| When you hire a domestic violence attorney, don't | | | | accuser or her family/friends. Keep records of any |
| expect him to build your defense all alone. There are | | | | meetings, paperwork, etc. related to your case. This |
| steps you can take to help the process go more | | | | will help your domestic violence attorney build a solid |
| smoothly. Keep in mind that a conviction of domestic | | | | defense without having to backtrack. |
| violence can render serious consequences, including | | | | Keep Your Obligations |
| prison time. And by legal definition, domestic violence | | | | If you are obligated to pay alimony, child support, or |
| isn't always just limited to physical abuse. It can also | | | | have visits with your children, then be sure to keep |
| be defined as psychological and emotional abuse. So | | | | all your obligations. You might be tempted to drop |
| what you say and how you say it when around your | | | | everything when accused of domestic violence, but |
| accuser can make a difference moving forward, | | | | this will only add to the problem. Show that you are |
| regardless of what has happened in the past. | | | | continuing to be responsible despite the |
| Be Totally Honest | | | | circumstances. |
| It's important that you be totally honest with your | | | | Discredit a False Accuser |
| domestic violence lawyer. If you did the crime, you | | | | If falsely accused, find ways to discredit your |
| should tell your attorney what you did and how and | | | | accuser as a witness. Note any inconsistencies in |
| why you did it. He can only move forward and build a | | | | statements or any inaccuracy in her recount of |
| strong case if he has all the facts up front. Make | | | | events. If other witnesses are involved, do the same. |
| every effort to reveal all known facts in the | | | | One lie leads to another, and judges can often see |
| beginning, and be sure to tell your lawyer if the act | | | | through the lies when someone is on the witness |
| was in self-defense. For instance, if the accuser tried | | | | stand. But don't take this for granted. Approach |
| to hit you with an object and you hit back in | | | | every question and answer session with much |
| self-defense, this could change the outcome of your | | | | scrutiny. Your lawyer should do the same, but you |
| case dramatically. | | | | are the only one who knows the truth first-hand and |
| Disclose Drug or Alcohol Us | | | | the events exactly as they happened. |
| If you have a substance abuse problem, which may | | | | Don't Incriminate Yourself |
| have led to your abusive behavior, don't hesitate to | | | | A domestic violence lawyer can only help you if you |
| disclose this to your attorney. Make every effort to | | | | don't incriminate yourself. Have your lawyer present |
| get help by attending substance abuse classes or by | | | | at all interviews and examinations. Don't allow yourself |
| seeing a counselor. Making an effort to overcome | | | | to be cornered by social workers or anyone else |
| your problem may help a judge look favorably on | | | | without a lawyer. If you are innocent of the crime, |
| your case. | | | | then maintain your innocence from start to finish. |
| Seek to Mend Relationships | | | | Don't plea bargain or admit to something you didn't |
| Making an effort to mend the relationship with the | | | | do just so a judge will "go easy" on you. Keep the |
| accuser and/or any relatives involved might be helpful. | | | | future in mind, and how it might affect your life and |
| Sometimes this is all it takes to get charges dropped. | | | | family in the long run. |
| Be truly regretful for any harm you caused and | | | | If you haven't found a good lawyer yet, consider |
| apologize to every person involved. If you have | | | | using the Web for your search. Many reputable |
| shown a pattern of abuse with multiple incidences, let | | | | attorneys have a website that explains their services |
| them know you are willing to seek help for your | | | | in detail along with their credentials and track record. |
| problem. If it only happened once due to stress and | | | | Use key phrases in search engines that are related to |
| loss of temper, then let them know you will take | | | | your state and/or city, such as "Miami Florida |
| measures to ensure it won't happen again. | | | | domestic violence attorney" if you live in Miami. This |
| Keep Accurate Records | | | | will narrow your search to those serving your local |
| Make sure you keep a journal of events from the | | | | area. |
| time you're accused until your day in court. Write | | | | Use these tips to help your attorney give you the |
| notes about every conversation you have with the | | | | best possible defense! |