When you think of misdemeanor
domestic battery, assault and even verbal abuse often come to mind. However, you could
also add pouring ketchup on someone to bring such criminal charges.
A man from Pinellas Park, Florida, is facing a misdemeanor charge for allegedly
pouring ketchup on his sleeping girlfriend. The woman, who has been dating
the man for 11 years, told law enforcement that she woke up in the middle
of the night to find her boyfriend shouting profanities at her—and
pouring ketchup.
According to investigators, the couple had an argument over the woman’s
infidelity prior to the incident. The police report said she was completely
covered in ketchup.
Although this news story may sound silly, the charge the boyfriend faces is not.
Domestic battery occurs when a victim is a family or household member of
the perpetrator. A conviction of misdemeanor domestic battery is punishable
by a maximum one-year jail sentence, one year of probation, and a fine
of up to $1,000.
Additional penalties include a batterer’s intervention program that
lasts 26 weeks, community service for up to 12 months, and the loss of
certain civil liberties such as carrying a firearm.
However, if a defendant has a prior conviction for domestic battery, then
the subsequent offense is considered a felony. A felony domestic battery
conviction is punishable by a maximum five-year prison sentence.
If you have been charged with a domestic violence crime in Daytona Beach,
contact the Law Offices of Robert Stepniak today at (386) 868-4771 and schedule a free consultation.