For a person charged with domestic violence in Olive Branch, MS, the punishment if convicted is a fine of up to $500 and/or jail time of up to six months. Those words “if convicted” are extremely important here, because you want to do everything possible to avoid that result. A conviction for domestic violence in Mississippi can have many more long-term consequences.
A conviction stays on your record forever. Employers, credit reporting agencies, and insurance companies call all find it. It’s difficult to get a job with the words “domestic violence” next to your name. Employer simply won’t take that kind of chance. Furthermore, under state and federal law anyone convicted of domestic violence cannot purchase or possess firearms.
First-time offenders, however, may be able to avoid a permanent conviction and have the charge removed from their record. It all depends on the facts of the case. If the victim is willing to drop the charges, that can greatly help. I frequently talk to victims in domestic cases, and will have them sign an affidavit stating he/she does not want to press charges. Some domestic violence cases are simply a misunderstanding where one party calls the police and ends up being labeled the victim, while the other is taken off to jail.
Having the charge cleared may require going on probation for a period of time, or attending anger management classes. An Olive Branch domestic violence lawyer can assist you with this. But remember, it all depends on the facts of your case. First-time offenders (especially those who are employed) stand the best chance of avoiding jail time and a permanent conviction. If you’re a productive member of society, there’s no reason why your life should be ruined over something that may have been a misunderstanding. But you’re still going to have your work cut out for you when you go in front of the judge.
For help in your case, contact Olive Branch domestic violence lawyer Patrick Stegall. Mr. Stegall can see what steps need to be taken to clear the matter up and keep it off your record. Call him at (901) 205-9894 or email him at pstegall@stegall-law.com.
