How Stay-At-Home Orders Contributed to Domestic Violence 

Many individuals experienced a relatively uneventful year of shut-in during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on Zoom meetings with coworkers and friends, starting new hobbies, and helping kids with their schoolwork. Others, unfortunately, experienced serious and harmful domestic violence while sheltered in place with a spouse or partner. 

As a result of the increased time indoors and togetherness, many domestic partnerships that were already tense experienced greater tension, combined with additional financial concerns for many households. Many people ended up arrested and facing criminal charges for domestic violence, and it is critical that defendants seek the right help from a Michigan criminal defense attorney. 

Domestic Violence Deemed a Public-Health Threat During Covid Shut-Ins

The era of the pandemic has resulted in a significant rise in domestic violence cases. For example, in the state of Michigan alone, in the year leading up to October in 2020, a total of 1,300 calls were received on its domestic violence helpline, a little over 130 a month. In just the two months that followed, 1,250 calls came in. And in January 2021, 1,000 calls were received for domestic violence in that month alone. 

The significant increase in domestic violence experienced as a result of the pandemic has been attributed to the shut-in orders, as they resulted in greater amounts of time spent in close quarters indoors. Both children and other family members were around each other more often than before. 

Domestic violence is a crime in Michigan under assault laws, and accused individuals can face charges of either domestic assault or aggravated domestic assault. The penalties for domestic assault include:

• First offense = Misdemeanor charge, up to 93 days in jail and fines up to $500
• Second offense = Misdemeanor charge, up to one year in jail and fines up to $1000
• Third offense = Felony charge, up to  five years in prison and fines up to $5000

For aggravated domestic assault, the charges and penalties become much more serious. This is because aggravated domestic assault involves causing serious injuries to a victim. 

Defending Against Your Charges

There are many ways to defend against your domestic violence charges, including:

• Self-defense
• False allegations by the victim
• Insufficient evidence 

These are complex defenses, and you want the right Michigan criminal defense lawyer handling this process for you to ensure you are not wrongfully convicted.

Many domestic violence criminal cases also go hand in hand with restraining order cases. An alleged victim can seek a restraining order in civil court, which can limit your freedom extensively, including taking away your place to live or ability to see your children. A defense lawyer can also defend this case in addition to your criminal charges. 

Contact a Bloomfield Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

Domestic violence allegations are very serious, so you want serious criminal defense help. Connect with Friedman Criminal Law today to book a time to discuss your case now. We can defend against your charges and protect your rights.