Bloomington Attorneys Defending You Against Accusations Of Domestic Violence
Last updated on April 27, 2026
Indiana has strict domestic violence statutes which involve imposing “no contact” orders between participants. Many times, husbands and wives are separated, as well as parents from children, depending on the allegation of violence. At Shapiro & Shapiro Law Office, L.L.P., our experienced Bloomington domestic violence attorneys, Sam and Tanner Shapiro, are dedicated to providing personalized guidance and support to individuals facing spousal abuse or family violence charges. They understand the complexities and emotional toll of these cases and are committed to helping you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
Defining Domestic Violence In Indiana
Simple battery in Indiana involves a rude, insolent or angry touching of another person. That battery becomes a domestic violence case when the person allegedly battered is a “family or household member.” Indiana defines a family or household member as a current or former spouse, a current or former date, a person with whom there is a present or past sexual relationship, a person related by adoption or blood, a person who is or was related by marriage, and a person who has or had a legally established relationship such as a foster parent or legal guardian. There are broad definitions to cover many circumstances.
The Immediate Consequences Of A Domestic Violence Arrest
A domestic violence or family abuse arrest will result in a cooling off period where no bail is allowed, and you must sit in jail usually for 24 hours or until brought before a judge. A no contact order – even between you and your spouse or children – can be entered until the court assesses any future danger to any of the parties. You will lose your right to possess firearms, and if convicted, that 2nd Amendment right is lost for a minimum of five years and cannot be restored without petition to the court.
Domestic Violence Charges And Potential Convictions
A domestic violence charge and conviction can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the seriousness of the injury or upon whether the act was committed in the presence of minor children.
A conviction for domestic battery will require probation and completion of either anger management or a batterer’s intervention program, usually at the discretion of the probation department, although sometimes this can be negotiated with the prosecutor in charge. Almost every county has a domestic violence prosecutor.
The Impact Of Domestic Violence Charges
Most states, Indiana included, beefed up their enforcement and prosecution of domestic battery cases over the past several decades. While this generally serves the public interest, it can sometimes go too far and lead to simple disagreements being overblown.
Many times, the spouse reporting abuse wants to drop the charges made in the heat of the moment. The reporting spouse may have even told police they did not want their spouse arrested or prosecuted. Nonetheless, once the police investigate, the state of Indiana has an interest in the case, and although the reporting spouse’s retraction is helpful in resolution, the case does not belong to them, and they cannot necessarily control or influence the outcome. Sometimes, favorable resolution can be found in counseling or in negotiation with the prosecutor being made aware of the reporting spouse’s position.
Take The First Step Toward Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges
To discuss your situation in private, leave us a message through our contact form or call our skilled Bloomington domestic violence lawyers at 812-484-3844, to have Sam or Tanner engage in the analysis and negotiation of your delicate case. Not all arguments or physical contact between husband and wife, or family or household members, is deserving of a criminal conviction. Let our firm sort this out for you.