The Reality Of Assaulting A Pregnant Partner

Assault is a serious crime that can cause physical harm, psychological trauma, and emotional distress to the victim. Any time a person is assaulted, and it gets reported, it's a serious situation that can lead to potential jail time, probation, or other consequences.

However, when it comes to assaulting a pregnant partner, it can be even more traumatizing and life-threatening for both the mother and child. If you find yourself in an altercation with your pregnant partner, it's important to know how it differs from an assault on a non-pregnant family member and what legal consequences you could face.

Here, we will cover everything you need to know about assaulting a pregnant partner, including the importance of being honest with your attorney and how your past criminal history can affect your current situation. For legal advice, especially if you are facing serious felony assault charges, you need to retain a criminal lawyer to assist you and represent you in court. 

Understanding the Offense

The first thing to understand about assaulting a pregnant partner is that it's considered a separate offense from assaulting a non-pregnant family member. This is because your actions can potentially harm two lives instead of just one, and the legal system takes that very seriously.

Depending on the severity of the assault, you could be charged with various crimes, such as domestic battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or even attempted murder, which all carry different degrees of punishment. It's crucial to have a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in these types of cases and can explain the nuances of the law to you.

Maintaining Honesty with Your Attorney

One thing that you should never do is lie to your attorney about the circumstances surrounding the assault. This includes whether or not you knew your partner was pregnant, any previous incidents of domestic violence, or if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the assault. Your attorney needs to know all of this information in order to build a strong defense and to make decisions that are in your best interest.

If you withhold information, it can make it harder for your attorney to defend you in court and can potentially result in a longer jail sentence.

Further Repercussions

Aside from the legal repercussions of assaulting a pregnant partner, it's important to consider the emotional toll it can take on both the mother and child. Assault can cause stress to the mother, which could lead to preterm labor, miscarriage, or other pregnancy complications. It can also negatively impact the long-term health and development of the child.

Even if the assault causes no physical harm, the psychological trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder for both the mother and child. These are all important factors to consider when facing an assault charge. If the mother chooses to press charges against you (in addition to or in lieu of any state charges), you may face more than simple assault and battery, and the charges can become more severe. 

Past Criminal History 

If you have a past criminal history, it's important to bring it up to your attorney as soon as possible. It often comes into play and can be a major factor in determining sentencing and whether you can be released of your own recognizance. Even a misdemeanor criminal history unrelated to assault or battery can hurt your current case. Depending on the severity of your previous convictions, it could potentially lead to a longer jail sentence or higher fines.

However, it's important to note that just because you have a criminal history, it doesn't mean you're automatically guilty of assaulting your pregnant partner. Your attorney can help you argue your case and ensure that you receive a fair trial.

It's important to be honest with your attorney, no matter how embarrassing or shameful the past convictions may be. Your attorney can assist you best only if they are aware of your full story, and there is a great chance any previous criminal history is going to be revealed as part of your case anyway. 

Assaulting a pregnant partner is a serious crime that can result in devastating consequences for both the mother and child. It's important to seek legal help as soon as possible and to be completely honest with your attorney about the circumstances surrounding the assault and any past criminal history. While it's best to walk away from a heated discussion with a family member rather than get physical, once assault occurs, you need to seek legal counsel.

Remember that your attorney is there to help you and to ensure that you receive a fair trial. If you or someone you know is facing an assault charge, seek legal help immediately to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. Schedule a consult with Cohen Law Offices to see how our attorneys can assist you today.