Domestic violence charges are prosecuted as felonies or misdemeanors. Felony charges may result in jail time and fines, while misdemeanor charges typically result in probation, fines, community service, and anger management classes.
If you are facing domestic violence charges, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss your case and determine the available legal options.
The following are some of the roles that a domestic violence attorney may play:
Provide legal advice
An experienced attorney from a reputable domestic violence defense law firm will provide information about your rights and responsibilities related to domestic violence charges. They also can explain what is likely to happen if you are found guilty of charges and what options are available if you decide to fight the charges in court.
Help you prepare for court
Your attorney will prepare for court by reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and documenting everything that happened during your arrest. They will also help you prepare for trial by building a strong case for their client’s innocence.
Negotiate plea deals
If your case goes to trial, your attorney may negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors in exchange for dropping some or all of the charges against you. This can be an effective way to avoid serving time in jail or prison while still getting some criminal record on your record (which could affect future employment opportunities)
If you have been charged with domestic violence, hiring a domestic violence defense attorney who understands the dynamics of domestic violence cases is important. Here are some of the roles that an experienced attorney can play in your case:
Protecting your rights
An experienced attorney will know how to protect your rights and keep you out of jail. They can explain the legal process and ensure all evidence is collected properly. If errors are made during the arrest or investigation, they will know how to correct them. Your attorney can also help you understand how much time you may be facing if convicted and what penalties you could face if you are convicted.
Preparing a strong defense
An experienced attorney knows how to build a strong defense on your behalf. They will review all available evidence and look for any weaknesses in the case against you so that they can attack it from every angle possible. This may include challenging search warrants or subpoenas, questioning police officers about their testimony, requesting certain pieces of evidence be excluded from trial, and more.
Any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case must be exploited before trial so there isn’t any doubt about your innocence at trial time. If you have been accused of committing a crime against your spouse or significant other, it is crucial that you get an attorney right away to defend against those charges. The sooner they begin working on your case, the better their chance of getting the charges dropped or reduced.
Conclusion
If you are accused of domestic violence, you will need the help of an attorney who specializes in this area of law. Your attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and build a strong defense against your charges.