Domestic violence accusations have the potential to upend your life. Whether or not you committed the underlying acts, being accused of domestic violence could change how you are perceived, impact custody decisions, result in job loss, or get you evicted.
A skilled criminal attorney could assess charges against you and determine the best path forward. A Chicago domestic violence lawyer could review your case and work toward avoiding or minimizing the potential consequences you are facing.
While all criminal charges have a ripple effect on a person’s life, domestic violence allegations can have an even more dramatic impact. Even when the accusations are false, there will be people who assume they are truthful. Domestic violence accusations may impact friendships, work relationships, and more.
Family or household members may file an Order of Protection, also known as a restraining order, which requires the accused to stay away from the petitioner for up to two years. In addition to maintaining a physical distance from alleged victims and any places they frequent, a defendant may not be able to contact or interact with family members in any capacity.
Employers can examine criminal records and access other court records to see whether someone has any family violence-related consequences. Orders of Protection, No Stalking Orders, court-mandated counseling, and anger management classes can be a red flag to future employers and can create issues in divorces and child custody disputes.
Depending on the charges, civil litigation, and evidence against a defendant in an intimate partner abuse case, a lawyer may recommend different approaches. They may suggest intervention strategies to reduce a defendant’s chances of conviction and will fight to keep those measures from being court mandated. When there is substantive evidence of an act or acts of violence, a proactive approach to getting help can encourage prosecutors to delay prosecution and reduce, or even dismiss, charges.
A domestic violence lawyer’s job is to help a defendant deal with criminal charges, protective orders, and more. A Chicago attorney could plan the right defense strategy against domestic violence allegations to help you preserve your reputation.
For many defendants accused of domestic violence, the biggest challenge is avoiding additional accusations between the original charges and their resolution. If a defendant must return to the domicile where the alleged violence took place, they should discuss resource options with their legal counsel first to avoid escalating the situation. Additional allegations during this time can increase the chances of conviction.
One of the most essential functions of a domestic violence attorney is telling defendants what not to do while facing criminal charges in Chicago. Listening to that advice can make the difference between a favorable resolution and jail time.
Because jail time for a first-time domestic violence charge is often minimal and unlikely, some people think they can handle the charges themselves. However, for the best chance at a favorable outcome, you should contact a knowledgeable Chicago domestic violence lawyer to help with your case. Schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney from Price Benowitz to learn more.
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