Domestic violence is a devastating occurrence that affects nearly one in four women and one in ten men over the course of their lives. Such incidents should be taken seriously, and the law has set forth penalties and safeguards to prevent violence from occurring again. However, this means that allegations of domestic violence can be extremely powerful. Even the mention of such a significant offense can ruin a person’s reputation and make it difficult for them to live a normal life.
Unfortunately, some people don’t consider the severity of domestic violence allegations when they levy assault charges or accusations against others. In some cases, people pursue domestic violence charges out of spite, while other times, the charges are a result of a misunderstanding. With the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you can defend yourself against family violence charges. Though the alleged victim may have created a believable story from their perspective, you have the right to refute their allegations in court. A licensed attorney can help.
For many years, the Law Firm of William A. Walsh has been defending individuals who have been unfairly accused of domestic violence. Our firm is dedicated to upholding Christian family values, and we believe in properly representing the accused. Securing representation from our Granbury Domestic Violence attorney can help you build a strong defense and a fair opportunity to preserve your freedom.
All too often, the accused does not have a proper voice in their own case, and they are left to face unfair consequences from the law. Over the past 30 years, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals avoid false, unfair, or undue charges and live long, happy lives. We specialize in criminal defense and can help any individual facing criminal charges advocate for themselves in court and begin anew once the process comes to an end.
When an individual makes a report of domestic violence, many events can occur very quickly. First, the police will arrive at the residence or the scene of the incident to assess the situation and help anyone who may need it. Often, however, they arrive in the aftermath of the situation and must simply trust the alleged victim’s word about what occurred. You’ll be arrested if the officers on-scene believe:
If the situation is unclear, the accuser may request a temporary restraining order, which prevents the accused from contacting them for a short period until the court can properly assess whether a lasting restraining order is necessary. If you are accused of domestic violence, a temporary restraining order means that you will have to leave your home. Even if you are innocent of the accusations against you, the police will wait while you gather your things and find alternative housing.
In some situations, the accuser opts to drop the accusations or never follows through with the charges. However, in most situations, you will be served with a formal charge. This means that the legal system is now officially involved in your dispute. For assault and domestic violence cases, you face a criminal trial, which means that even if your accuser drops the charges, the state will likely intervene and continue the prosecution.
Because the charges are criminal in nature, you will need a criminal defense attorney’s help to build your defense and argue your case in criminal court. You will need to provide evidence that brings your guilt into question, which can be difficult to do with the state’s prosecution team working to discredit you. Without an attorney, most domestic violence defendants are found guilty of their crimes.
Though you can defend yourself alone, this is a significant risk that is inadvisable for most individuals. Assault and domestic violence charges hold significant penalties, and restraining orders are incredibly restricting. Without a proper defense from a skilled Granbury domestic violence lawyer, you will likely be found guilty.
If the court finds you guilty, you will face severe restrictions regarding your family. A restraining order may keep you from your home, while your charges may prevent you from seeing your children. If your accuser seeks a divorce, you may have to fight for custody of your children. It’s worth noting that individuals with a history of domestic violence charges rarely receive custody of their children.
Your reputation is also a critical consideration. If you are found guilty of domestic violence or family assault, you will likely experience multiple difficulties moving forward. If individuals in your professional and social circles learn of a conviction, you may face strained relationships, difficulty maintaining employment, and severed friendships. Unfortunately, people often take the accuser’s side in these scenarios, especially if the court declares your guilt.
Demonstrating your innocence with the help of an experienced Granbury family law and criminal defense attorney is the only way to prevent a single accusation from negatively affecting your life for years to come.
When you seek legal help from a domestic violence attorney, it’s important to know what to expect. Though you may feel as though your whole life is falling apart, your attorney should be there to listen with compassion and understanding. You should not feel judged, and you should certainly feel as though your attorney is dedicated to learning your side of the story.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking openly with your attorney, you should find someone else to represent you. Honesty is key in an attorney-client relationship, and if you don’t feel as though you can be honest, your case will fall apart. Your attorney should gather evidence, take statements from you and any witnesses, and work to highlight the inconsistencies or falsehoods in the accuser’s allegations.
After a domestic violence accusation, securing skilled representation is your best chance at avoiding unfair charges and retaining your freedom. The skilled Granbury domestic violence lawyers at the Law Firm of William A. Walsh understand the complexities and nuance in these cases and believes that everyone deserves a fair chance in court. For more information, please contact the Law Firm of William A. Walsh today.
