Substance Abuse Linked to Domestic Violence

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence shows a clear link between substance abuse and domestic violence. Statistics indicate that up to 50 percent of men who are in counseling for domestic abuse are identified as substance abusers.

Domestic Violence is a Growing Concern

In the United States, domestic violence in dating relationships and marriages is a growing concern. According to Futures Without Violence, at least three women are murdered by their boyfriends or husbands every day. Nearly one in four women report experiencing domestic violence by a current or former partner at some point in their relationship. Statistics show that 75 percent of domestic abusers are male, and women between the ages of 20 to 24 are at the highest risk for non-fatal domestic violence. Sexual assaults and domestic violence on college campuses are on the rise, and most attacks seen by an assault lawyer are linked to alcohol and/or drug abuse.

More than 15 million children in the U.S. live in families where domestic violence occurred at least once in the past year, and seven million children live in families where severe injuries occurred from domestic violence. In Minnesota, children were present in one-third of cases that resulted in the death of their mother in 2016.

Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a definite link between substance abuse and domestic violence. Studies show that between 25 and 50 percent of men who commit domestic violence have substance abuse problems. In reported incidences of domestic violence, more than 30 percent of abusers were drinking at the time of the assault, and 90 percent abused substances including alcohol and cocaine on the day of the assault. In reported cases where men attempted to kill their partner, alcohol was involved in over two-thirds of cases. In cases where men actually killed their partner, 25 percent were under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Approximately 75 percent of domestic violence victims who have substance abuse problems are with a partner who also has a substance abuse problem. Although heroin and cocaine are linked to high rates of domestic violence, marijuana use on a frequent basis and prescription pain medications like oxycodone and vicodin are also linked to incidences of domestic violence. An assault lawyer in Minnesota commonly sees sexual assault and domestic violence cases that involve alcohol and/or drug abuse or addiction.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

The Surprising Cost of a Guilty Criminal Plea in Minnesota

Defendants in Minnesota may plead guilty or accept deals without understanding the hidden cost of a guilty criminal plea. A guilty criminal plea, regardless of how appealing it appears, can leave you dealing with substantial lifelong consequences. You may skip lengthy trial proceedings and likely get a lenient sentence, but end up with a criminal record. The record can lead to various financial and collateral consequences, including difficulty in securing employment, loss of housing rights, license revocation, and immigration issues.

What You Can Expect at a Pre-Trial Motions Hearing in Minnesota

The pre-trial motions hearing is a court session you attend after your first arraignment. At the hearing, the prosecution and defense appear before a judge to clear several details about the case before trial. These details include pre-trial motions, evidentiary queries, and constitutional matters.

Refusing Arrest vs. Resisting Arrest in Minnesota: What’s the Difference?

Highly publicized incidents of police using excessive force over the past few years have led to people wondering, “What’s the difference between refusing arrest vs. resisting arrest?” Resisting arrest in Minnesota occurs when you use force to prevent a police officer from making a lawful arrest. Refusing an arrest, on the other hand, involves statements or actions that show reluctance to cooperate with an officer’s instructions without using force.