Domestic Violence Attorney in Coshocton

Facing a Domestic Violence Charge in Coshocton County? Our Team Is Ready to Help

A domestic violence accusation can change your life in a single night. You may be taken from your home, face a temporary protection order, and be told to appear in a Coshocton County courtroom within days. In the middle of all of this, you are expected to make important decisions that can affect your future.

At Cross Law Office, LLC, we defend people charged with serious criminal offenses, including domestic violence and other violent crimes. Our attorneys represent between 500 and 600 criminal cases each year, so we are in court often and understand how cases move through this system. 

When you come to us, our goal is to give you a clear picture of what you are facing, protect your rights at each stage, and help you make informed choices. We are based in this area and represent clients in Coshocton County courts, so we know how local procedures and protection orders work in practice. 

Protect your rights and your future. Contact an accessible and reliable domestic violence attorney in Coshocton at (740) 997-2004 or reach out online today. Your consultation is the first step toward a strong defense.

Understanding Domestic Violence Laws in Ohio

Domestic violence in Ohio is governed by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 2919.25. The law is specifically designed to protect "family or household members," a category that includes spouses, former spouses, persons living together as spouses, parents, children, or anyone related by blood or marriage who currently or previously resided with the offender.

The Three Forms of Domestic Violence

Under Ohio law, there are three distinct ways a person can be charged with this offense:

• Knowing Harm (ORC 2919.25(A)): Knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member. This is the most common charge and is typically filed as a first-degree misdemeanor.
• Reckless Serious Harm (ORC 2919.25(B)): Recklessly causing serious physical harm. "Serious" harm can include anything from a broken bone to an injury requiring hospitalization.
• Knowing Threat (ORC 2919.25(C)): By threat of force, knowingly causing a family or household member to believe that the offender will cause imminent physical harm. Even if no physical contact occurs, the mere threat can lead to a fourth-degree misdemeanor charge.

A Coshocton domestic violence lawyer from our firm will meticulously analyze the police report to see which specific subsection you are charged with, as the defense strategy for a "threat" case differs significantly from a case involving physical contact.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Domestic Violence in Ohio

Ohio has implemented stricter sentencing guidelines under House Bill 111, especially for repeat offenders and cases involving pregnancy.

Criminal Penalties

• First-Degree Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Felony Enhancements: If you have a prior conviction for domestic violence or if the alleged victim was pregnant, the charge can be elevated to a fifth, fourth, or third-degree felony, carrying mandatory prison time. Under recent updates, repeat offenders face "high-tier" third-degree felony sentencing with a range of 12 to 60 months in prison.
• Firearm Ban: Per the federal Lautenberg Amendment, a conviction for even a misdemeanor domestic violence offense results in a lifetime ban on possessing firearms or ammunition. This is particularly devastating for hunters or those in law enforcement in Coshocton County.

The Temporary Protection Order (TPO)

Immediately upon arrest, a judge may issue a TPO. Violating this order—even through a third party or a simple text message—is a separate criminal offense. An accessible and reliable attorney is crucial here to help you understand exactly what you can and cannot do while the TPO is active.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Domestic Violence Defense

Every domestic violence case is different. Some involve injuries and multiple witnesses. Others involve conflicting versions of a private argument. Our first step is to understand what happened from your perspective and then obtain as much information as possible about the state’s version of events.

We typically start by reviewing police reports, any body camera or dash camera footage, photographs, medical records, and witness statements. We look for gaps or inconsistencies, such as statements that change over time or reports that do not match physical evidence. Messages, emails, and social media posts can be important as well, especially when they show the relationship context before and after the incident.

At Cross Law Office, LLC, our approach is rooted in being accessible and reliable to our clients during their darkest moments. Our strategies include:

• Self-Defense & Defense of Others: In many domestic disputes, the person arrested was actually the one defending themselves or their children. We gather evidence of the other party's aggression to build an affirmative defense.
• Challenging Intent: We demonstrate that the incident may have been accidental or lacked the "knowing" intent required by Ohio law.
• Exposing Ulterior Motives: We investigate whether the allegations were fabricated to gain an advantage in a domestic relations case.
• Mitigation & Counseling: We often encourage clients to proactively engage in counseling or anger management, which can be a powerful tool in negotiating a favorable resolution with the prosecutor.

Why Call Our Team When You Face Domestic Violence Charges

What To Do Right Now If You Are Facing a Domestic Violence Charge

In the days immediately after an arrest or charge, your choices can affect both your case and your daily life. It can be tempting to try to fix things quickly by contacting the accuser or explaining your side to police. Those steps can create new problems, especially when a court has already issued a protection order.

• Protect Yourself By Following Court Orders — First, follow any court orders strictly. If a temporary protection order says you must stay away from a person or address, obey that order even if you believe it is unfair. Violating an order can lead to new charges and can make judges less willing to consider changes later. If you need to collect belongings or arrange parenting time, we can discuss lawful ways to address those issues.
• Be Careful About What You Say — Second, be careful about statements. Anything you say to law enforcement, on social media, or in messages to others can eventually appear in a courtroom. The safest approach is usually to exercise your right to remain silent with investigators and to speak about your case only with your attorney.
• Gather Helpful Information — Third, gather information that may help your defense. This can include text messages, emails, photographs, or names of people who were present or who know something about the relationship. Store this material safely so you can share it with us at the right time.
• Contact A Defense Firm Quickly — Finally, contact a criminal defense firm as soon as you can. When we become involved early, we can appear with you at hearings, help you understand bond and protection orders, and advise you before you make statements or decisions that could affect your case. We handle a high volume of criminal cases each year, and we are accustomed to stepping in quickly when someone is arrested and needs guidance right away.

Talk With Our Team About Your Domestic Violence Case

We will take the time to listen to your side of the story, explain the legal process, and keep you updated through tools like MyCase and regular contact. Our attorneys handle hundreds of criminal cases each year and are prepared to stand with you in local courts when it matters most. If you are searching for a domestic violence attorney in Coshocton for local knowledge and supportive representation, we invite you to reach out.

To discuss your domestic violence charges confidentially, call (740) 997-2004 or contact our team today.