South Jordan Domestic Violence Attorneys

Helping Victims of Abuse Protect Themselves and Take Their Lives Back

Relationship dynamics can be complicated. Everyone has disagreements with the people around them. Unfortunately, such issues can escalate into violence and other forms of abuse. When someone becomes a domestic violence victim, they’re often unsure of how to move forward. They wonder whether getting away is possible, and it frequently seems uncertain if the law will help. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone. A domestic violence lawyer in South Jordan may be able to help.

At RCG Law Group, we strive to help victims of abuse take back their lives. We’ve all seen tragic outcomes on the news of what can happen when domestic abuse is allowed to continue. In many cases, such outcomes could have been avoided with the proper strategies. If you’re facing abuse of any kind, you need a legal advocate on your side. Don’t risk your own well-being — or the well-being of any children involved — by trying to navigate complex legal processes on your own.

How Does the State of Utah Define Domestic Violence?

Utah Code Section 77-36-1 defines domestic violence as a criminal offense that involves physical harm or violence; the threat of physical harm or violence; or any attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit a physical offense involving violence or physical harm committed by a cohabitant against another.

Under Utah law, a cohabitant is an emancipated individual 16 years of age or older who:

is a current or former spouse
lives or previously lived as spouses
is related by blood or marriage as a parent, grandparent, sibling, or through some other consanguinity or affinity to the second degree
has had one or more children in common
is the biological parent of an unborn child
resides with or has resided in the same residence
is or was previously in a sexual relationship

Connecting with knowledgeable domestic violence lawyers about your situation can help you identify a path forward when facing spousal or domestic abuse.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions?

In Utah, a first-time, low-level domestic violence offense is regarded as a Class C misdemeanor that can bring up to six months of jail time and a fine of $1,950. A second misdemeanor within 5 years becomes a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a 1-year jail penalty, and a fine of $4,875. A repeat class A misdemeanor becomes a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail and a fine of $9,750.

Opportunities to plead guilty to charges allowing for court-dictated conditions to be met, resulting in case dismissal and expungement after a waiting period of 30 days. Yet, the involvement of a firearm escalates charges, particularly if a protective order is in place. Speak with an experienced domestic violence attorney about your case to learn what level of justice can be pursued.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Domestic Violence Cases?

Many people who find themselves in a domestic violence situation wonder whether an attorney can do anything for them. This is particularly true in cases of physical abuse since victims believe the police and courts will provide the protection they need. Unfortunately, this isn’t always how things play out. The legal process is challenging and dynamic, and it’s typically difficult for victims of intimate partner violence to navigate. This is even more the case when the victim has children to worry about or has to figure out where to live, how to work, and other issues.

This is why it’s so important to have a South Jordan domestic violence lawyer on your side. An attorney can speak up for victims who may not feel comfortable doing so themselves. They can provide legal guidance on the procedures for securing protection and representation. More importantly, an attorney can help victims of a heinous crime — ranging from verbal abuse to sexual assault — understand their rights and even pursue compensation against their abuser. Handling these cases in court can be difficult for victims, but a dedicated legal advocate can provide assistance.

Domestic violence is never okay — and this doesn’t merely include physical abuse. If you’re facing any type of abuse from a partner, former spouse, or family member, it’s critical to seek help from a domestic violence lawyer in South Jordan today.

Are There Different Types of Domestic Violence?

When people hear the term “domestic violence,” the first thing they think of is physical abuse. This is certainly a common type of domestic violence, and it’s one that puts victims in serious peril. However, it’s important to realize that abuse doesn’t have to be physical in nature to be detrimental and even illegal. Victims must understand when a current or former partner — or even a family member — has overstepped a boundary. This first requires recognizing the various types of domestic violence:

Physical abuse
Economic abuse
Mental abuse
Sexual abuse
Harassment and stalking
Threatening behaviors and intimidation
Verbal abuse

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s important to hold your abuser accountable. A domestic violence attorney in South Jordan can help you understand your options. Whether you want your abuser to face legal consequences or you simply want to be safeguarded against continued harassment, there are typically options available to you. At RCG Law Group, we provide legal services to domestic violence victims to help them get out of dangerous situations — even on an emergency basis.

Can Domestic Violence Affect Divorce Proceedings?

When domestic violence occurs between married individuals, it’s not uncommon for the victim to file for divorce. Of course, victims are often scared to do this — and this is another critical reason why you should have a domestic violence attorney in South Jordan on your side. However, instances of abuse can affect divorce proceedings regardless of whether you have legal representation. In fact, domestic violence can play a part in nearly every decision the court makes.

The most common situations when abuse plays a role in divorce involve children. Child custody decisions are always based on the best interests of the child. If the court believes that a child would be in danger by being around an abuser, the judge may severely limit the abuser’s access to the child. Additionally, Utah is an equitable distribution state. This means property division decisions are not always decided on a 50/50 basis.

Because of this, a judge may award additional property or even spousal support to a domestic violence victim. This would be more common in situations where financial abuse occurred — or when an abuser prevented their former partner from working to earn their own income. When married women or men are victims of abuse, it’s important that they don’t stay silent. Doing so could negatively affect your life after a divorce, so don’t hesitate to contact our South Jordan domestic violence lawyers today.

Contact Our Domestic Violence Attorneys in South Jordan Today

It’s not okay for physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse to take place. In fact, it’s important to recognize that even seemingly lesser forms of abuse — such as harassment — have no place in a civilized society. If you’re concerned with your safety or the safety of your children — or even if you simply want a former partner to leave you alone — there are typically legal options available. Whether you need a restraining order in place or help finding a temporary shelter, an experienced attorney may be able to help.

At RCG Law Group, we’ve provided dedicated representation for victims of domestic violence in Utah for years. We’ve seen many outcomes in these cases during our law firm’s tenure. In some instances, seeking counseling has been enough to reach a positive outcome. In other situations, it’s been necessary for us to represent clients when seeking restraining orders, filing criminal charges, and navigating through divorce proceedings. Regardless of your legal needs, our domestic violence lawyers in South Jordan are ready to help.