Statesboro Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

What is Domestic Violence in Georgia?

Georgia’s Family Violence Act protects adults and children from all types of abuse from other household members. The abuse may be physical, sexual, or emotional.

If you are charged with domestic violence in Georgia, you could be at risk of having a restraining order or protective orders affect your child custody and divorce proceedings or your immigration status if you are a non-citizen. Georgia courts take family abuse very seriously and prosecutors will use aggressive means to convict anyone accused of this offense.

Contact our firm at (912) 274-7752 or through our online request form for a free initial consultation about your case.

Get help from an advocate who can protect your legal rights and best interests. The law firm of Gabe T. Cliett P.C., Attorney at Law, has served Bulloch County and the Statesboro community since 1997. Our Statesboro domestic violence defense attorney is a skilled trial lawyer who knows how to investigate, research, and prepare defense cases to increase your chances for a favorable outcome.

Is Emotional Abuse a Crime in Georgia?

In Georgia, emotional abuse is a crime because the state of Georgia defines emotional abuse as an act of "family violence." The law protects against physical, sexual, and emotional abuse among family members. You don't have to be married to someone in order to be a victim of domestic violence in Georgia. Georgia’s Family Violence Act is a law designed to protect individuals who are abused by present or past spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household.

Domestic Violence Laws in Georgia

Domestic violence offenses consist of simple assault, simple battery, assault, battery, stalking, damaging domestic property, criminal trespass, committing unlawful restraint, and any other felony offense committed against a household member.

Georgia’s Family Violence Act protects the following individuals from domestic abuse:

• Spouses and former spouses
• Parents who have a child in common whether married or unmarried
• Children and stepchildren
• Parents and stepparents
• Foster children and foster parents
• Any other household members or former household members

Penalties will be based on the nature of the offense and type of harm suffered by alleged victims.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Georgia?

• Jail time
• Fines
• Probation
• Community service
• Mandatory attendance at anger management programs
• Protective (restraining) orders

Protective orders can have consequences such as:

• Prohibiting any contact with the victim
• Forcing you to move out of your home
• Awarding sole custody of any children to the victim along with financial assistance from you
• Ordering you to pay all court costs and attorney fees

Protective orders that are violated are treated as new offenses that can lead to arrest and other penalties.

What is the Statute of Limitations on Domestic Violence in Georgia?

The statute of limitations on domestic violence in Georgia is two years if it is a misdemeanor, or four years if it is a felony domestic violence offense such as aggravated assault or false imprisonment.

Discuss Your Case with Gabe T. Cliett P.C., Attorney at Law

Domestic violence allegations can be based on exaggerations, misleading statements, and lies, especially in cases of separation, impending divorce, or custody battles where one party could gain the upper hand.

In these cases, and any domestic violence situation, it is imperative that you have an experienced and skilled domestic violence lawyer in Statesboro in your corner as soon as possible to help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your case and that could lead to the many consequences that can follow.

Call our Statesboro Domestic Violence Attorney at (912) 274-7752 to get started today.