What to Know When Facing a Domestic Violence Conviction

Nearly 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner in the US every minute. That’s about 10 million women and men every year.

If you’re facing a domestic violence conviction, the road ahead can feel confusing and complicated. It can help to prepare yourself for what’s to come.

By preparing yourself for the road ahead, you can avoid making costly mistakes. The wrong actions could impact the outcome of your domestic violence case. Instead, use these tips and keep your future in mind.

Prepare for your domestic violence case with these six tips today.

1. Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer

The first thing you need to do when facing domestic violence charges is to get a lawyer right away. Don’t try to defend yourself. Instead, find an experienced domestic violence lawyer.

Make sure to choose a lawyer who has practiced law in your area for years. Some laws can differ based on your location. A local lawyer will understand the laws and procedures that are relevant to your case.

To find a domestic violence attorney, head online. Check your local bar association website or the Martindale-Hubbell website. Make a list of domestic violence attorneys in the area.

Make sure the lawyers on your list have years of experience. How long have they practiced law? How long have they specialized in domestic violence cases?

Have they handled cases like yours in the past?

Choosing a lawyer who has the experience you need will give you peace of mind. How many cases like yours have they handled? What was the outcome of those cases?

Look for a lawyer with a strong track record, too. Otherwise, they could make your situation far worse.

To narrow down your options, check the Better Business Bureau website. Look for reviews from other clients. What do they have to say about the lawyer?

Ask the lawyer if you can speak with clients who were in a similar situation you’re in now. Learning about their experience. Would they choose the same lawyer again?

Then, review the details of the lawyer’s contract.

There are over 61,130 criminal lawyers in the US. These tips can help you choose a lawyer who is prepared to beat your domestic violence charges.

2. Don’t Violate the Terms

Domestic violence cases are often backlogged or have heavy dockets. Unfortunately, these cases tend to move slowly. It’s important to remain patient throughout the entire process.

Work alongside your domestic violence lawyer. They’ll help you achieve the best possible results with your domestic violence conviction.

First, make sure to go over your orders of protection. You’ll need to follow these orders to the letter. Otherwise, a technical violation, such as contacting the victim, could violate your terms.

Violating the protection of order could cause you to receive additional charges. It can also make resolving the original case more complicated.

Don’t contact the victim while your case is still pending.

Instead, focus on the bigger picture. You can use this time to build your domestic violence defense. Don’t make it worse.

A little patience can go a long way in the outcome of your domestic violence case.

3. Review the Partial Orders

If you didn’t receive a full no-contact order, consider the “partial” order of protection instead.

Some people take advantage of this order and continue their relationship with the victim. Unfortunately, these orders come with a lot of grey areas. You’ll want to avoid additional allegations.

With a partial order, it’s more difficult to understand the instructions you’re meant to follow. The language mentions not assaulting, threatening, interfering with, or harassing the victim.

A minor disagreement could end with you facing false allegations. You could end up arrested for a felony charge of violating the order.

Instead, talk to your domestic violence lawyer. Make sure you understand your partial orders as much as possible. They’ll help you determine which best practices to follow.

Their advice can ensure you don’t make matters worse for yourself.

4. Stay Out of Trouble

Before your domestic violence case reaches trial, it’s important to stay out of trouble. You don’t want to pick up new criminal charges while your case is still pending. Most courts look unfavorably at defendants who keep getting arrested.

Instead, keep a low profile while you wait for the conclusion of your domestic violence conviction.

Domestic violence cases can sometimes linger for up to two years. If you’re participating in a family violence education program, remain focused. Don’t do anything that can make your case more difficult.

5. Consider Therapy

Facing a domestic violence conviction can feel like a stressful situation for many people. You’ll need to face your relationship issues and family problems as well. If it becomes too emotionally overwhelming, consider therapy.

Therapy can help you work through your domestic violence charges. You can get a better sense of what happened and how to continue your life.

Proof you’re seeking therapy could benefit your case, too. The court might modify the criminal order of protection.

Working with a therapist can also help you learn how to process what’s happening.

Talk to your domestic violence lawyer. They might know a therapist you can work with.

6. Get Ready for Court

You’ll need to work with your lawyer to prepare for your domestic violence defense.

Make sure to follow their instructions to the letter.

First, make sure to arrive at court half an hour early. You can use this time to review any last-minute details with your lawyer.

Arriving late, on the other hand, can hurt your case. The court might issue a re-arrest order. It could take longer to resolve your case as a result.

Speak with your lawyer about what to wear, too. Try to choose business attire to make a good impression on the state’s attorney and judge.

You might need to pay fines or program fees on your court date. Keep that in mind before you arrive.

Plan Ahead: Preparing Yourself When Facing a Domestic Violence Conviction

Facing a domestic violence conviction can feel daunting. With an experienced domestic violence lawyer, you don’t have to go through this alone. Use this guide to stay on track as well.

With these tips, you can avoid making the situation surrounding your case worse.

Facing charges? We’re here to help.

Contact us today to discuss the specifics of your case.