Being accused of domestic violence is a heartbreaking situation when you are certain in your innocence. You are aware of what this accusation can do to you; it can end with your name in tatters, your rights denied, and has the possibility of you landing in prison. With the knowledge of your innocence, this is a terrifying reality.
But you must be aware of what you should do if this situation ever arises. Although you might not want to imagine it, it is best to be prepared. This post has outlined four of the vital steps you must complete if you ever face allegations of domestic abuse.
Seek Legal Representation As Soon As Possible
The very first step to complete when accused of domestic violence is to seek legal counsel. This type of allegation can have serious repercussions, even if the claims seem false. Police forces might be required to undertake a thorough investigation, which can damage your reputation and deny you of your rights.
Selecting the best representation that you can find will guide you through the entire legal process, as complex as it is. You cannot stop the police from investigating these claims or even the prosecutor’s office from filing charges, but choosing an experienced domestic abuse defense attorney will ensure your case is handled properly.
How you select your presentation will likely be impacted by your charges and location, but you should still search for the most professional and best quality counsel. This Birmingham domestic violence attorney, for example, will take the case as seriously as the accused individual to secure the best possible result.
Avoid Contacting Your Accuser
Ceasing contact with the person who has accused you of domestic violence can be tough when you live in the same household, but it is vital to do so. If you try to speak with the plaintiff or alleged victim, you are at risk of worsening the allegations. It is unlikely a face-to-face conversation, or even a text, will solve this problem, so resist doing this.
If you do live with the accuser, you can ask close friends or relatives if you can stay with them for some time to allow your attorney to develop a suitable plan. Only confide in close friends and relatives as they will be more likely to support your during the process. The legal process will be draining, so surrounding yourself with a network of supporters will help you cope.
Collect Evidence to Prove Your Innocence
Finding evidence that disproves the allegations against you is also a priority. All evidence will be considered, from medical reports and testimonies from eyewitnesses to text messages and other communication records. This will benefit your legal case by providing a compelling counter-narrative.
Additionally, all records of communication with your accuser can develop a timeline and serve as context for any events that led to the accusation. This is key if the alleged victim has stated the domestic abuse happened on a specific date, at a certain location, or in a particular way. Checking your records may prove these allegations to be false, especially if you were visiting family or working at the time.
Cooperate with Law Enforcement
Cooperating with the authorities can demonstrate your goodwill and indicate that you are committed to finding out the truth. This might give you a better opportunity to present your side of the story, which could potentially clear your name quicker and prevent further complications.
Like with any charges, you should remember your right to remain silent and refer to your attorney before you provide significant information.
By following the steps in this post, you will be better prepared if you are accused of domestic abuse, and you will hopefully find yourself free of the allegations a lot sooner, too.
