Let’s get this out of the way: domestic violence is a very heinous act. Domestic violence robs the victim of their dignity and self-worth. That said, if you have been accused of domestic violence, it is important that you move with speed to defend your rights and safeguard your reputation.
A domestic violence accusation can potentially affect your career, reputation and, most importantly, your relationship with your loved ones. Remember, what you do, or do not do, can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
2 things you can do
When you’re facing serious charges, there are always two major things that need to be done:
1. Gather your evidence
All legal matters are won or lost on account of evidence. You need to put together evidence of your version of the incident in question, whether you were acting in self-defense or wholly innocent. Do you have any witnesses to the incident? Request them to speak for you. Do you have any GPS data, electronic data, like text or audio messages or surveillance footage? Bring them along.
2. Seek legal help
It is easy to shrug off the domestic violence accusation thinking you can just walk into the courtroom, give your account of events and walk home a free man or woman. Wrong. Legal matters can be very complex, especially if you are not a legal expert. No matter how innocent you believe you are, it is in your best interest that you have an experienced legal mind in your corner when fighting false domestic violence charges.
One thing you can’t do
When you’re facing domestic violence charge, there’s one major thing you can’t ever do:
1. Confront your accuser
One of the mistakes people make when facing false domestic violence charges is attempting to contact their accuser with the goal of trying to settle the matter out of court or lashing out. These can work against you as they may be interpreted as an attempt to defeat the course of justice. Whether directly or through proxies, do not confront your accuser.
A false accusation of domestic violence can be devastating. Knowing how to handle a false domestic violence claim can go a long way in getting your life back on track.