Acts involving family violence are punished more severely in Georgia than the same types of acts committed between strangers, co-workers, friends, etc.
For example, a domestic violence battery is punishable as a misdemeanor, but any subsequent convictions are considered felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Non-domestic batteries are only considered felonies only where the person has two or more prior convictions for batteries committed against the same victim.
As a parent, you could lose your parental rights if convicted of a domestic violence charge, as well.
The Long-Term Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A conviction for domestic violence carries long-term consequences that can severely impact various aspects of a person’s life. One of the most immediate repercussions is on employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and a conviction for domestic violence can significantly hinder job prospects. Some industries, particularly those involving childcare, education, or security, may even automatically disqualify individuals with such a record. Furthermore, professional licenses can be jeopardized. Fields like healthcare, law, and finance often require clean records, and a domestic violence conviction could lead to the suspension or revocation of these licenses, effectively ending careers in these fields.
Beyond employment, a domestic violence conviction can create ongoing legal issues. For instance, it can be used as evidence in future legal proceedings, such as child custody battles, where it might be argued that the convicted individual poses a risk to their children. Additionally, subsequent criminal charges may be treated more harshly by the courts, as a prior conviction could influence sentencing in future cases. The long-term impacts of such a conviction are profound and far-reaching, affecting not only the individual but also their family and future.