Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2919.25, domestic violence includes knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member, or recklessly causing serious physical harm. It can also include making threats that cause a family or household member to believe they are in imminent physical danger. Family and household members include spouses, former spouses, people who share a child, and others who have lived in the same home.
Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic Violence Defense
Experienced Dayton Domestic Violence Attorneys
Being accused of domestic violence is one of the most serious situations a person can face. The charge alone, regardless of what actually happened, can threaten your reputation, your housing, your job, and your relationship with your children. The courts treat these cases seriously, and prosecutors often pursue them aggressively, even when the facts are disputed or incomplete.
A domestic violence accusation does not equal guilt. People get arrested after arguments that escalated unexpectedly. People get treated as suspects when they were the ones trying to leave or protect themselves. And people face charges based on one person’s account of events, even when the full picture tells a very different story.
That is why having a skilled domestic violence defense attorney in your corner from the very beginning matters so much. The right legal counsel can mean the difference between a conviction that follows you for years and an outcome that allows you to protect your future. The VanNoy Firm has deep experience in criminal defense, including domestic violence charges. We’ve built a reputation for aggressive, individualized representation that puts our clients first.
FAQs About Domestic Violence Charges in Ohio
What qualifies as domestic violence under the law?
Can a domestic violence charge be a felony?
Yes. A domestic violence charge can be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony based on factors such as the accused’s prior domestic violence convictions, whether a pregnant victim was involved, or the severity of the alleged harm. Felony domestic violence convictions carry significant prison time and long-term consequences for your rights and record.
What should I do immediately after being arrested for domestic violence?
The most important step is to contact an experienced domestic violence defense attorney at the earliest opportunity. Do not provide statements to law enforcement without legal counsel present. Anything you say can be used against you. Preserve any evidence that may support your account of events, including messages, photos, or witness contact information, and share that information with your attorney.
What are the possible defenses to a domestic violence charge?
Defenses depend on the facts of your case. Still, common approaches include self-defense, showing that the alleged incident did not rise to the legal definition of domestic violence, challenging the credibility of the accuser’s account, demonstrating that the physical evidence does not support the allegations, and arguing that you were falsely accused. Our team reviews every detail of your situation before recommending a strategy.
Will a domestic violence conviction affect my custody or parenting time?
A domestic violence conviction can significantly affect family court proceedings, including decisions about child custody and parenting time. The family courts consider a parent’s criminal history when determining what arrangement serves the child’s best interests. This is one of many reasons why fighting the charges, rather than accepting a quick plea, is often the right choice.
Can a domestic violence charge be expunged from my record?
Expungement of a domestic violence conviction is limited under state law. Certain convictions may be eligible for sealing under specific circumstances, but it is not guaranteed. This is another reason why a strong defense from the start matters: avoiding a conviction entirely is the most effective way to protect your record.
Who We Represent in Domestic Violence Defense Cases
Domestic violence cases come in many forms. The people who contact our firm are often surprised to find themselves facing criminal charges. Here are some of the most common situations we handle:
- Arrested after a domestic dispute: Police responded to a call involving a spouse, partner, ex, roommate, family member, or co-parent, and you are now facing criminal charges, even if the situation was more complicated than it appeared.
- Claiming self-defense: You believe you were protecting yourself, trying to leave, reacting to a mutual altercation, or even calling 911 for help, but law enforcement treated you as the primary aggressor.
- Facing serious allegations: You have been accused of injury, threats, stalking, harassment, strangulation, property damage, or repeated conduct, and the stakes of the case are high.
- Worried about what comes next: You are concerned about your criminal record, employment, professional license, immigration status, housing, child custody, parenting time, firearm rights, or your ability to return home.
Every one of these situations calls for a focused, strategic legal defense. Regardless of how you ended up here, our team is prepared to listen, evaluate your case, and help you understand your options.
What Happens in a Domestic Violence Case?
Understanding the general process can help you feel more prepared. Domestic violence cases often move quickly, which is exactly why reaching out to an attorney as early as possible puts you in a stronger position.
- Arrest and charges: Police respond to a call, make an arrest, and the state files charges. Under Ohio law (ORC 2919.25), domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and the accused’s prior history.
- Protection orders: A temporary protection order (TPO) may be issued quickly after an arrest, which can restrict where you live, work, or travel.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge, enter a plea, and bond conditions are set.
