Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence? Protect Your Rights

If you are facing a false allegation of domestic violence, it puts you in a challenging and emotionally charged position that can directly affect your future. The bottom line is that the stakes are too high not to address the matter head-on from the outset. And the most critical first step you can take is consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney serving Lebanon, PA, early on.

The Impact of a Domestic Violence Allegation

The State of Pennsylvania takes domestic violence charges very seriously. You can face harsh consequences like the following even before a complete investigation has taken place:

• Being removed from your family home
• Being denied physical access to your children
• Facing restrictions with travel and firearms
• Being arrested – if probable cause is established

The Nature of the Charge

Domestic violence charges go beyond physically harming someone in your household or family, including your spouse or romantic partner. Credibly threatening to cause physical harm also qualifies as domestic violence. The same is true of emotionally abusing, harassing, or stalking the other person. Even the exertion of economic control can be classified as domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Charges Are Rarely Black and White

Domestic violence charges often come down to one person’s words against the other’s. When you factor in that emotions tend to run incredibly high and that arguments can snowball, it highlights just how complicated domestic violence cases can be.

Ultimately, Pennsylvania courts tend to err on the side of caution. This means they generally believe domestic violence allegations unless there is very little reason to do so.

Your Next Steps

If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, the charge will be unique to the circumstances that apply, but there are several steps that everyone in your position is advised to take. These include all the following:

• Consult with a resourceful criminal defense attorney as soon as you can.
• Do not contact your accuser or respond to them if they attempt to contact you.
• Abide by each of the restrictions included in the protection order.
• Refrain from posting on social media, which can be taken out of context and can end up doing far more harm than good.
• Document your efforts to abide by the order’s restrictions as well as any attempts your accuser makes to connect with you, including phone calls, email, texts, letters, or messages that come through others.

Failing to take a domestic violence charge as seriously as the prosecution will lead to even more serious legal consequences.

Discuss with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

The accomplished Lebanon, PA, criminal defense attorneys at Mette Attorneys at Law are well-positioned to fiercely advocate for a case resolution that reflects your legal rights and supports your future. The outcome of your case is too important not to bring a rigorous defense, so contact us online or call us at 717-232-5000 for more information.