Police responded to a reported domestic dispute at the apartment of Ohio State University quarterback JT Barrett yesterday, after both Barrett and his pregnant ex-girlfriend called 911. Barrett claimed that the woman charged him and he only pushed her away in self-defense. In contrast, the woman claimed Barrett choked her, placing his forearm on her neck and applied pressure. No injuries were observed on either party and no one was arrested.
Allegations of Domestic Violence can be very damaging. As is demonstrated by the recent crackdown on professional athletes, even a mere allegation of Domestic Violence can have serious and lasting consequences. One of the most challenging aspects of Domestic Violence allegations is that they are frequently "he said-she said," and there are no independent witnesses to verify that the acts did or did not happen. To make things even worse, in some cases, the law enforcement officer who responds may be bias and predisposed to believe either the male or female reporter (i.e., a law enforcement officer who thinks a woman would never make up an allegation of Domestic Violence or, conversely, an officer who never believes any allegation of domestic violence).
In Nevada, Domestic Violence allegations are taken extremely seriously. In fact, there is a statute in Nevada that specifically states that a prosecutor may not reduce or dismiss a domestic violence charge unless they have a legal basis to so. A conviction for even a first offense Domestic Violence carries heavy penalties including up to six (6) months in jail, up to a $1,000.00 fine and extensive and burdensome community service and counseling requirements. A person convicted for Battery Domestic Violence also may lose their Second Amendment right to own or possess a firearm.
Battery Domestic Violence – Strangulation is even more serious. In Nevada, strangulation is defined as applying pressure to the neck or throat of another person or blocking their nose and/or mouth in a manner that causes risk of serious harm. Under this standard, placing a forearm against another person's throat and applying pressure would be considered strangulation. Battery Domestic Violence by Strangulation is a felony offense punishable by up to five (5) years in prison and a $10,000.00 fine.
It is critical for any person charged with Domestic Violence to have a knowledgeable and experienced Las Vegas Domestic Violence Attorney on their side. As former chief prosecutors, the attorneys at Brown Law Offices have the knowledge and experience you need to analyze the facts of your case and provide the most effective defense possible to protect your legal rights. If you or someone you know has been charged with Battery Domestic Violence, contact the Las Vegas Domestic Violence Lawyers at Brown Law Offices right away.