Domestic Violence Sentence

[Clearwater]

What is the likely sentence for someone who committed domestic violence which caused physical injury over a period of 3 months, and harassment?

[ummmm]

'almost certainly' in an ideal world.

[New Judge]

“…restraining orders are only bits of paper...”

Of course they are, murraymints. Short of incarcerating forever either the victim or the perpetrator, as has been said, nothing will stop a determined person from “getting at” their victim. But restraining orders serve a useful purpose. Only yesterday a man was imprisoned for three and a half years for breaking one.

You have not given much detail of the incident(s) nor, most importantly, have you mentioned what, if any, charges have been brought. Without the latter a view (and it will only be a view) on the outcome is impossible. There is a considerable difference between Common Assault (maximum sentence six months custody, usual disposal a fine or a community order) and Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent (maximum sentence Life imprisonment a and usual disposal at least 3 years custody and often very much more). In between the two there is Assault causing Actual Bodily Harm and Grievous Bodily Harm without intent. Any assault committed in a Domestic setting is automatically aggravated considerably and if a Restraining Order is in place it is aggravated even further.

If the assault is upon you and this question is really asking whether you should report the matter the answer is emphatically “Yes”. Perpetrators of DV do not “get better” – they only get worse. You do not need a solicitor to begin action. Report the matter to the police and let them and the CPS decide what action to take.

[EDDIE51]

NJ the perpetrator is a serving police officer.
Clearwater needs to report this to someone at a level where it will be investigated correctly. That is why I told her to get a solicitor to handle the complaint. There must be a possibility that the officer will manage to get the case dropped if clearwater just reports him to his own police station.