Defending Against Domestic Violence Allegations
Legal Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence Accusations
Alabama law takes violent offenses seriously, especially domestic violence. A conviction can have many lasting effects far beyond fines or probation, as it can affect your family relationships, job prospects, where you live, and more for years to come.
Having an aggressive defense is critical for anyone facing these charges. At the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr., we have extensive experience in defending against domestic violence allegations, working to minimize the consequences our clients face.
Contact our Montgomery domestic violence defense attorney today to discuss your case and start building a strong defense.
Understanding Domestic Violence Laws in Alabama
Domestic violence in Alabama includes any incident that causes physical injury or is intended to cause physical injury to a family or household member. This includes spouses, former spouses, persons who have a child in common, or those who have or had a dating relationship.
Possible Defenses Against Domestic Violence Allegations
When facing domestic violence allegations, an experienced Alabama domestic violence defense lawyer can help build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. Some common defenses against domestic violence charges may include:
- False accusations: In some cases, an individual might falsely accuse someone of domestic violence due to revenge, anger, or manipulation. Your lawyer will work to investigate the credibility of the accusation and gather evidence in your defense.
- Self-defense: If you acted in self-defense to protect yourself from harm, it can be a valid defense against domestic violence charges. Your attorney will gather evidence to demonstrate that your actions were necessary to protect yourself or others.
- Lack of evidence: Prosecutors must provide sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the alleged domestic violence crime. Your lawyer will work to challenge the evidence presented and highlight any inconsistencies or lack of evidence.
- Constitutional violations: Your attorney will examine whether your rights were violated during the arrest or investigation process. If there were any constitutional violations, such as illegal search and seizure or Miranda rights violations, it can weaken the prosecution's case against you.
The Importance of a Proper Defense
There is a lot on the line in domestic violence cases, and a conviction can have costly consequences in addition to court-ordered penalties.
Protective Orders
One reason you need a proper defense is to avoid protective orders when possible. These orders can restrict your contact with the alleged victim and even force you out of your own home. A knowledgeable attorney can challenge these orders and fight for your right to continue living in your residence and maintaining contact with your family.
Effects of Custody
Furthermore, domestic violence allegations can significantly impact child custody and visitation arrangements. Successfully defending against your allegations can help protect your ability to continue to spend time with your children.
Your Career
In addition to safeguarding your personal life, a proper defense can also protect your career opportunities. A domestic violence conviction can not only make it difficult to get hired due to a criminal record, but it may disqualify you from certain professions. These include many caretaking professions, including nursing, teaching, long-term care, and more. Avoiding a conviction can protect your livelihood.
Consult a Montgomery, AL Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing domestic violence allegations in Montgomery, Alabama, our experienced team at the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. is here to help.Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case. Our dedicated criminal defense attorney will provide the representation you need to build a strong defense.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. serves Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, the River Region of Alabama and throughout the State of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka Prattville, Selma and Tuskegee. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or emailing Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr.. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure.
