Des Moines Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Domestic Violence Defense Attorney In Des Moines, IA

Being charged with domestic violence is a very serious allegation that can have a major impact on your life. Convictions can lead to potential jail time and hefty fines, but can also impact your ability to find employment and can have a negative influence on divorce and child custody hearings. If you find yourself facing domestic violence charges, you need a Des Moines domestic violence defense lawyer to champion your defense.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Amanda T. Adams?

With more than 15 years of experience resolving family law matters in the state of Iowa, Des Moines criminal defense lawyer Amanda T. Adams has the skills and knowledge needed to build you a strong domestic violence defense case for the optimal outcome.

The Law Offices of Amanda T. Adams has helped countless Des Moines residents fighting against domestic violence charges. Ms. Adams understands all that is at stake with a domestic violence charge. She can be by your side to support you through this difficult time while working tirelessly on your behalf.

Understanding Domestic Violence in Des Moines, IA

Individuals in relationships or within families have disagreements from time to time. Sometimes these fights escalate into a situation where someone is physically injured or threatened.

In 2024, there were more than 1,000 reported victims of domestic abuse in Polk County.

In Iowa, assault is specified under Iowa Code Section 708.1 as any act that is intended to:

• Cause pain or injury to another
• Result in physical contact that would be offensive or painful
• Place another person in fear of painful or offensive physical contact
• Threaten another person with a firearm or dangerous weapon

Other laws in Iowa courts recognize domestic violence cases in Des Moines that include sexual, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse, as well as stalking and harassment.

Section 236.2 of the Iowa Code defines domestic violence as any type of assault against:

• Family or members of a household, such as roommates, currently living together or who have lived together in the past year
• Parents of the same child
• Separated or divorced spouses
• Couples in an intimate relationship

Domestic Violence-Related Charges and Potential Penalties

If found guilty, a domestic violence conviction can carry harsh penalties, as specified under Iowa Code 708.2. These penalties are dependent upon the seriousness of the charges and whether it’s your first, second, or third offense:

• First domestic abuse offenses are usually either simple, serious, or aggravated misdemeanors that can include fines and possible jail time. However, those penalties can increase to a felony charge if the abuse was done to someone who was known to be pregnant.
• Second domestic violence offenses normally include intensified first offense penalties.
• Third or more domestic abuse offenses are considered felonies with fines and jail time.

In addition to punishments assigned by the Judicial District 8 of the Iowa Courts system, being found guilty of domestic violence can have a profound impact on your life. A domestic abuse conviction may make it hard to:

• Maintain a current job or find employment
• Keep or renew a professional license
• Find housing
• Own a firearm
• Renew a green card or visa

If you are currently involved in a divorce or other family law case, a domestic violence conviction can have a major impact on:

• How much alimony and spousal support you receive or need to provide
• The amount of property you receive
• Your child custody battle, including visitation rights

Hire a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

If you are facing domestic violence charges, your first move should be to hire a Des Moines domestic violence defense lawyer who can build you a strong case for the most favorable outcome. They can do this by:

• Collecting and reviewing all evidence
• Suggesting suitable defense options, such as mistaken identity or false accusations
• Negotiating on your behalf with prosecutors to have charges reduced or dropped
• Representing you in court to make sure your civil rights are not violated
• Fighting any protective orders or negative impacts on divorce or child custody proceedings

FAQs

Get Legal Assistance in Des Moines Today

If you have been charged with domestic violence, now is the time to hire a domestic violence defense lawyer who has a full understanding of Iowa domestic violence defense laws and years of experience to guide you through the legal process for the ideal result.

Reach out to the Law Offices of Amanda T. Adams today to find out how we can help.