BROOKLYN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY

Under New York Law, there is no single crime known as “domestic violence.” Therefore, domestic violence is a broad term for certain offenses involving parties who share an intimate relationship with one another.

Common examples of intimate relationships include:

• Current and former spouses

• Current and former romantic partners

• Two people who share a child together

• People related by blood or marriage

In New York, a police officer may make an arrest if there is probable cause to believe a person has committed a domestic violence offense. Additionally, the police will arrest someone who has committed a felony against a household member or violated a protective order, if there is probable cause.

The following crimes are considered domestic violence offenses when committed between individuals who share an intimate relationship:

• Assault – Hitting, punching, kicking, throwing objects at, or using a weapon against someone

• Harassment – Repeatedly doing something that causes alarm or distress and does not serve any useful purpose

• Menacing – Threatening to harm a person with or without a weapon

• Stalking – Following, tracking, or otherwise monitoring someone

• Disorderly conduct – Behavior that disturbs others, such as fighting or yelling

• Threats – Saying something to make a person afraid

• Intimidation – Doing or saying something to make someone afraid or force them to take a certain action or stop them from taking action

• Coercion – Attempting to prevent a person from performing a legal action

• Reckless endangerment – Putting someone in a dangerous position that might result in bodily injury

• Criminal mischief – Destroying or taking property without consent, even if the offender and the victim both own the property together

• Grand larceny – Stealing another person’s property worth over $1,000 without their consent

• Strangulation – Choking or otherwise blocking the mouth or nose

Domestic violence offenses can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. A conviction can result in a lengthy jail or prison sentence, fines worth thousands of dollars, being subject to a restraining order, and a permanent criminal record.