Family Offense
Family CourtLegal information only — not legal advice. B-Legal is not a law firm and use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney before acting.
Plain-English Meaning
A specific category of offense — such as assault, harassment, or stalking — when committed between family members or people in an intimate relationship. Family offenses are handled in Family Court and can result in orders of protection.
Legal Context
Under N.Y. Family Court Act § 812, a family offense is any of a listed set of acts (including disorderly conduct, harassment, assault, stalking, and criminal mischief) committed by one family or household member against another. The petitioner can choose to proceed in Family Court (civil proceeding, no criminal record) or criminal court (criminal case, potential record). Family Court can provide orders of protection and mandate treatment but cannot impose jail as punishment.
Real-Life Example
After her brother repeatedly threatened her at family gatherings, Keisha filed a family offense petition in Family Court. Because it was a family relationship, she had the option to keep the matter civil rather than pressing criminal charges. Family Court issued a two-year order of protection.
Related Statutes
Related Terms
Source
Based on N.Y. Family Court Act § 812. Original B-Legal plain-language explanation.
N.Y. Family Court Act § 812
Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts. This definition is original B-Legal content and is not affiliated with or derived from any proprietary legal dictionary.