Assault & Domestic Violence Defense

Assault and domestic violence charges are among the most consequential criminal cases you can face. In Wisconsin, even a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction permanently prohibits you from possessing firearms (under federal law), can result in jail time, and creates a criminal record that affects employment, housing, and custody. These cases are often complicated by emotions, conflicting accounts, and pressure from prosecutors who take a "charge first, sort it out later" approach.

Minerva Defense understands what's at stake. We investigate thoroughly, challenge the prosecution's narrative, and fight aggressively to protect your rights — whether your case belongs at trial, in negotiation, or should never have been charged in the first place.

Charges We Defend

• Battery — Intentionally causing bodily harm to another person (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Substantial Battery — Causing substantial bodily harm (Class I Felony)
• Aggravated Battery — Causing great bodily harm (Class E–H Felony depending on intent)
• Domestic Abuse Battery — Battery against a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, or co-parent
• Strangulation & Suffocation — Class H Felony carrying up to 6 years in prison
• Disorderly Conduct (Domestic) — Often charged alongside or instead of battery in domestic situations
• Restraining Order / Injunction Defense — Defending against temporary and permanent restraining orders
• Violation of a Restraining Order — Criminal contempt charges for alleged violations
• Child Abuse — Physical abuse allegations involving minors
• Threats / Intimidation — Criminal threats, intimidation of witnesses or victims

Wisconsin Penalties

Charge	Classification	Potential Penalty
Battery	Class A Misdemeanor	Up to 9 months jail, $10,000 fine
Substantial Battery	Class I Felony	Up to 3.5 years prison, $10,000 fine
Aggravated Battery (intent)	Class E Felony	Up to 15 years prison, $50,000 fine
Strangulation	Class H Felony	Up to 6 years prison, $10,000 fine
Domestic Abuse (enhancer)	Adds to base charge	Maximum sentence doubled; firearms prohibition

Note: Wisconsin's domestic abuse enhancer can double the maximum sentence for any underlying offense. A domestic violence conviction also triggers a lifetime federal firearms prohibition.

Defense Strategies

Self-Defense

Wisconsin law recognizes the right to defend yourself from imminent harm. If you were protecting yourself or another person from an aggressor, we build the evidence to support your self-defense claim — including witness testimony, physical evidence, and the other party's history of aggression.

False Accusations

Domestic violence accusations are sometimes fabricated or exaggerated — motivated by custody disputes, divorce proceedings, immigration issues, or personal vendettas. We investigate the accuser's motives, inconsistencies in their account, and evidence that contradicts their story.

Challenging the Evidence

We examine photographs, medical records, 911 recordings, police body camera footage, and witness statements. Often, the evidence tells a very different story than what the prosecution presents.

No-Contact Order Strategy

When a no-contact order separates you from your home, your children, or your spouse, we work to modify the order as quickly as possible while protecting you from violation charges.

Protecting Your Record

When appropriate, we negotiate for reduced charges (disorderly conduct rather than battery), deferred prosecution, or dismissal. Our goal is always the best possible outcome — ideally one that keeps a domestic violence finding off your record.

Restraining Order Defense

A restraining order (domestic abuse injunction) can be issued based on a low burden of proof — just a "reasonable grounds" standard at the temporary stage. But the consequences are severe: you may be removed from your home, barred from contacting your family, and required to surrender firearms.

Minerva Defense represents clients at both temporary restraining order (TRO) hearings and injunction hearings. We challenge the petitioner's evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present your side of the story to the court.