Being charged with a crime is a nightmare for many of us. But being accused of domestic violence is one of the worst. Here’s a look at some of the things that you could expect.
What Could Happen to You
If you find yourself defending against a domestic violence charge, you could end up being evicted. If that’s not enough of a hassle—especially since nothing has been proven in court—you could end up with heavy fines as well as legal fees. You might be penalized, end up in jail, and if you have an ongoing case of alimony or child custody, this charge will the affect the outcomes for both. Talk to a domestic defense assault lawyer in San Antonio, TX to learn more.
What Domestic Violence Is
For the charge to be labeled as domestic violence, it must involve any of the following acts, whether one or more of them:
- Homicide
- Physical assault
- Threats of physical assault
- Lewdness or sexual assault
- Criminal sexual contact
- Kidnapping, false imprisonment
- Burglary
- Criminal mischief
- Harassment
- Stalking
If the conduct doesn’t fit any of the above, then a judge might dismiss the charge instead. For instance, if you used strong words to talk to your partner, that’s likely not domestic abuse. But if you struck your partner or spouse, then that could be deemed as a form of assault.
How to Pick a Lawyer
Given the seriousness of the case, don’t waste time. Start looking for legal help right away. Choose someone with years of experience in defending clients against domestic abuse charges. Someone with a good reputation in and out of court should be on top of your list. Be sure to consider the lawyer’s training and work background to make sure you hire someone competent enough to get you the outcome you hope for.
