Is It Domestic Abuse?

For the charge of domestic abuse – also called domestic violence and spousal abuse – to apply, there are conditions that must
be met. 

The Qualifying Relationship

The charge of domestic abuse relates specifically to domestic relationships, which include all the following:

 

●      The accused and the victim live in the same household, or they did in the past. 

●      The accused and the victim are married or are in a romantic relationship, or they were in the past.

●      The accused is the victim’s parent, adoptive parent, stepparent, or foster parent.

 

The Qualifying Act

For specific acts to qualify as domestic violence, they must be included in one of the following classifications:

 

●      The accused intentionally struck fear of imminent harm in the victim, which is classified as domestic assault. 

●      The accused intentionally inflicted violence or force on the victim, which is classified as domestic battery.  

 

While the victim of assault doesn’t have to be physically harmed for the charge to apply, aggravated assault charges apply when the victim is injured to the degree that they require immediate medical attention. 

 

Learn more regarding domestic violence and assault charges here.

 
Consult a Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan about Your Case 

 

If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Michigan with extensive and specialized experience following an arrest, please consider calling the Ann-Arbor based practice of GLG Michigan.  (734) 263-2780