Were You Arrested For Allegedly Harming Your Partner? 3 Reasons To Work With A Domestic Violence Lawyer Right Away
Posted on: 19 November 2020
Dealing with an arrest on top of your relationship problems is overwhelming. Right now, you may be feeling confused and unsure of what to do next. After all, a domestic violence charge comes with the potential for you to experience serious penalties. Spending time in jail is bad enough, but you could also be faced with carrying the stigma of having this added to your criminal record. Time is of the essence when it comes to defending these types of cases, and you can begin protecting yourself from the worst consequences of this charge by choosing to work with an experienced domestic violence lawyer who offers these services that can help your situation.
Gather Evidence to Defend Your Case
Law enforcement officers have specific guidelines regarding who they arrest during an event that involves domestic violence. In many situations, they don't gather all of the evidence that is available. For instance, they might not have taken photos of your injuries, or you might not be able to get video footage from your home security cameras once you've been arrested. Your attorney can help you begin to collect information that you might not have access to otherwise. They can interview witnesses and request access to video feeds and medical records that might help support your case.
Learn How to Follow Any Protection Orders
After someone is charged with domestic violence, the courts may issue protective orders. These orders are meant to protect the victims of crimes, but they can also make life harder for you. For example, you might not be able to get within so many feet of the person accusing you of the crime. This could pose a significant problem if this means that you can no longer access your home. If you work together, then figuring out how to maintain your job is another problem. Even going to the same grocery store or picking up your children becomes complicated with protective orders in place. Accidentally breaking the order can leave you in serious trouble. Your domestic violence attorney will walk through each part of the order to help you understand what you can and cannot do.
Protect Your Rights and Assets
You also have rights, and that includes remaining innocent until you are proven guilty. Your attorney will advise you of your rights and help you to meet your essential needs during this challenging time. If you are not allowed to return home, then your attorney might be able to help you obtain your belongings. Your right to see your children may also need to be defended. Working with an attorney gives you the representation that you need to prevent this charge from ruining your life before you've been given a fair trial.
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