Are you being charged with domestic violence? Domestic violence cases usually come from a single claim and minimal proof. However, it can still be especially overwhelming to deal with a violence charge. Being charged can affect your life in many ways, including a permanent record, high legal fees, and potentially the loss of child custody. It can also act as a previous legal charge to base any future legal troubles on. How can you prevent disastrous legal consequences from a domestic violence case?
Remove yourself from a risky situation
Sometimes, arguments escalate rather quickly. When they do, emotions can cause things to happen that could result in legal charges. It is important to understand that the situation should never reach this point. If your arguments have escalated to a point of extreme emotion in the past, remove yourself before this happens. Even if the abuse charges are false, removing yourself from the environment can ensure that there is no validity to their claim. If you were never there, you could have not committed the crime.
If possible, always have a witness
If you have been threatened with a police call or the accusation of domestic violence in the past, always have a witness. If you know that your partner is especially angry or that a fight is likely to ensue, avoid going home until you have a witness. A witness can protect you and can act as a third part for the actual events that occurred. About 10,000 people in the United States may be wrongfully convicted of serious crimes each year. Domestic violence defendants are especially at risk of a wrongful conviction, because of the lack of proof needed.
Gather proof, if available
Proof is important to any legal case. It gives the judge and the jury something to consider. Gather any and all documents of proof against your legal charge. If you could not have been at the location stated, gather statements of witnesses. Other documents like receipts, video documents, and phone calls can also act as forms of proof. Approximately 68 million people in this country are currently living with a criminal record. Protect your legal rights by protecting yourself from living with a criminal record. Your domestic violence lawyer can help you with obtaining these necessary documents.
Hire a domestic defense attorney
Hiring a domestic violence defense attorney may be the most important thing you can do to prevent legal charges. The legal system can be very complex and without proper representation, you are likely to be left with charges. These charges could include jail time, probation, required counseling services, personal protection orders, loss of child custody, and high fines. Attorneys for domestic violence cases work at preventing these outcomes for those that are wrongly accused. Also, do not choose just any violence defense attorney. Choose one that is experienced and is able to efficiently represent you.
Domestic violence is a serious legal accusation. About 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. However, there are also a small number of people who will be wrongly accused of domestic violence. When charges are placed, this can severely affect your life. You are left with a personal legal record and it could affect your work and residential life. If you are being wrongly accused of violence, it is important to consult with a defense attorney as soon as possible. Gather evidence against the claim, prevent future altercations, and always have witnesses when possible. Do not get left with a legal charge for a crime that you did not commit.