Domestic battery is one of the most common kinds of domestic violence charges in Las Vegas. After all, over 89% of cases involve bare hands. Considering the visibility of blunt force trauma on a victim’s body, it’s not surprising that domestic battery convictions are very common.
One may suddenly find themselves facing a domestic battery conviction for the first time. If this is your first ever charge, you will be confused about what you’re dealing with. Let’s look at what penalties a first-time convicted for domestic battery can expect in Las Vegas.
Financial Penalties
As is the case with many other charges, getting convicted for domestic battery nets the defendant a sizable fee to pay for. The fines range between $200 and $1000. The cost depends on the severity of the charge that the defendant is facing, even for a first offense.
Note that this isn’t the only fee a battery defendant has to worry about. They are also expected to pay an administrative assessment fee, a fee that is paid once a defendant either is found or pleaded guilty. Currently, the fee is set at $35.
Serving Time
First-time convictions often don’t require lengthy terms in a detention facility. In most cases, the defendant will only have to stay in jail instead of a higher-security prison in Las Vegas. The defendant can be held for as short as two days (for battery cases with very minor injuries) to six months (for cases where the victim stayed in hospital for a substantial period).
In addition to jail time, a domestic battery defendant is expected to give back to the community while serving their sentence. Expect to serve between 48 and 120 hours in community service. This usually includes cleaning or refurbishing public spaces, though other jobs may also be assigned.
Other Lighter Penalties
Domestic battery defendants will also be required to undertake a counseling program as part of their sentence. This program aims to help them cope with their domestic and anger issues. The defendant is expected to attend the 1.5-hour program for at least six months, with the fees coming out of their own pocket.
On top of this, the court will require the defendant to avoid picking up any new charges while the case is still underway. This usually means serious crimes like another domestic violence complaint or a DUI charge. The defendant will not be penalized for incurring minor infractions, however.
First-time domestic battery convictions may be light, but they can escalate quickly if the defense mishandles their case. Get in touch with a veteran domestic violence attorney in Las Vegas for expert legal representation.