Planning a Defense Against Domestic Violence Charges

 Posted on January 16, 2019 in Criminal Law

A number of crimes fall under the blanket of domestic violence in Illinois law, including physical abuse, harassment and threats, and more. In order for charges to qualify as domestic violence, the crimes must have been committed against someone with whom the alleged perpetrator has a close relationship, like a spouse or former spouse, a parent or child, or a current or prior live-in partner.

If you have been charged with domestic violence, you need to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You should not talk to police on your own. Instead, wait until you have proper legal representation before engaging in any conversation with law enforcement about the matter.

First Steps in Dealing with Domestic Violence Charges

The first move after being accused of domestic violence may seem obvious, but it is all too often ignored. Ideally, you should cut off communication with the alleged victim as much as possible. The situation is no doubt a tense one, whether you committed a violent act or not, so it is best to avoid any additional problems.

Do not spend too much time talking to police, at least not until you can have an attorney present. Be careful about volunteering too much information and seek experienced legal counsel right away. Once you have secured an attorney, follow his or her advice on how to proceed. Whether you did or did not commit an act that could be considered domestic violence, you will need help in making your side of the story known.

Domestic violence charges can come with some serious punishments. Even if the charges against you are false, dealing with the accusations can be a nerve-wracking experience, to say the least, and your reputation, career, and personal relationships can be affected. Keep in mind that the burden of proof is on the police and prosecution team. Many cases involving domestic violence charges boil down to one person's word against the other's.

It can help if you are able to gather character witnesses like friends, family members, and neighbors who are willing to vouch for you in court. If you have any evidence that can prove your innocence or help your case, let your attorney know as soon as possible.

A Skilled Attorney Can Help You Beat the Charges

Do not try to handle a domestic violence charge on your own. An experienced Will County domestic violence defense lawyer will be able to help you determine your best defense strategy. Call 815-666-1285 to set up a free consultation in which you can discuss your options for minimizing the legal and personal ramifications of domestic violence accusations.

Sources:

http://www.isp.state.il.us/crime/domesticviol.cfm