All types of domestic violence are serious and have a lasting effect on the alleged victim, the accused individual and family and friends of both parties. Domestic violence can include a number of illegal activities including: assault, menacing, stalking, harassment, rape, kidnapping and murder.

• Assault
  Assault is the intent to cause physical injury to another individual, where physical contact occurs, resulting in serious injury to such a person or a third person. Assault also refers to an individual recklessly causing physical injury to another person, or causing physical injury by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  
  
• Menacing
  Menacing refers to when a person intentionally places or attempts to place another person in reasonable fear of serious physical injury or death by displaying a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument or what appears to be a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or other firearm. Menacing also refers to when an individual repeatedly follows another person or commits acts over a period of time that intentionally places or attempts to place that person in reasonable fear of serious physical injury or death.
  
  
• Stalking
  Stalking occurs when an individual intentionally engages in conduct directed at a specific person, knowing that such conduct is likely to cause reasonable fear of material harm to the physical health, safety or property of such person. Stalking also occurs when an individual causes material harm to the mental or emotional health of that person (telephoning or initiating communication or contact with such person, a member of such person's immediate family or a third party with whom such person is acquainted).
  
  
• Harassment
  Harassment occurs when a person intentionally and repeatedly follows another individual in or about a public place or repeatedly commits acts which place such a person in reasonable fear of physical injury.
  
  
• Rape
  Rape occurs when and individual engages in sexual intercourse with another person who is underage or incapable of consent by means of mental disability or physical helplessness.
  
  
• Kidnapping
  Kidnappings occur when an individual abducts another person with intent to compel the kidnapped individual to pay or deliver money or property as ransom, or to engage in other particular conduct, or to refrain from engaging in particular conduct. Kidnappings involve the restraint of such a person for a period of more than twelve hours with intent to inflict physical injury upon that individual, to accomplish or advance the commission of a felony, to terrorize the kidnapped individual or a third person or to interfere with the performance of a governmental or political function.
  
  
• Murder
  An individual is guilty of murder when, with intent to cause the death of another person, that individual causes the death of such person or of a third person.
  

The penalties for crimes associated with domestic violence vary considerably and are dependent upon several factors:

• The severity of the crime
• The type and/or classification of the crime
• Prior convictions
• Age of the victim
• If the victim was an officer of the law, fireman or emergency medical professional
  

Facing an arrest for a crime associated with domestic violence can have very serious consequences. Any individual charged with a domestic violence crime is strongly advised to seek counsel from an attorney experienced with assault, menacing, stalking, harassment, rape, kidnapping and murder cases.

Stephen Bilkis & Associates are highly skilled attorneys representing individuals charged with crimes associated with domestic violence. If you are in need of a domestic violence attorney, call us immediately at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW. We offer free consultations for those charged with assault, felony assault, menacing, stalking, harassment, rape, kidnapping and murder.