What to Do When You’re Charged with Domestic Violence
If you’re facing a charge of domestic violence (DV), you might be scared and unsure of what to do. You will likely get a lot of advice, but be careful what advice you listen to. Many will say, “Just sign the plea agreement.” Others might suggest you fight the charge on your own.
With all the different advice out there, you might be confused about what the right step is. First of all, remember to take your charge seriously. A DV offense is very serious, and it can affect your entire life. You could lose your job, suffer great embarrassment, and even suffer legal consequences if convicted.
Here’s what you should do when charged with a DV crime.
Don’t Talk with the Police Unless You Have a Lawyer Present
Many people think that if they answer the police officer’s questions honestly and without hesitation that this willingness to cooperate will work in their favor. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. The officer can spin the tale in whichever direction they choose, and your words might not come out the way you intended.
The statements that you make can be used against you, and you won’t be able to take them back. That’s why you always want to wait to speak to police until you have an attorney beside you. You’ll be less likely to say things that can hurt you later.
Don’t Make Things Worse
Domestic violence is often a “he said, she said” type of situation. There are always two sides to every story, but there are ways to make your side look bad.
If you are charged with a domestic violence offense, the first thing you should do is take a step away from the person you are accused of assaulting. Don’t communicate with them and don’t let them put you in situations that will make you look bad.
Don’t Try Fighting the Charge on Your Own
It’s easy to think that you can handle the situation alone. You might think you can get your accuser to drop the charges, or you might believe that you don’t need to hire a lawyer because it’s too expensive. These moves would be a mistake.
A domestic violence charge is a serious offense, and if you’re convicted, it will change your life. For example, most employers don’t want to have an employee convicted of violence working for them. It’s in your interest to add a domestic violence attorney to your team.
Call a Domestic Violence Attorney Today
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction are severe and long-lasting. You could be looking at jail time, job loss, probation, and humiliation. Fighting against a DV crime on your own doesn’t usually end well. You will likely need a lawyer who can advise you during this difficult time.
Your lawyer can assist you from start to finish. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the less likely you will be to say things that could get you in trouble later. Your attorney can also defend you in court, should it come to that. Reach out to Raybin & Weissman, P.C. to talk with a lawyer about your domestic violence defense case. Send in the form below, or call 615-256-6666.