When Do You Need to Contact a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
What is a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
A domestic lawyer is a legal professional who provides legal guidance and support to anyone looking to press charges or facing domestic violence charges. Domestic violence lawyers can help with safety protection orders and any legal issues that come from family or intimate partner violence. Domestic violence lawyers split into prosecuting or defending lawyers, with the former looking to press charges and the latter defending anyone accused of domestic violence.
Domestic violence lawyers can cover a range of offences, where they will act in your best interests to achieve the best outcome. The offences they cover can vary depending on the lawyer, but usually include:
- Assaulting a child
- Assault occasioning bodily harm
- Breach of DVO charges
- Contesting police protection orders
- Coercive control
- Deprivation of liberty charges
- Grievous bodily harm
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Strangulation, suffocation, and choking in a domestic setting charges
- Stalking charges
- Threats
Domestic violence is a highly emotive subject, and reputable domestic violence lawyers will offer support and guidance through this time too, signposting you to support further where needed and helping you to get the best outcome for your case.
When Do You Need a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
Typically, you will need a domestic violence lawyer if you have been charged with domestic violence offences or are under investigation for domestic violence. In either of these cases, you will want to seek legal advice immediately, ideally before speaking to the police. Domestic violence charges are serious and come with lengthy prison sentences or hefty fines, and anything that you say to the police can be used in court against you, so to ensure your best outcome, you should consult a lawyer before speaking to the police.
A domestic violence lawyer can speak on your behalf and advise you on whether it is wise to talk to the police or not. In some cases, it is better to remain silent until you have met with your lawyer and discussed the evidence against you and possible strategies. Domestic violence lawyers will have a deep understanding of the laws and charges. They can work quickly to identify any potential errors or holes in the charges against you, which can be used to reduce or dismiss your charges.
You should also hire a domestic violence lawyer if you are a victim of domestic violence and are looking to press charges. These charges might be for the abuse or to protect yourself and your family, like a DVO. In these cases, as soon as you are safe and able to do so, you should reach out to a domestic violence lawyer who can help you prepare your case and provide the support that you need. Domestic violence lawyers understand better than others the complexity surrounding these cases and can help to put measures in place to ensure the safety of you and other family members.
Whether your domestic violence lawyer is helping you to press charges or defending you, they will work with you to ensure you fully understand the situation and your available options. They can advocate on your behalf at all court events, such as mentions, first court dates, and final hearings, without you having to come face-to-face with the other party, ensuring your best interests are represented.
What are the Benefits of Hiring a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
Hiring a domestic violence lawyer comes with several benefits, regardless of whether they are advocating for or defending you against the charges. The benefits can vary depending on your situation, but most people will experience the following:
- They can improve your chances of conviction or innocence, with an in-depth understanding of the laws and processes
- They can protect any children from the harmful effects of your case, working quickly for a resolution that should not take up too much of your children’s childhood
- They can help with any false allegations that may have been made against you, ensuring these are overturned without an impact on your life
- They can offer you safety and protection, including DVO and restraining orders that can help to keep you and your family safe
- They can create a robust case that clearly shows your innocence and identifies any weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case
- They can use any relationships with other lawyers and judges to look for reduced sentences and swift decisions
Find Your Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
Domestic violence lawyers should be contacted as soon as you are under investigation or charged with domestic violence to ensure that you get the outcome you deserve. Not only can a domestic violence lawyer help to achieve the best outcome, but experts like Donnelly Law Group can provide support for domestic violence allegations, helping you through the case and ensuring you are getting any help you need. Contact Donelly Law Group to see how they can help you today.
