Do's and Don'ts of Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence cases can involve much more than the current charges that you face. Issues
like order of protection,
child endangerment,
assault, and many others can arise and be added to your original charges. It is
important to understand that there are various precautions you must follow
in order to minimize the risk of a small issue becoming much larger and
even life-changing. The following is a list a do's and don'ts
regarding domestic violence charges; this list is designed to help you
navigate your way through this legal process in order to set yourself
up for the best outcome:
Do Not Violate the Terms of a No-Contact Order
In order to prevent serious repercussions, it is vitally important that
you adhere to the directions of any restraining order or order of protection.
If you are found to be in violation of the terms of this order, then the
District Attorney could file additional charges against you. It is important
for you to understand that there are many cases in which the protected
party will try to contact the individual against whom the order is filed,
and this is not a crime. It is a crime, however, for the individual whom
the order is filed against to respond to, further, or attempt to contact
the protected individual. Saying that he or she contacted you is not a
valid defense against violating a court order.
Do Not Try to Defend or Represent Yourself
Just because you are trying to represent yourself does not mean that a
judge will give you special treatment. The law is the law, and you will
be held to the same standard as any attorney. Prosecutors understand this,
and you can be sure that they will use your naiveté to their advantage
and your detriment. The law is exceedingly complex, and your lack of legal
background can result in your pleading to charges that you should not
have, waiving rights that you did not know you had, and being sentenced
to jail time, higher fines, and many other consequences that could have
easily been avoided with skilled legal assistance on your side.
Do Not Try to Contact the Victim Through a Third Party
Some individuals who have been the target of a no-contact order have thought
that having a third party contact the victim on their behalf is not a
violation of this order. This is wrong; a no-contact order means no contact
whatsoever, and having a third party contact the victim on your behalf
is a violation of this order. Any violation of this order is a criminal
offense and can result in arrest and additional criminal charges. At The
Law Offices of Ty Martinez, we understand the frustration you may be experiencing
due to being unable to contact the one that you love. It is important
to understand that with the help of our firm, you may be able to have
the current order modified so that you can engage in peaceful contact.
Do Take Photos of Any Injuries
Domestic violence cases are often very serious and there can be great
hostility on one or both sides of the courtroom. Taking photos of your
own injuries can help to supplement a self-defense claim. Protecting yourself
is a valid defense in a domestic violence case, and if this true in your
situation, it should be expounded and utilized to your advantage. When
the police come to your home, they may neglect to document your injuries
and focus only on your spouse's wounds because they have decided that
you are guilty. Documenting your own injuries could be the difference
between conviction and dropped charges.
Do Protect Your Assets
If you are arrested and charged with domestic violence, then you may not
have the opportunity to return to your current dwelling. In addition,
a no-contact order could prevent you from returning to this dwelling for
a long time. At The Law Offices of Ty Martinez, we can help you protect
your personal belongings and assets. Seek our legal assistance in your
case today.
Do Avoid Using Drugs or Alcohol
It is a sad situation, but oftentimes alcohol and substance abuse are
large factors in domestic violence cases. Our legal team is here to assist
you and not to judge you. Regardless of the circumstances of your situation,
it is vitally important that you remain sober and above the influence
at all times, especially during the handling of your case. In addition,
if alcohol and / or drugs were a part of this case, seeking help from
Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings can show a proactive
approach to the situation you face and can facilitate a favorable outcome.
Riverside Defense Lawyer
If you are facing charges of domestic violence, then it is important that
you have skilled legal assistance on your side. Without this representation,
you could find yourself up against a prosecutor who practices law every
day and has many years of experience in these kinds of cases. Your chances
are generally much better if you have legal assistance than without it
in domestic violence situations. Our firm offers a free case evaluation
so that you may obtain legal advice without any financial obligation or
commitment on your part.
Contact our firm today for skilled legal assistance on your side!