Atlanta Domestic Violence Attorney

Defending Against Domestic Abuse Allegations in Fulton County

It takes very little evidence to be charged with domestic violence in Georgia. An argument can escalate, and neighbors call law enforcement. Once the police arrive on the scene, they have little option other than to make an arrest, which will be based upon what they are told. Is it true? Maybe. Or perhaps you are being falsely accused or were merely defending yourself.

No matter what happened, you need to get in touch with the most effective domestic violence attorney in Atlanta you can find. At the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally, the founding attorney is a former Deputy District Attorney, and he has "seen it all." With nearly 20 years in the legal field, he has extensive experience at trial and is very familiar with the most effective defense strategies to fight criminal accusations of domestic violence in Georgia.

Have you been accused of domestic violence? Call the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally today at
(678) 918-4421 or contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation with our domestic violence lawyer in Atlanta.

What is Considered Domestic Violence in Georgia?

There are many forms of domestic violence in Georgia, including the following:

• Spousal abuse
• Sexual assault
• Child abuse
• Assault & battery
• Emotional abuse
• Stalking
• Harassment

To be considered domestic violence, these crimes must be committed against someone with whom the perpetrator has an intimate relationship. Qualifying relationships include past and present spouses, parents and children, individuals who had a child together, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, and individuals who live or lived in the same household.

Commonly-Filed Domestic Violence Charges in Georgia

The essence of a domestic violence charge is that a member of a household suffered some form of physical or emotional abuse. The most commonly-filed charges involve:

• Married spouses
• Common law marriages
• Romantic partners who share a home

When a relationship goes off the rails, there can be many problems, recriminations, and resentment. A divorce often involves accusations of domestic violence, and the outcome of a criminal charge for a domestic violence offense can have a significant impact on the court's decision regarding custody and visitation.

What Does a Protective Order Do?

When accusations of domestic violence are brought against an individual, the court may order a Family Law Protective Order. This order prohibits the alleged offender from contacting the victim for a specified period of time.

A protective order can include several conditions, including:

• No contact with the victim
• Remaining a certain distance away from the victim
• Not coming within a specified distance of the victim’s home, workplace, or school
• Attending abuse counseling

What Happens if Someone Violates a Restraining Order?

The violation of a protective order (restraining order) is evaluated as a misdemeanor and/or Contempt of Court. Violations may yield consequences such as:

• Up to 12 months in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines

Additionally, a violation of a restraining order may also be considered as "stalking" or "aggravated stalking" and may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Georgia?

If you have been charged with domestic violence in Georgia, you can incur serious penalties. The penalties that you can face depend on the underlying crime that was committed.

For example, if battery is committed between people who are not in a domestic relationship, it is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and 12 months in jail. Battery is a misdemeanor unless there are two or more offenses against the same individual.

However, if the battery is committed between people who are in a domestic relationship, they can also face up to a $1,000 fine and 12 months in jail, but any subsequent offense can result in a felony conviction punishable by 5 years in prison.

Understanding the Impact of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects individuals and families in profound ways. It is important to understand the impact it can have on victims and the steps that can be taken to address and prevent it.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Physical and Emotional Harm: Domestic violence can cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-lasting psychological effects for victims.
• Cycle of Abuse: Domestic violence often follows a cycle of tension, escalation, and reconciliation, making it difficult for victims to break free from the abusive relationship.
• Children and Domestic Violence: Children who witness domestic violence can suffer from emotional and behavioral problems, and may become victims or abusers themselves in the future.
• Legal Protection: Protective orders, also known as restraining orders, can provide legal protection for victims of domestic violence, helping to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Support and Resources: There are numerous organizations and resources available to help victims of domestic violence, including shelters, counseling services, and legal assistance.

At the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally, we are dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence navigate the legal process and seek justice. Our experienced Atlanta domestic violence attorney is here to provide compassionate support and aggressive representation. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Contact Our Domestic Violence Lawyer in Atlanta Today

These are serious matters and must be addressed with the help of highly professional defense counsel. The Atlanta domestic violence attorney at the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally is highly skilled in criminal defense and takes on difficult cases and wins. The secret to his success is the experience he has had serving on the "other side" and his personal commitment to each person he represents. If you are accused of committing any act of domestic violence in Georgia, call the firm at once for assistance.

Contact the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally today to get started on your defense with our Atlanta domestic violence attorney.