Domestic Violence Attorney Overview

Lawyer Representation in Cases Involving Domestic Abuse

Unfortunately, domestic violence occurs all too often in the United States. Whenever someone harms a member of their family or a person in their household, they can face serious criminal charges. These charges will not only affect a person's freedom, their career, and their personal life, but also their ongoing relationships with their family members.

If you are facing accusations of domestic violence or domestic abuse, it is important to work with a criminal defense attorney who can help you understand and defend against the charges. An experienced lawyer can work to protect your rights and help you minimize the consequences of these charges to your life and your family relationships.

Types of Domestic Abuse

The laws regarding domestic abuse vary from state to state, and people charged with these crimes may face separate domestic violence charges, instead of or in addition to charges such as assault and battery. Domestic violence can be committed against the members of one's immediate family, those who live in their home, their roommates, their romantic or sexual partners, or the other parent of their children. Domestic abuse typically falls into one of four categories:

• Physical abuse - This consists of any form of physically striking, shoving, or harming someone, or threatening to harm someone.
• Sexual abuse - A person commits sexual abuse when they threaten or coerce someone into sexual contact or sexual activities without their consent. Sexual abuse can be committed against one's spouse or partner, but it is especially serious when the victim is a minor. Any type of sexual contact with a minor may be considered abuse, and it can lead to incredibly serious criminal charges.
• Emotional abuse - Verbal abuse or attempts to tear down one's family members and cause them to question their self-worth are often less obvious than physical abuse, but they can still be very damaging.
• Economic abuse - A person may seek to control their partner or another family member by limiting their ability to support themselves financially.

In situations involving accusations of domestic violence, an alleged victim will often take out an order of protection (also known as a restraining order) against their alleged abuser. In these cases, it is important for the accused to follow the requirements of the order, including refraining from contacting their accuser or anyone else named in the order. While an order of protection can be contested, any violations of an order are serious offenses that can result in additional criminal charges and other consequences.

If you have been accused of domestic violence or domestic abuse, you should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help you understand the charges and how the laws in your state apply to your situation, and they can work with you to determine your best options for defense, helping you to maintain your family relationships and avoid criminal consequences.