Facing domestic violence charges is a harrowing experience that can be compounded by the potentially personal aspects of these charges. When there is proof of physical violence, such as photos of bruising or doctor’s reports, it might seem like your case is hopeless — but this might not be the case.
There are often ways that you can refute the claims that are being made against you. In some cases, you might be able to note that the incident was an accident, but this claim can only be made if it is factual.
One thing that can come up in these cases is the history of abuse or the lack thereof. It is imperative that you take an honest look at how the situation might appear to jurors. This is one of the things that can make domestic violence cases difficult. In some cases, the jurors automatically feel sorry for the alleged victim and might read more into situations than what was truly there.
There is a certain cycle that domestic violence usually follows. When this cycle is present, it can be a challenge to fight the charges. Here’s the cycle:
- Abusive behavior
- Self-directed guilt with a veiled apology
- Rationalizations
- Period of normal behavior
- Planning the next attack and fantasizing about it
- Setting up your spouse for a new round of abuse
These work in a continuous cycle, so the abuser is always somewhere in that circle. Just when it seems like things are getting better, it starts all over again. If the prosecution can show this cycle, you will have to find ways to call that accusation into question before the jury. Ultimately, you will need a defense strategy based on the facts of your case before you head into the trial.