Anyone who has traveled with a spouse or loved one can tell you that vacations can be incredibly tense. In some cases, arguments can become even more intense as couples are forced to spend more time with each other. After all, most spouses spend most of their time apart during the average day in Georgia due to work. So what happens if you commit family violence battery while out of the state? What happens if this crime occurs in another country? Does it still count? Under what jurisdiction will you be prosecuted?
Embassy Employee Sent to Prison for Domestic Violence in Moldova
In many cases, family violence battery committed in another country can be prosecuted here in Georgia. For example, it was reported on March 3 that a former embassy employee had been sentenced to 1.5 years in prison for domestic violence committed in Moldova. This individual was the spouse of a US diplomat serving in the embassy. In 2021, he apparently attacked his wife and strangled her in front of their children. The attack resulted in physical injuries, but the spouse survived. The defendant was arrested as soon as he arrived back in Atlanta from Albania. Keep in mind that a US embassy is technically on American soil, so this example is essentially no different than a case of family violence battery in Georgia.
The Potential Consequences of Family Violence Battery While on Vacation
If you were on vacation and you committed family violence battery, you may be arrested by the local authorities. The next steps depend entirely on the country in which you find yourself. Some countries have extradition treaties with the United States, which means you will be sent home to face a trial. Other countries, however, have no such treaties – which means you will be charged based on local laws.
Does Family Violence Rise Over the Holidays?
According to some sources, family violence rises during the holidays. This may be due to the fact that family members are forced to spend more time with each other. In some cases, work is the only thing preventing these spouses from becoming violent. On the other hand, some sources claim that this is a total myth – with family violence reports actually decreasing during the holidays. Statistics that conclusively point to a spike in violence during holidays are difficult to find – although some show that New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day have higher-than-average family violence rates.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney in Georgia?
If you’ve been searching for an experienced criminal defense attorney in Georgia, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants, including those accused of family violence battery. While committing this offense out of the state may complicate matters slightly, you can still fight for your rights and pursue the best possible outcome with our help. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
