Domestic Violence Definition and Statistics
Domestic violence is a pattern of learned behavior in which one person uses physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse to control another person. According to the Michigan State Police, there are approximately 100,000 reported victims and more than 100 murders related to domestic violence every year. This article answers the questions, “what are the domestic violence laws in Michigan?”
Facing domestic violence charges? Do you have a domestic violence conviction you’d like expunged? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.
Michigan’s Definition of Assault Crimes
Michigan’s domestic violence law is found at MCL 750.81 within the assault crime statutes.
To understand the crime best known as domestic violence, one must first understand what constitutes assault and assault and battery.
- Assault is defined as an intentional illegal act that caused another to reasonably fear an immediate battery.
- Assault and Battery is the intentional forceful, violent or offensive touching, however slight or minor, of another, or something closely connected with the person of another.
Domestic violence cases are similar to assault and assault and battery cases.
However, they involve individuals with special relationships.
Under Michigan law, domestic violence is an assault or assault and battery by a:
- spouse
- former spouse
- person residing or having resided in the same household as the victim
- person having a child in common with the victim
- person with whom he/she has or has had a dating relationship
How Does Michigan Law Classify Domestic Violence?
Although other states have various degrees of domestic violence, Michigan is not one of them.
Michigan uses two classifications of domestic violence; domestic assault and aggravated domestic assault.
Domestic Assault Charges and Penalties
The penalties for domestic assault are:
- 1st Offense: Misdemeanor; 93 days in jail and/or fine up to $500
- 2nd Offense: Misdemeanor; 1 year in jail and/or fine up to $1,000
- 3rd Offense: Felony; 5 years in prison and/or fine up to $5,000
With this charge, the victim doesn’t need to be injured.
Criminal convictions for domestic assault may also include court-ordered probation, counseling, community service, etc.
Aggravated Domestic Assault Charges and Penalties
To be charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault, the victim must receive serious or aggravated injuries (i.e. injuries requiring immediate medical attention).
Additional Charges
When other facts are present in a domestic violence altercation, the prosecutor can authorize felony charges under Michigan’s assault statues. The most common felony charges usually are:
- Assault with a dangerous weapon: four years in prison
- Assault with intent to do great bodily harm (GBH): 10 years in prison
- Assault by strangulation or suffocation: 10 years in prison
Domestic Assault Cases Involve Unique Evidentiary Issues
If an alleged victim of domestic violence revokes their statements regarding the abuse, the case against the accused will not be dismissed.
If an individual is charged with domestic assault, prior acts of domestic violence are admissible into evidence.
In domestic assault cases, the statements of the victim, or complaint, are admissible.
Bond for Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic assault is a serious charge that requires prompt legal attention.
An individual arrested for domestic violence cannot be released from jail on an interim bond set by the jail.
The person must be held until he or she can be arraigned, or has an interim bond set by a judge or magistrate. Bond will usually involve numerous conditions, including no contact with the alleged victim and travel restrictions.
How a Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help You
A domestic violence conviction can lead to other legal problems.
For instance, a conviction of domestic assault may lead to issues with immigration and/or child custody.
An arrest for assaultive behavior may also result in professional licensing issues. This is especially true for individuals who are employed in the medical field or work with children.
Facing domestic violence charges? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.
Attorney Morris is trial lawyer who has been providing high-quality legal representation in the areas of state and federal criminal defense for more than 20 years. He’s known for his trial preparation by fellow attorneys, judges and clients alike. As a trial attorney, he’s dedicated to attaining justice in every case, and is always prepared to successfully take on complex legal issues. Barton and his law firm pride themselves on obtaining results for their clients that other attorneys cannot.
Not only does Barton Morris have extensive experience, he also engages in continuing legal education to provide the highest quality legal services. Barton has received specialized scientific training through the American Chemical Society, and is the only forensic lawyer-scientist in Michigan. He attended the prestigious Trial Lawyers College and serves on its Alumni Association Board of Directors. Barton Morris is also a board member of several distinguished legal associations including the Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys, and the DUI Defense Lawyer’s Association Justice Foundation. He’s also an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and has graduated from their National Criminal Defense Trial College in Macon, Georgia.
Barton Morris is consistently chosen as a Top Lawyer of Metro Detroit and for DUI/OWI and criminal defense by DBusiness Magazine and Hour Magazine. He has also been chosen as a Super Lawyer in Criminal Defense.