A person may be charged with domestic assault if he or she is accused of assaulting:

• a current or former spouse
• any adult or minor who live together or who have lived together
• any adult or minor who are dating or have dated, or who are or were in a sexual relationship
• an adult or minor related by blood or adoption
• an adult or minor who are related or were formerly related by marriage
• an adult or minor child of a person in any of these kinds of relationships

A conviction of domestic assault is classified as a Class A misdemeanor in most cases, which carries punishment of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

A second conviction where bodily injury occurs is punishable by a minimum jail term of 30 consecutive days and a fine up to $3,500.

A third or subsequent conviction where bodily injury occurs is punishable by a minimum jail term of 90 consecutive days and a minimum fine of $1,100.

Significantly, anyone convicted of domestic assault is prohibited by both state and federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.