Three Decades Of Experience Providing Domestic Violence Defense In Jonesboro, Georgia
Last updated on May 23, 2025
Unlike some other criminal convictions, a conviction for domestic violence will dramatically affect your right to purchase or possess a firearm. This is in addition to jail time, heavy fines and other penalties.
Attorney Steven M. Frey of The Frey Law Firm in Jonesboro has more than 30 years of experience representing Georgians charged with domestic abuse, assault and other crimes. Let him put his in-depth knowledge to work for you today.
What Does Jonesboro Domestic Violence Constitute?
Domestic violence in Georgia covers more than just physical abuse. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-1, domestic violence refers to battery, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint and other offenses committed by one household member against another. This includes spouses, ex-spouses, parents of the same child, stepfamily members and even people who live together or used to live together.
Importantly, a domestic violence charge in Georgia does not require physical contact. Allegations of threats, harassment or emotional abuse can be enough to lead to an arrest. Because law enforcement in Georgia is required to make an arrest if they believe family violence occurred, many people find themselves charged based solely on accusations without any physical evidence.
Also, Georgia imposes enhanced penalties for repeat offenses or cases involving child abuse. A family violence battery becomes a felony on a second conviction, even if the alleged injuries were minor. Penalties may include jail time, fines, protective orders, mandatory counseling and the loss of gun rights. In family court, a domestic violence conviction can affect custody and visitation.
When facing domestic violence allegations in Jonesboro, securing knowledgeable criminal defense representation should be the first priority. The legal system moves quickly in these cases, and early intervention by an experienced attorney like Mr. Frey can significantly improve the outcome.
Domestic Violence FAQs
Below are some common questions regarding domestic violence in Jonesboro, Georgia:
What should I do if I am falsely accused of domestic violence in Georgia?
Do not attempt to contact the accuser, even to “clear things up.” Doing so could violate a protective order or lead to new charges like stalking or witness tampering. Instead, gather any evidence that could support your side of the story and speak to a Jonesboro criminal defense lawyer right away to protect your rights and present your version of events before the court takes permanent action.
Can a domestic violence charge be expunged in Georgia?
Domestic violence convictions generally cannot be expunged. If the case is dismissed or you are found not guilty, record restriction (commonly known as expungement) may be available under certain conditions. That is why it is important to fight the charge early, not just accept a plea deal and hope to fix things later. Once a conviction is on your record, it may follow you for life.
What are the potential defenses against a domestic violence charge?
Each case is different, but common defenses include:
- Self-defense or defense of others
- False accusations made out of anger, jealousy or to gain leverage in family court
- Lack of evidence or inconsistencies in the accuser’s story
Reviewing every detail carefully works to identify the most effective strategy for your situation.
The Smallest Details Can Make Or Break Your Case
Many times, all the police have to go on is what the alleged victim told them. However, just because the other person said something happened a certain way doesn’t mean it really did. The truth is typically hidden in the details, and the best lies are 99% true. If the alleged victim tells a mostly true story to law enforcement, simply leaving out or changing tiny details, it can ultimately affect the outcome of the case in a powerful way.
For this reason, it’s critical that you have an advocate on your side who can thoroughly investigate the details and clearly present YOUR side of the story. Steven Frey is just such a lawyer. He will dig deep to unearth any evidence in your favor and work to present a compelling case on your behalf.
Even If You Have A Problem, You Shouldn’t Necessarily Plead Guilty
Even if you have an anger management problem or another issue in your life, it doesn’t necessarily have to result in a plea bargain or a criminal conviction. For instance, if you are an Iraq War veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, it might be possible to develop a resolution that involves psychological counseling or medications instead of jail time.
Talk To A Knowledgeable Jonesboro Lawyer In A Consultation
Don’t wait to arrange a consultation with The Frey Law Firm for legal help throughout the Atlanta area: 770-676-1431. You can also contact the firm online.