Just when you thought things were already hard enough, your soon to be ex-spouse threw you another curve ball. While domestic assault is a major crime that requires serious consequences, false charges sometimes do get filed when one person tries to get leverage over another. As upsetting as it is to find out that you are charged with domestic assault, you can take these steps right away to make sure your case is handled properly.
Understand the Full Scope of the Situation
When you believe you are innocent, you may be tempted to take matters in your own hands. After all, the court system is designed to prevent innocent people from being punished for a crime that they didn't commit. Unfortunately, domestic assault cases get complicated, and you cannot risk facing possible jail time or an abuse conviction on your record. Domestic assault attorney services are essential for helping you to understand the ramifications of the charges along with figuring out the best way to defend your innocence.
Document Your Injuries
Sometimes, domestic assault charges occur after someone realizes that they have committed an act of violence and try to win a race to the phone. If this happened to you, then you may have injuries that were sustained during the incident. Make sure to take photographs of your injuries as soon as possible, and consider seeking a medical exam if you suspect that your injuries are major. This evidence could be necessary if you must explain that you left marks on the other party out of self-defense.
Do Not Attempt to Make Contact
After you get charged with a crime that you believe you did not commit, you may be tempted to try to work things out on your own. However, there are often court orders that are put in place that stipulate no contact with the other party. Breaking these laws could compromise your case by making it seem as though you had something to hide, and you could be charged with contempt of court in a worst-case scenario. If you need information from your soon-to-be ex-spouse regarding your children or personal belongings, then work through your domestic assault attorney to figure out a way to get what is needed without jeopardizing your case.
Being charged with a crime that you would never commit is disturbing, and you may fear losing rights to your property, kids and the respect of others. However, you can successfully defend yourself against false charges by utilizing the services of an attorney that understands the importance of getting your domestic assault charges dropped.
