It is relatively rare for domestic violence charges to arise out of roommate violence. However, if the roommates were ever in an intimate relationship, these charges may result. Other times, any violence between roommates may be classified as an assault. Either charge can result in serious, long-lasting consequences that can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Therefore, it is important to work with an Omaha roommate violence lawyer who can help fight the charges.
An experienced domestic violence lawyer from Berry Law can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the charges to build a strong defense. Throughout the legal process, an attorney can be a dedicated advocate and help you work towards the best possible outcome.
What Charges Result from Roommate Violence?
The only time a person can be charged with domestic violence for violence between roommates is if they were previously in an intimate relationship with their roommate, they had a dating relationship, or they once had a sexual relationship and decided to be roommates. When violence occurs between the two, a prosecutor could look at the past relationship and charge the incident as domestic violence, even though there is no ongoing sexual or dating relationship.
Violence between roommates is not considered domestic violence if the two parties have never dated or had an intimate relationship. When violence between roommates is not characterized as domestic violence, it is considered a standard assault case. A person generally does not have to worry about an assault charge transforming into a domestic violence charge if they were never in an intimate relationship with their roommate. An Omaha roommate violence attorney can further explain what charges may result under specific circumstances.
Consequences of Charges in Omaha
A person facing allegations of roommate violence could be charged with regular assault. If a weapon is allegedly involved, they could be charged with a felony and face jail time, probation, and fines, depending on the severity. There are also additional consequences outside of court when someone is convicted of an assault.
One significant long-term consequence of a roommate violence conviction in Omaha is the loss of employment. Someone with a roommate conviction on their record may be unable to pass a background check and may not be able to apply to professional schools such as medical school and law school. To better understand the specific consequences that may result, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
An Omaha Roommate Violence Attorney Can Be an Advocate
An Omaha roommate violence lawyer can help a person facing these allegations. An assault has lasting consequences in and out of court, so the individual charged with assault should contact an experienced attorney who knows how to minimize the damage and fight the charges. Anyone facing an assault charge should have an attorney on their side who understands the law and the legal process to navigate through the court system efficiently and avoid damage to their life, future, and reputation. For the help you need, reach out to Berry Law for a no-obligation consultation. Call today.
