If you’ve been charged with a domestic violence-related crime, your reputation is not the only thing that’s on the line. Depending on the charges in question and the potential penalties they carry, your very freedom, relationships, career, and financial future may all be at stake.
Fortunately, just because you’ve been charged with a crime doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be convicted. With the right defense strategy, it may be possible to negotiate for lesser charges, reduced penalties, or the outright dismissal of your case. The best approach to fighting the charges will depend on a variety of factors, but generally speaking, there are a few steps you should take and mistakes you should avoid to give your defense the highest chance of success.
Let’s explore some of the do’s and don’ts of facing domestic violence-related charges:
1. Don’t Confront the Alleged Victim
Even if there’s no court order barring you from interacting with each other, it’s still wise to avoid contact with the accuser at least until the case has been resolved. Any confrontation might end up hurting your defense, so it’s best to let your attorney handle all correspondence with the opposing party.
2. Do Write down Everything You Remember
There are many potential defenses against domestic violence-related charges. Your attorney will discern the most tactful approach by reviewing the facts of your case and the available evidence. To ensure his or her investigation gets off to a strong start, it’s a good idea to write down everything you remember about the incident in question. No detail is too small to include.
3. Don’t Plead Guilty Without Seeking Counsel
Without a seasoned criminal attorney by your side, you might not know if accepting a plea deal would be a smart decision. A domestic violence lawyer can try to negotiate for a fair plea deal if that’s the best option given the circumstances.
It’s wise to contact an attorney immediately—before you’ve even answered questions from the arresting officer. Your lawyer can help you avoid making misguided statements that would harm your case and limit your defense options.
4. Do Abide by All Court Orders
If a judge has issued a “no contact” order, it’s essential that you adhere to it. Ignoring court orders at any point during the proceedings could harm your defense. While it may be tempting to reach out to the accuser in an effort to clear the air, the judge will perceive such action as a disregard for legal authority, which certainly won’t work in your favor.
Call 716-855-3761 to Discuss Your Case with a New York Domestic Violence Attorney
If you’re facing domestic violence-related charges, contact LoTempio P.C. Law Group. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your call.
We’ve defended thousands of clients against criminal charges, and we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Call 716-855-3761 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a domestic violence lawyer in New York.