Pooler, GA Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Pooler, GA Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

Getting arrested for a domestic violence charge can make you feel like a criminal. More so, it can make everyone around you perceive you as a criminal. Sometimes, just the accusation alone is more than enough to cause significant damage to your everyday life. It can affect your job, your personal relationships, your home environment, and your mental health. If you have been charged with domestic violence, seek out a Pooler domestic violence defense lawyer.

Dealing with Domestic Violence Charges

Upon your arrest for domestic violence charges, your first course of action should be to contact an experienced defense lawyer. A lawyer has no intention of judging you or subscribing to other peoples’ new perceptions of you since the charges. Their only intention is to do what they can to improve your situation and work towards building a strong legal defense that will help you succeed in your case.

When you are arrested, you may be bullied or intimidated into admitting certain information to the police. Never forget that you have a constitutional right to legal counsel, as well as a right to remain silent. You can exercise these rights whenever you wish, and you never have to say anything to the police without your lawyer present. If you wish to say nothing and wait for your lawyer, it is your legal right to do so.

Why Legal Help Is Important

While there is no law that says you are required to hire legal counsel for your case, it is highly recommended that you do so. Having someone in your corner who understands the complexities of the law and can anticipate setbacks will help you in the long run. You should absolutely consider hiring a lawyer.

It is important to remember that Georgia has worked hard to protect the rights and healing journeys of domestic violence victims. Legislation like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) can make it difficult for people charged with domestic violence to garner sympathy in the court of public opinion, even if the charges against them are completely untrue.

Viable Defenses Against a Domestic Violence Charge

If you find yourself sitting in an interrogation room or a jail cell, it may dawn on you just how serious the stakes are for your case. You may, in fact, be in the fight of your life. The success of your case may totally depend on the strength of your legal defense. Always keep in mind that you are innocent until proven guilty. An experienced domestic violence defense lawyer may help build you a solid defense that you can use in court. Here are some possible defenses:

• Self-Defense: One of the strongest and often most reliable defenses against a domestic violence charge is self-defense. You are well within your legal right to use a certain degree of force to protect yourself or others from a perceived imminent threat of danger. If your lawyer can prove you only acted in defense of yourself because you believed you were in danger, it can be a successful defense.
• False Accusation: False accusations are not a rare occurrence. In particularly toxic or codependent relationships, a false accusation of domestic violence can sometimes be made out of spite or in an attempt to get revenge against a spouse. Sometimes, the accusation alone can be enough to do damage and tarnish one’s reputation. If you can prove the accusation is false, it can help you and your lawyer with the case.

FAQs

Q: What Do I Do If I Am Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence?

A: If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, your smartest move may be to turn yourself in to the police if you have not been arrested already. At that point, you should say nothing to the police and insist on speaking only with your lawyer. Once you have gotten in contact with your lawyer, you can start working on your defense strategy.

Q: What Happens to Repeat Domestic Violence Offenders in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, the more you commit a certain crime, the worse the penalties can be on each subsequent conviction. If you are arrested for domestic violence after having already been charged with it before, you may receive mandatory jail time. If it continues, you could risk a misdemeanor turning into a felony and could be looking at substantial prison time. It ultimately depends on the case.

Q: Can You Lose Your Home Because of a Domestic Violence Charge?

A: Yes, you can lose your home because of a charge of domestic violence. Depending on the situation, you may be ejected from your home if you are told to stay away from the victim who is currently living in the house. Even if you know the charges against you are false, you should comply with this demand and avoid seeing that person while you are fighting your charges.

Q: What Is a Protection Order in Georgia?

A: A protection order is an enforceable document that orders someone to keep a certain amount of distance from someone else due to actions that have been taken to hurt or intimidate that person. If the victim ultimately decides to work things out with the alleged abuser, they can drop the protection order whenever they wish, unless it is the result of a criminal conviction.

If You Need a Lawyer, Contact One Today

A domestic violence defense lawyer can help make sure your case is given proper consideration. Hiring the right defense lawyer might be the most important decision you make throughout this whole process. You may feel like you’ve already lost, but that’s not necessarily true. A good lawyer can help you explore all of your legal options.

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. understands what you are going through and is here to help. We can build up your defense, gather the right evidence, and keep your interests protected. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can. Our legal team could be the legal resource you need for your case.