Domestic Violence Attorney in Media, PA

At Ciarrocchi Law, we have a history of experience building successful defenses for various Domestic Violence and protection from abuse matters cases in Media, PA, and throughout Delaware County. The most commonly filed Domestic Violence charges in Delaware County include: Domestic Violence (18 Pa.C.S. § 2711), Domestic Battery (18 Pa.C.S. § 2701), False Imprisonment (18 Pa.C.S. § 2903), and Terroristic Threats (18 Pa.C.S. § 2706).

Policing practices in relation to Domestic Violence cases have evolved significantly over time. Today, officers responding to a 911 call regarding domestic violence are trained to identify the “primary aggressor” in the situation and make an arrest. This term refers to the individual perceived to have instigated the physical confrontation.

The "primary aggressor" can be of any gender, with an increasing number of women facing arrests for Domestic Violence similar to men. However, men still tend to be more frequently identified as the "primary aggressor" and are more likely to be arrested following a Domestic Violence allegation. At Ciarrocchi Law, we have supported countless men and women in contesting unfounded or overstated Domestic Violence charges, and can often assist in having charges dismissed or reduced (for less serious cases) if contacted within 10 days of the arrest.

Defining Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence, as per Pennsylvania law, is "the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family or household members, sexual or intimate partners or persons who share biological parenthood" (23 Pa.C.S. § 6102(a)). This abuse could involve intentional or reckless physical harm or threat of imminent serious bodily harm. Surprisingly, many people learn that they can be charged with Domestic Violence even during a confrontation with a sibling or parent with whom they reside.

In essence, Domestic Violence refers to an unjust use of force exerted by one person on another in a domestic setting. At the Ciarrocchi Law Firm, we frequently receive calls from law-abiding citizens who, following a heated disagreement with a family member or partner, found themselves spending the night in a Delaware County jail cell. Arrests may result from minimal physical contact during a dispute, such as a gentle shove or accidental brush-by.

How Our Expertise Will Benefit Your Case

The way law enforcement evaluates a situation can often lead to an individual being unfairly charged with Domestic Violence. If the police find even a minor injury (e.g., a slight scratch, red mark, or small bruise), one can be arrested and charged under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6102. If no visible injury is present but force was applied, a Domestic Battery charge might be filed under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2701. Even an empty threat made during an argument or while intoxicated could result in a Terroristic Threat charge under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2706.

Nonetheless, an arrest does not mean the end of the world; there are often legal avenues to explore to reduce the repercussions or dismiss the case altogether. With our extensive experience handling Domestic Violence cases, we have developed several effective strategies and defenses. We carefully scrutinize the circumstances surrounding each case, not just focusing on the "primary aggressor." Our goal is to find potential factors that may excuse or mitigate the accused party's response under the law.

A substantial number of Domestic Violence cases involve self-defense or, surprisingly, trespassing. These defenses are frequently overlooked or wrongly used by many defense attorneys. Furthermore, false or exaggerated accusations of domestic violence are sometimes utilized as a weapon in divorce proceedings or custody battles. Having managed every conceivable type of Domestic Violence case, in both Criminal and Family Court, we're adept at quickly identifying weak points in the prosecution's case or the opposing party's allegations.

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Next Steps Following an Arrest

If you've been arrested for Domestic Violence, it is critical to reach out to the Ciarrocchi Law Firm promptly. We're seasoned practitioners who will zealously advocate for your case. We have successfully assisted countless clients in crafting defenses against their Domestic Violence charges. Whether you face charges of assault, battery, or any form of abuse, our firm is equipped to help.

Victims' Rights

In every Domestic Violence case, parties are typically classified as either a defendant or a victim. Despite the general trend of victims being women, an increasing number of male victims are also reported. There are instances when the wrong person is assigned defendant or victim status. Victims of Domestic Violence are protected under the law with access to county assistance programs, information, and guidance.

Cases We Handle

We handle a variety of cases, including but not limited to Child Abuse, Harassment, Kidnapping, PFA Orders, Spousal Abuse, etc. If you have been charged with domestic violence, or any other related charge, contact our office today at 610-502-3300 to speak with an experienced domestic violence attorney in Media, PA.