Loudoun County Domestic Violence Lawyer
Romantic relationships can be some of the most emotionally volatile relationships. Arguments can sometimes turn intense and heated. Domestic violence is a serious issue and can cause serious long-term issues for both the victim and the accused. Unfortunately, people involved in a tumultuous relationship sometimes get falsely accused of domestic violence. If you find yourself facing domestic violence charges a Loudoun County domestic violence lawyer may be able to help. Contact a skilled criminal attorney right away to discuss your case.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence encompasses a variety of charges, but they all typically involve a situation between current or former romantic partners in which one party is inflicted with unlawful physical or emotional injuries. There are several forms of abuse that may fall under the definition of domestic violence. Some of the most common forms include:
- Physical abuse: physical abuse involves the infliction of physical harm such as pushing, hitting, punching, kicking, or biting.
- Emotional abuse: emotional abuse involves invalidating or deflating a accusers sense self-worth. This may include constant criticizing, name-calling, or public humiliation.
- Sexual abuse: sexual abuse is coercing a person into sexual contact without their consent
- Economic abuse: economic abuse involves making a victim be financially reliant on the abuser as a form of control
Domestic abuse charges range from a misdemeanor to felonies and have a wide range of penalties that depend on the type of offense charged, the severity of injury, and the criminal history of the defendant.
Penalties for Domestic Violence
Someone convicted on a domestic violence charge may face several penalties. Some of these include:
- Community service
- Anger management classes
- Fines
- Jail time
- Issuance of restraining or protective orders
- Deportation for those considered aliens
What to do if Facing Domestic Violence Charges
If there is a no-contact order in place do not attempt to contact the alleged victim. Even if the individual intends to apologize under no circumstances should they violate the order. If there is no order limiting contact they might try apologizing and showing remorse for the alleged behavior. In many cases, an alleged victim will drop the charges later on.
There are several possible defenses that may raise in a domestic violence case. In some cases, a defendant may try to show that they acted in self-defense. If someone can show an act of violence was in self defense is would not amount to domestic violence charges. A defendant may also try to prove that they acted out of necessity to protect a child or another person.
A Loudoun County domestic violence lawyer may be able to look at the individual’s case and determine if it should be dismissed on constitutional grounds. If, for example, an arresting officer failed to read the individuals rights before an interrogation or conducted an illegal search or seizure the case may be dismissed.
Talk to a Loudoun County Domestic Violence Attorney
If you are facing domestic violence charges you may feel emotional and overwhelmed. It is important to remember that if a no contact order is in place you should not under any circumstances violate that order. Many times an alleged victim will drop domestic violence charges, but if they do not there are several defenses available.
A Loudoun County domestic violence lawyer may be able to evaluate your case and assist in developing an effective defense. A domestic violence attorney may also be able to effectively negotiate with the prosecution to get a better outcome for you.
