If you are ever charged with domestic violence in Kentucky, you are surely going to wonder about the jail and penalties involved with the legal system in that state. Almost everyone knows that domestic violence charges are very serious offenses, but you will never know how severe your punishment will be It can be very scary to be charged with domestic violence in Kentucky since, like most places in the United States, it is hard to know how you will be punished for the crime. If you have a prior conviction, it might hurt your case – and most of the damages and their severity are determined by the presiding judge and how he or she wants to define them. Read on to learn more about whether or not jail and penalties might be involved in your Kentucky Domestic Violence Charges.
How is Domestic Violence Defined in Kentucky?
The definition of domestic violence is very complex, and you should make sure that you understand what the charge is before you go to court. According to the Kentucky legal system, domestic violence (like elsewhere in the United States) is defined as the use of:
- Psychological,
- Emotional,
- Economic,
- Sexual, or
- Physical abuse against a family member or intimate partner.
If you are wondering whether you are in an abusive relationship, telltale signs are whether your partner or family member monitors your activities, finances, relationships with others, or is threatening. Some people think that in Kentucky, only physical abuse “counts” as domestic violence and that a bruise must be present – however, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse are all recognized in the Kentucky legal system.
Domestic violence is any behavior or action that controls the actions of an abused person. These include the following behaviors: kidnapping, false imprisonment, stalking, battery, sexual battery, assault, and sexual assault. You can be put behind bars for any of these crimes, depending on the severity of the action and the criminal past of the individual.
Kentucky Domestic Violence Charge: Jail, Penalties?
As aforementioned, the crimes can vary in severity and threat, and thus, the punishment meant for Kentucky domestic violence charges is actually fro a wide range. You can expect to pay a large fine if convicted, usually $1000 or over if a felony, but the fact of the matter is, the penalties can vary in severity, just like the crime. The greater and more severe the crime, the more severe the punishment.
Getting Help
For more about Kentucky domestic violence charges and the jail time and penalties involved, ask an attorney. Your attorney can help you to plea bargain or to prove your innocence to lessen the chances of going to jail or to reduce your fine.
