If you’re facing a domestic violence conviction, a domestic violence attorney can ensure your rights are protected and that you have a knowledgeable legal professional on your side.
The process of being charged with domestic violence be stressful and emotional — and it can often occur as a result of a misunderstanding or a situation blown out of proportion. For example, two spouses may have engaged in a heated argument over child custody. Out of alarm, the neighbors called the police. And even though both spouses engaged in said argument, one spouse might be arrested for an arbitrary reason.
But even if you believe the charges against you are unfounded, you will still need to take action to increase your chances of a positive outcome. Here’s what you should keep in mind.
These Charges Must be Taken Seriously
A domestic violence charge is a serious charge. A lot of defendants make the mistake of thinking that if they did nothing wrong during the altercation, they will not suffer the consequences. Unfortunately, they find out too late that there can be consequences even when you feel you are in the right.
You need a domestic violence lawyer who will fight for your rights and work to avoid your conviction. This is not a matter that you want to fight on your own. Having the right representation can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of the case.
How Convictions Change Lives
Being arrested is never a good thing, but a domestic violence conviction is far worse than being arrested. A domestic violence conviction can be life changing. You can lose your right to own a gun, forfeit the right to see your children, and have trouble finding employment and housing. A domestic violence lawyer can often help to mitigate these consequences. If an active military member is charged with a domestic violence charge, the penalties can be even further reaching. An attorney for veterans and active duty military members will understand the potential repercussions and actions that need to be taken. But whether you’re a civilian or a member of the military, even being charged with this type of crime can change your entire life — so you can’t afford to take these circumstances lightly.
If You Have Been Charged
If you have been charged with domestic violence, the judge will order you to stay away from the other party. Be sure to follow these orders and to refer to the advice of your domestic violence lawyer. In fact, the first thing you’ll want to do after being charged is to contact your attorney. If you have not yet secured an attorney, we’re here to help. For more information, please get in touch with our firm today.