- Discovery and investigation: Both sides gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and electronic communications.
- Pre-trial motions and negotiations: Your attorney may challenge evidence, seek a dismissal, or negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or drop charges.
- Trial or resolution: If the case does not resolve beforehand, it proceeds to trial, where the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Our firm handles all of the above. We represent clients at arraignment, advocate for fair bond conditions, investigate the facts of your case, challenge evidence when appropriate, and stand beside you at every stage of the process.
Why Choose The VanNoy Firm for Domestic Violence Defense?
Not every attorney approaches domestic violence cases with the same level of skill and dedication. Here is what sets The VanNoy Firm apart:
- Individualized attention. We do not process cases in bulk. Every client receives personal attention and a defense strategy built around their specific circumstances.
- In-house investigative resources. Our firm works with a full-time private investigative firm and court services firm, which gives us an advantage when it comes to uncovering facts that support your defense.
- Honest counsel. We tell clients what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. That honesty helps us work together toward realistic, meaningful outcomes.
- Experience in Ohio criminal courts. Attorney Anthony S. VanNoy has earned recognition across the community and throughout Ohio for his record of success in criminal defense cases.
- Recognition and credentials. The VanNoy Firm has been featured in major news outlets and is recognized by organizations including Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers.
Charged with Domestic Violence? You Need A Lawyer – Contact Us.
There are many instances where innocent people become tangled up in domestic violence charges. There are also many situations where things may have gotten out of hand but did not rise to the level of criminal domestic violence. Maybe someone overreacted to a heated situation, or maybe your accuser is lying. Whatever the case may be, if you have been charged with a domestic violence offense, you need to speak to an experienced domestic violence attorney at The VanNoy Firm. Defend yourself from the charges that are pending against you. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances.
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The VanNoy Firm was professional, respectful and always addressed my concerns. We worked together toward a great outcome. They took a real load off my mind during a stressful time. I would highly recommend.
Scott C.
My son was violently assaulted by a so-called "friend" after a night of partying and tried to leave. The dude assaulted him again and my son defended himself with a pocket knife in a life or death situation. Unfortunately, the attacker died but my son was arrested and in jail for 3 months on 4 indictments. Mr. VanNoy successfully defended my son in this self-defense case. This part of the nightmare is over. We thank the team for all their efforts!
Jerard W.
I really love Mr. VanNoy, he's the best lawyer ever. He has always been there for my family. He is courteous, kind, polite, thorough, and a Christian man, love it.
Charlene L.
Very professional and very respected.
Chris D.
Looking for an attorney for Greene or Montgomery County? Anthony VanNoy is the lawyer you need. VanNoy Law Firm promptly responded to every phone call, text and e-mail we sent. We were treated with care and compassion. Contacted VanNoy Law Firm, explained she had 30 felony counts and a probation violation and that we wanted her out of jail immediately, he said he could make that happen so we retained him. Anthony had her out of jail in a couple of days and had Montgomery County resolved in the same time frame. Also had the Greene County ankle monitor removed…
Richard F.
Life Changing Attorney!!! Words cannot fully express the gratitude I have for Attorney Anthony VanNoy. He went above and beyond in every possible way and truly changed the course of my life. I had two court cases that felt overwhelming and uncertain, but thanks to his dedication, patience, and genuine care, both resulted in amazing outcomes. From the moment we hired him, everything changed. He immediately stepped in, got me a court date the very next day, and had me released from jail that same day. My previous attorney had told me I’d be waiting a month just to be…
Amy P.
We have known Tony and his family for years. Honest, hard working and trustworthy...hands down.
Josh W.
The staff exercised patience and clarity, taking the time to explain everything thoroughly. Their communication was not only excellent -it was exceptional. This experience reminded me that communication truly is the key. Thank you for your outstanding service!
Oluwafemi I.
I thank God for the VanNoy firm & every associate that we've dealt with over the years. My family & a couple friends of mine are all pleased with the professionalism, patience, experience, & love shown from top to bottom. Anthony is a true man of Faith & the fact he takes every case he has before God shows how much he cares for his fellow man. Thank you every time for everything. God bless you.
Anton
Attorney Anthony VanNoy is the best attorney ever. He cares about his clients. I cannot thank you enough for helping my son. All charges were dropped... Thank you!!!
Teresa G.
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