Being wrongfully accused of domestic violence can have a negative impact on your life – both personally and legally. It can lead to criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment. Hiring a domestic violence lawyer can help you lessen or avoid these charges entirely. 

What Domestic Violence Charges Can Lead To

There are a few reasons that someone may choose to wrongly accuse their current or former partner of abuse. Whether the charges are false or true, these accusations can have serious consequences, including:

• Charges on your criminal record
• Fines
• Imprisonment
• Revocation of certain rights and privileges, such as the right to own a firearm

What To Do if You are Being Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is typically a misdemeanor offense but may be considered a felony. Here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself if you have been accused of domestic violence:

Remove Yourself From the Situation and Remain Calm

One of the first things you can do to improve your case is to remove yourself from the situation. Avoid confrontations or arguments with the accuser as much as possible, as these can potentially hurt your case in the future. If you are unable to avoid interacting with them, make sure to document the event or be accompanied by witnesses.

Find Legal Representation

After removing yourself from the situation, consider hiring a defense attorney who specializes in domestic violence. A lawyer can be your advocate, provide legal advice, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also help you understand your rights, navigate legal proceedings, and can build a strong defense on your behalf. Selecting the right lawyer can largely determine the outcome of your case. If you are facing charges, domestic violence lawyer William Kroger has years of experience and can help you through the process.

Learn About the Laws 

Learning about what constitutes domestic violence in your state and the possible consequences of it can help you know what to anticipate, as laws surrounding domestic violence can vary by state. You can also research strategies for defense, such as false accusations or lack of evidence. Your attorney can help educate you on these laws and how to prepare for your case.

Gather Evidence

To prove your innocence, you may have to provide evidence that supports your story. Look through your text messages and emails, gather witness accounts, or obtain security camera footage that can support your innocence or discount the accusations against you. These can help demonstrate that the accusations against you are false and that your actions don’t align with the alleged incidents of abuse. 

Limit Contact With the Accuser

Domestic abuse accusations may cause elevated emotions that can tempt you to confront your accuser. Maintain a respectful distance and limit contact with your accuser. Conversations and interactions could be misconstrued and used against you. Follow your lawyer’s guidance regarding any interactions during the legal progress, as this can improve your outcome and help you avoid any interactions that become dangerous.

Speak With Witnesses

If there were people who were present during the time the abuse allegedly took place, ask them to provide statements or testify on your behalf. Their testimony can support your case, as their objective observations can prove your innocence. Character witnesses are a great way to enhance the legitimacy of your testimony. You may need legal representation present when you meet with them.

Maintain Honesty in Your Story

Being accused of domestic violence, even if the accusation is baseless, can cause you to look for an easy resolution. Instead of looking for a quick solution, focus on maintaining your integrity and providing evidence of your story. This can help protect your reputation throughout the legal process and can help your case. If your story remains consistent, it will be more believable for a judge, attorney, or investigator.

Prepare for Legal Proceedings 

If your accuser is pressing charges and wants to take you to court, you will need to work with your defense attorney to prepare to attend court hearings and other legal processes. They can offer guidance on pre-court procedures, what evidence to present, and how to act to increase your legitimacy. Lawyers like William Kroger can help you get through these processes and may be able to get your charges lessened or dropped.

Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer

Taking steps to secure proper legal representation can help you manage a domestic violence accusation. William Kroger is an LA Attorney with extensive experience defending clients accused of various crimes in the Los Angeles area. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence in the state of California, work with a defense attorney to build your case. Pay careful attention to your actions before, during, and after the court battle to avoid exacerbating the situation. For more information on the process of defending against a domestic violence accusation, contact us today.