Being falsely accused of domestic violence can be an extremely distressing experience. Aside from the potentially irreversible breakdown of your relationship with the accuser, the possibility of facing criminal penalties can make you feel concerned about your reputation and your future.
While defending against domestic violence charges can seem like an insurmountable challenge, it can be done with the help of a seasoned Chicago domestic violence defense attorney. In this short guide, we will discuss the key steps you need to take in order to prove your innocence in a domestic violence case.
Do Not Talk to the Police
Do not talk to the police or try to explain the situation to them. If you are questioned – which you most certainly will be – politely tell them that you do not wish to answer the questions. Invoke your constitutional right to remain silent until you consult with your domestic violence lawyer.
Collect Evidence
Start gathering evidence that can help you defend yourself against the charges and prove your innocence. Preserve all text messages, emails, voicemails, letters, social media messages, and other communications from the accuser and anyone who is associated with the accuser. If you have audio or video recordings, photographs, or anything else that might work in your favor, preserve them carefully. If there is an eyewitness who might testify on your behalf, try to enlist their support in your defense.
Do Not Talk to the Accuser
Do not try to meet with or talk to the accuser even if they happen to be your spouse or an immediate family member. Any attempt on your part to sort out things on your own can lead to further allegations by the accuser and worsen your situation. If you absolutely must talk to them, make sure you have your legal representation or a neutral third party with you.
Abide by the Protection Order
If the accuser has obtained a restraining order against you, make sure you abide by all the terms and conditions imposed on you – even if you think they are unfair. Any violation of the terms can lead to additional criminal charges and make the prosecution’s case against you stronger.
Contact a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Chicago, IL without wasting any time. Make sure you choose someone who has successfully handled domestic violence cases similar to yours. Tell them everything about the situation without overplaying or downplaying any details.
Remember – with an attorney-client relationship established, any confidential or sensitive information you share with the domestic violence attorney will stay between the two of you. Answer your attorney’s questions truthfully and make sure you provide a complete picture to them – without hiding anything.
Possible Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges
The most common defenses against domestic violence charges include:
- The accuser is lying for financial benefit, in order to get back at you, or for some other reason.
- You have been wrongfully accused of a crime you did not commit.
- Any physical contact or bodily harm was an accident.
- You were acting in self-defense in order to protect yourself or to protect a family or household member.
Apart from this, your lawyer might also review the case against you to find out if the police committed any procedural errors or violated your constitutional rights at any point. For example, if the evidence against you was obtained without a warrant, it cannot be used against you in court under Illinois law.
Get One of the Most Highly Experienced and Trusted Domestic Violence Lawyers in Cook County on Your Side
If you are facing charges of domestic violence, you need to act fast to safeguard your rights, reputation, and freedom. At The Law Office of Purav Bhatt, we have over a decade of experience in defending people accused of domestic violence, domestic abuse, and domestic battery. We can protect your rights, defend you aggressively, and do everything in our capacity to get the charges against you dropped, dismissed, or reduced to the extent we can.
Our founder, Purav Bhatt, is an accomplished criminal defense lawyer who has extensive knowledge of Illinois domestic violence laws and a track record of achieving positive results even in complicated cases. If you are facing a domestic violence charge, call our law firm today at 773-791-9682 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a contact us with a proven and capable Chicago, IL domestic violence defense lawyer.
