of violence stated in your charges. If they cannot find this evidence, they may not have a basis for conviction.
Self-Defense
Domestic violence situations sometimes occur when both parties act violently toward each other. If your spouse or family member attacked you, you might have defended yourself by fighting back, leading to an injury.
Self-defense is a reasonable excuse for domestic violence. However, you must prove that you protected yourself from more significant harm. Our team can help you gather evidence to support a self-defense claim.
Accidental Injuries
Sometimes, accidents happen in the home that result in injuries. However, the law defines domestic violence as intentional. If you did not intend to hurt the other party, they may not have a basis for their domestic violence claim.
However, proving that an injury was not intentional can be challenging. You need a qualified defense attorney to help you determine whether this defense applies to your case.
Contact Our Team Today
At Worthley Law, we have experience in various criminal defense matters and can put our knowledge and skillset to work to represent you. Our criminal defense attorney, Mark Worthley, spent six years as a Deputy Prosecutor in Indiana, so he knows the other side of the table. He can help you develop a strong defense and guide you through resolving your criminal charges.
Contact us today to schedule your case evaluation.
What Our Real
Clients Are saying
This is probably the top lawyers that you can find. They are very professional. They respond very quickly and both Tara and Mark have really made a positive impact on changing my life.
I would like you thank you again, Worthley Law for being there in my time of such distress, with custody and other legal matters. I just can't thank you enough! Bless you.
I hired Mark for multiple cases, he was extremely professional and always stayed up to date and in contact with planning. He went above and beyond for my family and did everything he possibly could. He took my cases as serious as I did. I will forever be grateful.
I have a very good lawyer. I have absolutely no complaints about him at all.
I highly recommend Worthley Law. Mark and Tara take the time to listen to your needs. With all of their prior legal experiences they take pride in helping their clients.
Outstanding work and extremely professional. My case was handled promptly, and I was utmost satisfied with their work in the field. Will recommend to others in need.
He is a great Attorney, I have used him a couple of times to help me with my disabled daughter and he gets it done, he has done everything that I have asked him to do and also advised me about others. He is very knowledgeable and I appreciate it.
What an amazing experience! I no longer live in Indiana but Mark Worthley was able to handle my case with ease, He made sure that I didn’t have to fly in for court, which was definitely a relief due to me currently residing in Florida. He’s very responsive with every question I had. I highly recommend Worthley Law!!
Mark is a great lawyer who will do everything he can to help you out, I would recommend him to anyone!
Mark is very professional and did amazing on my case for me!!! Highly recommend!!! Very knowledgeable and WORTH every penny!!!
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