How to defend yourself against domestic violence charges

by | Apr 9, 2019 | Firm News

In our modern age, allegations of domestic violence are taken more seriously than ever before. Unfortunately, this remains a problem throughout the country, with many people finding themselves victims at some point in their lives.

Every year, more than one million women are victims of some form of physical assault by someone they’re in a relationship with. And this doesn’t even take into consideration the many men who are victims.

On the other side of the story, there are people wrongly accused of domestic violence. The accusation alone is harmful enough, but a conviction can alter your life forever.

If you find yourself in this position, here are several defense strategies to learn more about:

  • False allegations: It’s not out of the question for someone to make a false allegation of abuse, such as to get back at you for something you did wrong. Finding inconsistencies in the accuser’s story can help prove that the allegations are false.
  • Wrong person: This is as simple as arguing that another person was responsible for the abuse. This defense strategy works best when you’re able to present evidence showing that you weren’t at the scene of the crime.
  • Self-defense: In some domestic violence cases, it’s the defendant who is actually the victim. This holds true if you acted in self-defense, such as to protect your children or escape a dangerous situation.
  • Lack of proof: This is often the most powerful defense strategy, as it’s designed to show that the other person doesn’t have a strong argument. If the prosecutor neglects to meet the burden of proof, your chances of avoiding a conviction are much greater.

The legal system is set up to protect victims of domestic violence, along with those who are wrongfully accused of this crime.

If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Fort Lauderdale and have concerns about proving your innocence, learn more about these defense strategies. When you combine this with knowledge of your legal rights, you’re on the right path to protecting yourself and putting this chapter of your life in the past.

Visit our website and read our past blog posts for additional information on domestic violence and your rights.

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