Arguments and spousal disagreements are inevitable, but a small matter can quickly turn into a police case. Once the law enforcers cuff and haul you into their car, your life can quickly turn upside down as you wait to face criminal charges.
It’s wise to contact a domestic violence attorney immediately after your arrest. Defending yourself significantly reduces the chances of beating the prosecution. In addition, there’s a possibility of avoiding criminal charges entirely if you seek help early enough. Here are the top reasons for hiring a domestic violence lawyer.
1. Mitigating potential consequences
The primary reason for seeking professional assistance in a domestic violence case is to increase the chances of a positive outcome. A domestic violence attorney will leverage their experience and use your narrative to build a strong case. This can help you earn freedom or a more lenient verdict than defending yourself.
Some accused overlook the importance of hiring a lawyer because they are first-time offenders. However, depending on the gravity of domestic violence charges means that you aren’t likely to get a favorable judgment, even if you’ve never been arrested.
2. Reducing the restrictions of a no-contact order
You cannot interact with the plaintiff when a court issues a no-contact order against you. Generally, the order stipulates the minimum distance that you must keep between you and the victim’s home, workplace, and other places they visit. Depending on the type of abuse you’re accused of, this order can last from six months to two years.
With a defense attorney, you can petition the judge to reduce the restrictions to allow you to interact with your children. However, this is often subject to the facts presented by the prosecution. You’re unlikely to get a positive response if charged with grievous bodily or sexual assault.
3. Ability to demand discovery
A domestic violence lawyer can tell if the evidence presented by the prosecution is enough to prove you guilty. They do this by demanding discovery, which requires the prosecution to provide all the facts they have against you. This includes police reports, medical reports, and witness statements.
After analyzing the facts, your attorney will know how to counter them before the court. They can either exploit inconsistencies or question how the prosecution obtained the evidence.
4. Easier plea bargaining
Sometimes the evidence presented against you might be sufficient to prove your guilt. Domestic violence charges usually earn harsh sentences, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Your attorney can negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf. The possible outcomes of this process include being enrolled in a diversion program, lower fines, and shortened jail terms.
5. Faster process
Lastly, hiring an attorney expedites the legal process. This is vital, regardless of the outcome. If you get an acquittal, you reunite faster with your friends and family. Otherwise, you get peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to move back and forth to the courtroom.
Endnote
It’s crucial to keep your head together when facing domestic charges, even if you’re innocent. Ensure that you hire a domestic violence attorney, tell them the truth, and trust that they will help set you free.