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Are Accusations of Domestic Battery Public?
If you have been accused of domestic battery, you may be concerned not only about the serious criminal penalties you may face, but also about the potential implications for your life and career if the accusations become public. The potential personal, reputational, and financial consequences of a domestic battery charge becoming public information are significant, especially if the accusations are false. That is why it is important to understand the complexities of this sensitive subject and how our experienced team of high-powered Milwaukee attorneys can defend you if you are facing a domestic battery charge.
Domestic Battery Charges and Penalties
Domestic battery is a type of domestic violence crime in Wisconsin. Domestic battery can be charged when a person commits physical violence or the threat of harm against (1) a spouse or former spouse, (2) an adult with whom the accused resides, or (3) a co-parent.
A misdemeanor domestic battery offense can be charged when the person did not cause substantial bodily harm. This is classified as a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of nine months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
More serious felony domestic battery charges are imposed when a person is accused of intentionally inflicting serious bodily harm. Felony domestic battery carries penalties of up to three years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
If the act resulted in great bodily harm, the accused may be charged with a Class H felony, which carries penalties of up to six years in prison and fines of up to $10,000, or a Class E felony, which can carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.
Accusations of Domestic Battery in High-Net-Worth Families
When accusations of domestic battery happen in high-net-worth or high-profile families, there are unique factors at play that require special considerations. Along with the benefits wealth can bring, there may also be attached tensions and power imbalances. Reputational considerations can also influence how these situations play out. That is why allegations of domestic violence require unique handling when these dynamics are in place.
Legal Considerations for High Profile Individuals Accused of Domestic Battery
Because of the unique legal and reputational risks faced by a high-net-worth individual who has been charged with domestic battery, it is important to seek legal counsel early on. An attorney will work on your case to build a strong defense:
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Evidence: In high net worth cases, it is especially important to gather evidence to build a strong defense. This evidence will show the relationship between the individuals and the interactions between them, as well as establish that the defendant is an upstanding member of the community.
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Witness testimony: Collecting strong witness testimonies is vital to building a strong defense in these cases. Witnesses can offer insights into the reality of the couple’s relationship and whether there were any signs of domestic violence. Witnesses may also provide much-needed character references.
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Expert witnesses: Experts are particularly helpful in high-net-worth domestic battery cases. Therapists, forensic experts, and others can evaluate both the emotional and physical facts of the case and provide context. High-net-worth cases especially tend to benefit from the use of expert witnesses in a defense strategy.
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Fighting protective orders: A protective order can be used as a tool to put pressure on a high-profile individual. If a protective order has been issued against you, it is important to prepare a strong defense while complying with the order.
Dealing with False Charges of Domestic Battery
Making an accusation of domestic battery is much easier than defending against such an accusation. Unfortunately, people do make false accusations of domestic violence, often due to reasons such as mental illness, animosity, or control. In high-net-worth families, there may be additional motivations to do so.
The accuser may be motivated to make a false accusation to leverage public interest against the spouse, for instance. When facing false charges, it is important to contact an attorney and put in place a strong legal defense as early as possible. Proving that the charge is a false accusation can be a very potent defense in a domestic battery charge.
When Can Domestic Battery Become Public Knowledge?
If you are a high-net-worth individual and have been accused of a domestic battery or charged with the crime, you may be concerned about this information becoming public knowledge and the steep reputational damage that could result. There are a few ways that domestic violence allegations can become public information in Wisconsin:
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You are arrested: Arrest records are public in Wisconsin, and will include your name, mug shot, and the charges against you.
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Criminal charges are filed: Criminal charges, including charges of domestic battery, are public information in Wisconsin. If you are charged with the crime before an arrest, this information will be part of the public record. Although police need to already have probable cause to file criminal charges, people are sometimes charged with a crime before police have finished their investigation, often to encourage those who may have evidence to come forward and assist with the investigation.
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Press exposure: If you have a high profile or are a public figure, in all likelihood this information may become public simply because of the nature of being high profile. The press is not known for its forgiveness, nuance, or willingness to wait until matters are adjudicated in court.
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The actions being scrutinized happened in public: Even if you are not charged with the crime, if the incident occurred in public or you were "caught on camera," the incident could become known to the public.
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Accusations on social media: If the accusation is made on social media, the accusations could quickly spread.
How Can a High-Powered Team of Attorneys Help?
When you are a high-net-worth or high-profile individual accused of domestic battery, the stakes are that much higher. On top of criminal penalties, there are reputational and financial concerns. Your own reputation can be used against you to harm you in a criminal case.
When you have been accused of a serious crime, you need a team with experience dealing with very similar situations. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our experienced team of high-powered attorneys has the resources to mount a strong defense, gather strong evidence in your favor, and find expert witnesses who will help obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
Contact Our Milwaukee, WI Domestic Battery Defense Attorneys
If you have been accused of the serious charge of domestic battery, the consequences can be devastating. Especially if you are a high-profile individual, you may be worried about what it could mean for your reputation if these charges become public.
At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our team of high-powered attorneys understands these concerns and is ready to defend clients from these accusations. Our Milwaukee, WI criminal defense attorneys fight for our clients and have the experience and resources to defend your rights in any criminal matter, as well as address related reputational concerns. Call our offices at 414-271-1440 for a confidential consultation today.
