Searching for the best domestic violence lawyer in Brooklyn, NY? Domestic violence is a very serious and complex type of crime that can leave lasting, detrimental marks on your record and your life. A domestic violence conviction on your record can make it difficult to get a job or rent an apartment. You could get an order of protection taken out against you by your partner. Worse, if you have children, you may be barred from visitation with them, or be forced to pay a court-appointed supervisor who will watch your every move while you spend time with them. In many cases, you could find yourself facing jail time, fines, and restitution.
If you have been arrested for a domestic violence offense in Brooklyn, NY, the sooner you get good legal representation from an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer, the better. This is definitely not a time to wait and see what happens. The law tends to lean in strong support of the victim, in many cases, so you need to stay ahead of the game and get a family domestic violence lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in these types of cases. You need Igor Litvak on your side — the domestic violence attorney Brooklyn, NY, residents know and trust for dedicated representation.
Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Attorney In Brooklyn, NY
Mr. Litvak has both the experience and the skill needed when it comes to defending clients charged with domestic violence offenses. He is fair, compassionate, and understands the complexity of the domestic violence court system. As one of the leading lawyers for domestic violence cases in Brooklyn, NY, some of his notable domestic violence cases include:
The People of the State of New York v Gupta – Brooklyn, New York – Lead Counsel
A major domestic violence case involving allegations of violent assault, menacing, and harassment. After investigating the case, the law firm was able to uncover evidence proving that the criminal accusations were made up in an effort to obtain immigration benefits under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), leading to a full dismissal of all charges by the prosecution.
The People of the State of New York v Frimer – Brooklyn, New York – Lead Counsel
Felony domestic violence case involving allegations of marital abuse and contempt of court charges for violation of a validly issued order of protection. The case was eventually resolved with a non-criminal plea to a violation, allowing the client to walk away without a criminal record.
The People of the State of New York v Vacher – New York, New York – Co-Counsel
Violent felony domestic violence case involving allegations of assault and harassment, the case was eventually dismissed.
Overview of Domestic Violence Crimes In Brooklyn, NY
According to New York State law, domestic violence is defined as: A pattern of coercive tactics, which can include physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse, perpetrated by one person against an adult intimate partner, with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control over the victim.
While many people hear “domestic violence” and automatically think of a man beating his wife, it is not nearly that simple. Statistically, there are more women who report men for the crime, but there are also men who are abused by the women in their lives. Additionally, same-sex relationships also experience rather high occurrences of domestic violence.
In New York, a domestic violence case can go to either family or criminal court (there are also Domestic Violence Courts in some communities). It often depends on what the victim chooses. In family court, the judge can also issue an order of protection as well as rule on custody, visitation, and other family law issues.
Federal Domestic Violence Crimes
There are two key federal laws regarding domestic violence, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Gun Control Act. It should be noted that all federal domestic violence crimes are classified as felonies.
The VAWA requires the court to order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim for the full amount of his or her loss. This can include medical care, physical therapy, temporary housing, psychological care, transportation, loss of income, child care expenses, attorney’s fees, court costs, costs for getting an order of protection, and more.
Under the VAWA it is a federal crime:
- to cross state lines or enter or leave Indian country and physically injure an “intimate partner”;
- to cross state lines to stalk or harass or to stalk or harass within the maritime or territorial lands of the United States (this includes military bases and Indian country); and
- to cross state lines to enter or leave Indian country and violate a qualifying Protection Order.
The court may also order restitution in Gun Control Act cases. Typically, the victim must submit a record of all expenses that were incurred due to the domestic violence crime.
Under the Gun Control Act, it is a federal crime:
- to possess a firearm and/or ammunition while subject to a qualifying Protection Order; and
- to possess a firearm and/or ammunition after conviction of a qualifying misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence in Brooklyn, NY
The Family Protection and Domestic Violence Intervention Act was passed by New York State in 1994. A key component of the law was that the police departments were required to respond to and treat domestic violence as a very serious crime and in many cases, that meant mandatory arrest. When the officers respond to a domestic violence call, they will get the victim’s statement, but they also take into account if any children or pets were harmed.
In order for the mandatory arrest law to take effect, the abuser and victim must be considered under New York law as members of the same family or household. This essentially means that they are married at the time of the abuse, were previously married at some point, have a child together, are related by blood, are in an intimate relationship, or were at one time involved in an intimate relationship with each other.
The situation must also meet certain criteria:
- A felony has been committed by one “member of the same family or household” against another.
- There has been a violation of a stay-away provision of an order of protection.
- A “family offense” has been committed in violation of an order of protection.
- A misdemeanor family offense has been committed.
In the case of a misdemeanor family offense, the police are not required to make an arrest if the victim doesn’t want it. However, they are not supposed to ask the victim if he or she wants the arrest to take place. Additionally, even if the victim does not want the arrest to take place, the police can do it anyway if they feel that is the best course of action.
