How Should I Handle a First-Time Domestic Violence Charge in Georgia?

A domestic violence charge is always serious, even if it’s your first time. Talk to an Augusta, GA criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can, and take the following steps to protect yourself as you seek the best outcome.

How Should I Handle a First-Time Domestic Violence Charge in Augusta, GA?

1. Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately

The very first call you make should be to a lawyer, and until your lawyer is by your side, say nothing. Be polite with the police, but don’t agree to answer any questions until you’ve talked to your lawyer. A lawyer will protect you from making any mistakes, investigate what really happened, and then do everything possible to have the charges dismissed and, if that’s not possible, lowered.

2. Stay Away From the Victim

It doesn’t matter if the person making the accusations against you is making the entire thing up: do not contact them. Many people make the mistake of thinking that if they just could talk it out, everything would be better. But until you actually work things out legally, this can only hurt you.

3. Save Everything

Keep a careful record of every communication that you have with anyone related to the case. If there were any emails, texts, or phone calls leading up to the incident you’re being charged over, keep all of these, as they may show important context that can be used to defend you. As mentioned above, you should not contact the victim, but if the victim contacts you, simply save their communication and show it to your lawyer.

4. Do Not Talk on Social Media

Do not discuss your case on social media under any circumstances. Anything you say there can be used against you, and you should always assume that what you say on social media is not private and is likely to get back to the prosecutor’s office.

5. Follow All Court Orders

If the court has given any restraining orders, you must follow these even if you think they’re ridiculous and even if you’re completely innocent. It will only harm your case if you do not. Give your attorney the chance to defend you through the proper court procedures.

Defenses Your Attorney May Explore With You

The precise defense that you bring is always going to depend on the unique circumstances of your case, of course. But there are some common defenses in these cases. Sometimes former romantic partners bring these sorts of accusations to get revenge or win leverage in a custody battle, and it’s possible to show that you’re being falsely accused.

In other cases, your best defense may be a lack of evidence or unreliable testimony. In some cases, it would be appropriate to argue self-defense or the need to defend someone else. And occasionally, the best defense is not related to the incident itself but to the police response, and if you can show that your constitutional rights were violated at that point, the charges may be dropped.

If you’re being charged, contact us right now at Davis, Chapman, & Wilder in Augusta, GA to get started on a strong defense.

Posted in Criminal Law, Davis, Chapman, & Wilder Service | No Comments »