Domestic violence allegations are very serious. If you are charged and convicted of domestic violence, the consequences can last the rest of your life. It can affect what kind of job you are able to hold and even where you can live. Even when the allegations are false, it’s important to take them very seriously.
One of the most important things you can do for yourself after a domestic violence incident is contact a criminal defense attorney. Even if you don’t think anything will come of the charges or you are sure you are innocent, the court system can be unpredictable. The severity and long-term impact of the consequences means that you need to make sure you understand all of the possible outcomes and what defense strategies you have available.
It’s also important to understand that domestic violence situations also involve both criminal and civil charges. If the other party ends up with a temporary order of protection, or peace order in the case of unmarried parties, this is the civil portion of the charges. Once the initial time frame of the protection order has expired, you will have the opportunity to try to get the order dismissed. However, if it is not, it may be upheld for the next year to 18 months.
The criminal charges are arguably the more serious aspect of a domestic violence case, and the immediate penalties can include jail time. It’s important to mount an aggressive defense when you are facing domestic violence charges. If you find yourself on the receiving end of domestic violence allegations, we can help.