Facing accusations of any type of criminal or violent behavior can be overwhelming, especially if you know they are not true. Even if there is no validity to the claims made about you, it is important not to underestimate the potential impact that allegations of domestic violence can have on your life. If you are in this position, it is in your interests to know how to fight back and protect yourself.
Domestic violence and abuse can come in various forms, and it is a serious criminal offense. Not only is your personal reputation and other important things on the line, you are also facing the very real possibility of ending up behind bars. You will want to develop a strong defense strategy as soon as possible and take other steps that will help you preserve your interests.
What’s first?
It can be daunting to learn that your partner is accusing you of some type of domestic abuse. In some cases, the accusations are used as weapons in custody or divorce disputes. You may be completely surprised to learn that your partner has said these things or sought a protective order against you. When this happens, however, you would be wise not to lose any time in protecting yourself. Some of the things you can do include:
- You will want to be extremely careful about what you say and to whom you say it. Avoid doing or saying anything that could be misconstrued or somehow used against you.
- Change your social medial and online account passwords. If your partner knows how to access these things, he or she could easily sign in and send messages from your profiles, essentially creating false evidence against you.
- Talk to your family members. You want to make sure people understand what is happening in case the accuser tries to turn your loved ones against you.
- Seek legal guidance regarding your defense options. Even if the accuser recants his or her story, it could leave you facing various types of legal complications.
There is a lot at stake for individuals accused of domestic abuse, but you do not have to face it alone. By reaching out for legal guidance from a Washington defense attorney as soon as possible, you can have the help you need to effectively fight back against these accusations, preserve your reputation and protect your interests.