Domestic Violence Sentences in Michigan . . .
As a Michigan Domestic Violence Lawyer, I know that statistically, the holidays are among the highest-ranking times for Domestic Violence charges. Considering the stress, family issues, alcohol use, and tension, it's easy to see why. But if you are accused, you need to know what the possible Domestic Violence Sentence could be in the event you choose not to have a Trial.
If you are facing a Domestic Violence charge and have not been convicted of Domestic Violence before, you are facing up to 93 days in Jail and/or a fine of up to $500.00. This assumes that you are not facing the more serious charge of Aggravated Domestic Violence because an alleged injury was caused. However, unless the facts of your case are especially egregious or you were unlucky in what Judge your case was assigned to, the typical Domestic Violence sentence does not include Jail. Rather, the typical Domestic Violence sentence is a term of probation, typically for 12, 18, 0r even up to 24 months.
Life on probation is difficult. You may be required to continue to have
"no contact" with your accuser as part of your
Domestic Violence sentence if that condition remained as part of your Bond. You may be ordered to
perform community service. If your case involved drugs or alcohol, you
may be ordered to undergo random testing and treatment. Any violation
of the terms of your probation can get you arrested and land you in Jail
for up to 93 days. Additionally, you will very likely be ordered to complete a
"Batterer's Awareness" program at a place such as ETRS in
Livonia, which meets once a week for either 26 or 52 weeks and has four
"levels." If you fail to "come to terms with your problem"
and admit that you are a batterer, you may end up being found in violation
of probation and face Jail.
The fact is, the typical Domestic Violence sentence, even without Jail, is quite a bit different than most would think. But the best way to avoid being sentenced in the first place, or to achieve a lenient Domestic Violence sentence, is to have a competent, knowledgeable Domestic Violence Lawyer. Call Prain Law, PLLC anytime at (248) 731-4543. Don/t feel like talking? Fill out the contact form below and we'll get in touch with you via email.