The first question that comes to mind for most people when they are charged with domestic violence is, how do I prepare for a domestic violence case? It is important to inform yourself on domestic violence in Michigan and to be prepared and confident in your case. There are many parts to the process of a domestic violence case, it is a long process that can last up to 2 years so being vigilant and informed is required.
What is Considered Domestic Violence?
A first offense of a domestic violence charge is a misdemeanor that could result in 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. The more severe the crime gets the harsher the punishment and payments. If you or someone you know has been charged with domestic violence in The State of Michigan keep reading to learn more about what can happen in a domestic violence case.
Domestic violence is committed by a person that lives with the victim and has a domestic relationship with them. A domestic relationship can be a spouse, romantic partner, or a family member. When someone feels threatened or unsafe in their own home they will call the police and have the offender taken away. Domestic violence in The State of Michigan is seen as a criminal charge so more than likely the accused will be going to jail if the police are called. The list below shows forms of domestic violence recognized by the court.
- Verbal abuse
- Intimidation
- Economic oppression and abuse
- Coercion,
- Use of the children to intimidate, harass, or threaten,
- Sexual abuse and stalking
- Isolating the victim from family and friends
Will I Need A Lawyer?
The short answer, YES! A domestic violence charge is not the same as a parking ticket or a speeding ticket, it is much more severe and can be damaging to your personal records. And depending on what kind of domestic violence charge you are facing there could be a possibility of a lot of jail time and a big fine. A domestic violence charge can even lead to a felony in The State of Michigan.
Domestic aggravated assault defendants (54%) were less likely to be granted pretrial release than non-domestic aggravated assault defendants (62%). If a weapon was involved in the domestic violence matter then there could be a possibility of 4 years in jail and a fine up to $2,000, domestic violence with a weapon is a felony.
So do you need an attorney in a domestic violence case? Absolutely, a lawyer that can represent you and give you the best possible outcome is certainly required. You need an experienced lawyer that knows that has years of practice and a positive track record of giving clients the top results in Michigan. Call Goldman and Associates as soon as you can before your pre-trial, you will need to know your options and give yourself the best opportunity going forward. Calling our law firm and getting a professional involved is the best way to prepare for a domestic violence case.
One tip that will help you no matter what is not to miss your court date and to be there for your pre-trial. This court appearance is important because it will give your lawyer the chance to talk to the officer and judge, then the court will decide what will ultimately happen to you. During the pre-trial, your lawyer will look at everything, that includes your prior record, evidence, and guidelines that will govern the sentencing to see what can be done for you in this case and work things out.
You do not want your case to go to trial, working things out and coming up with a deal is the best possible result. The ultimate goal is to find a way to solve the case without having a trial. If things go the wrong direction then the court will put you down for jury selection and then you will go to trial. Having the proper attorney to represent you is the most important thing to do, this process can be challenging and stressful and should not be done alone. Call Goldman and Associates if you have any questions relating to your case or anything related to domestic violence in Michigan.
What if I Am Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence?
In order to prove your innocence, if you are falsely accused of domestic violence, there must be a weakness in the prosecution case. Our attorneys at Goldman and Associates will be able to find the weakness in the case and prevent the prosecution from proving that the allegations actually happened. Something that you can do on your part is, collecting evidence to protect yourself. If you are being falsely accused of domestic violence find ways to gather evidence that will prove your innocence and back up your statements. Another thing to do while you’re in the process of a domestic violence case is to be truthful and give as much information as you can to your lawyer.
Some questions that a defense attorney may ask are:
- Did the alleged victim call 911?
- Did the alleged victim seek medical treatment?
- Were there any witnesses, or evidence of domestic violence?
- Has this happened before?
- Has the alleged victim recanted the allegations?
- Are the allegations exaggerated?
These questions, amongst other questions, will give the defense attorney a clear picture of the case, and help to formulate an effective defense for you. If you have a skilled attorney who also has experience in domestic violence matters then you have already won half the battle. Again jail time is still possible if you are charged with domestic violence in Michigan so remember to take these matters seriously.
Conclusion
If you are charged with domestic violence get a lawyer as soon as you can, if you don’t have someone representing you in your pre-trial things will not go well at all. You will lose a lot of your rights if you are charged with domestic violence like not being able to see your children or go back home. There can also be complications with custody and parenting time if you are charged with domestic violence. This matter is not something to take lightly, having professional work for you and representing you in court can only benefit you.
If you need more information about being charged with domestic violence or if you have any questions regarding domestic violence in The State of Michigan contact Goldman and Associates Law Firm. At Goldman and Associates, our attorneys are experts in family law and they will thoroughly examine all aspects of your domestic violence matter. With the best lawyers in Michigan, Goldman and Associates takes each and every case very seriously and gives you the best outcome you desire.
For more information on domestic violence in the State of Michigan watch the video below and check out the Goldman and Associates YouTube channel for more videos on everything relating to law in Michigan. Make sure to give our attorneys a call if you have any questions about domestic violence in Michigan.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmxyHhQXA8I&t=217s
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