The Domestic Incident Report (DIR)
Under New York law, the police are required to fill out a Domestic Incident Report for every domestic violence call they respond to, whether an arrest is made or not. They retain a copy and the victim receives a copy. This New York form contains vital information regarding the situation, including the names and badge numbers of the officers who responded to the call, the victim’s statement, and the officers’ explanation if they choose not to make an arrest.
This is treated as an official record of the event and can be used in court.
A victim of domestic violence in Brooklyn, NY can bring civil charges against his or her abuser in family court, or criminal charges in criminal court. However, a victim can also bring simultaneous actions against his or her abuser in both courts.
Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Brooklyn, NY
Many criminal actions become domestic violence cases when they are deemed family offenses, meaning that they occur between family members (as the court defines family members). Under New York law, criminal offenses and domestic violence-related crimes are not separate as far as severity and punishment are concerned. In other words, assault in the first degree is always a serious felony regardless of whether it carries the distinction of being a domestic violence crime or not. The distinction of labeling an offense as a domestic violence crime can change the court where the case is tried. It also opens more doors for other issues to be heard (in family court or domestic violence court) such as visitation, custody, and child support. There are a number of violent acts that can occur between family members (as defined by law) that the law does criminalize. These include:
Domestic Violance Court
New York State has Domestic Violence courts that are designed specifically for people who have been abused by their intimate partner. While Domestic Violence Courts are the most prevalent, some communities also have Integrated Domestic Violence Courts and Family Justice Centers.
These special courts have a single judge and a prosecution team that is assigned solely to that court. There are also special staff positions that provide resources and advocacy for the victim. These courts only handle domestic violence cases and nothing else.
While they are not found in all communities within the state, there are quite a few and in some areas, a domestic violence case is automatically assigned to one of these courts.
Penalties for Federal Domestic Violence Crimes
Federal domestic violence can cost you greatly, both in prison time and financially. The penalties for violating the Gun Control Act can be severe. Possession of a firearm and/or ammunition while under a Protection Order or after certain domestic violence convictions can lead to a prison term of up to 10 years. Violating certain sections of the VAWA, such as committing a crime or attempting to commit a crime against an intimate partner, stalking, harassing, or violating a protection order can also lead to serious penalties, including being required to pay restitution to the victim.
Penalties for Domestic Violence Crimes in Brooklyn, NY
Domestic violence crimes are taken very seriously in Brooklyn, NY, and the penalties for violent felony offenses are severe. For instance, the penalty for first-degree assault carries a minimum sentence of 5 years, but if convicted, the person can get up to 25 years in prison. There may also be a fine of up to $5,000. First-degree strangulation is another very serious, violent offense that is classified as a felony. It carries a minimum prison sentence of 3 ½ years, with a maximum of 15 years. A fine of up to $5,000 may also be ordered.
Lesser charges that are classified as misdemeanors have lighter sentences but can still hit hard. Second-degree menacing, third-degree assault, and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation can incur a sentence of up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000.
Domestic Violence Defenses
If you are facing charges, there are several domestic violence defenses that your domestic abuse lawyer may use in court. Of course, each case is different, but there are some that are fairly standard.
- False accusation – You may claim that you were falsely accused of the crime. This is very common but can be more difficult if the victim has documentation to support their claims — another reason you need a good domestic violence attorney representing you.
- Justification – You used non-deadly force to restrain or discipline your child (who is under 21 years of age).
- Self-defense – You were being attacked or your child (or someone else) was being attacked and you were defending yourself or that person. If there was an imminent threat of physical harm to yourself or another person, you can often claim self-defense.
- Dental or medical – This is often used in cases involving strangulation or other similar offenses. It can also be used if you had to use a procedure such as CPR (chest compressions) or the Heimlich Maneuver on the person to render lifesaving aid to him or her and he or she was injured in the process.
- Mental disease or defect – This can be on either side of the case. You may have certain mental health issues that caused you to act in a certain way, or the victim can have certain mental health issues that caused him or her to perceive your actions as violent and threatening.
Domestic violence cases are not easy, and their resolutions are certainly not cut and dried. In the majority of cases, there is a great deal of favor extended to the victim. If you have been charged with a domestic violence case, you can’t afford to leave it to chance. These charges are serious and can have a significant, negative impact on your life. You need someone in your corner who has the experience, education, and knowledge to ensure that your rights are protected. Mr. Litvak is the family domestic violence lawyer you need in Brooklyn, NY. His proven track record speaks for itself. If you want your best chance in court, you want Igor Litvak on your side.
Call The Litvak Law Firm at (718) 989-2908 for your free phone consultation with a skilled domestic violence defense lawyer. Get peace of mind knowing that you and your case are in good hands. The help that you need for your case is just a phone call away. Don’t wait; pick up the phone and call today.