Accused Of Domestic Violence in Houston? What You Need to Know
Knowing the steps to take after being accused of domestic violence can help you:
- Protect your rights
- Beat the charges against you
If you don’t remain calm and continue to contact the accuser, it can harm your defense and make it more likely that you’ll be punished under Texas Penal Code Sec. 22. 01.
You face fines and potential jail time, which, in the most severe cases, may mean decades of your life behind bars. If the accusations result in felony charges, it can impact the rest of your life well after you’ve been released.
False allegations are still serious, and if you let your guard down and do not take the claims against you seriously, your defense will be harmed.
What steps should you take?
Steps to Take After Being Accused of Domestic Violence
Below are the crucial steps you should take if you’re accused of domestic violence.
Remain Calm
Your actions tell a story, and if you lose your temper, scream, yell or slam the door in the face of police officers, it will reflect poorly on you. It’s important that you take a deep breath and put your anger, fear and frustration aside.
False accusations of domestic violence are just that – allegations.
Stay calm if you’re talking to law enforcement or the authorities. An outlash or lost temper can be used against you and even lead to additional charges.
If you lose your temper quickly, police will question if your lost temper led to the violence.
Avoid Contact with the Accuser
You want to avoid all contact with the accuser. Contact can worsen the situation and cause your defense to be in jeopardy, too. We recommend that you avoid any of the following with the accuser:
- Text message
- Phone calls
- Contact on social media
- Etc.
Cut all contact with the accuser, even if that means that you must stay in a hotel or with family members.
Gather Evidence
One of the steps to take after being accused of domestic violence that often goes overlooked is to gather evidence. Your innocence relies on the evidence that is available to your lawyer.
A few forms of evidence that you may be able to collect include but are not limited to:
- Emails
- Text messages
- Voicemails
- Social media messages
If there is video evidence that supports your innocence, be sure to obtain the footage because it can mean the difference between a guilty or innocent charge.
On top of this evidence, you will want to gather:
- Witness testimonies
- Alibies if you weren’t present
Gather any and all evidence, no matter how small, that you believe tells your side of the story or supports your version of events.
Evidence will help your attorney build a strong defense.
Hire an Experienced Attorney
If you are accused of domestic violence, you need to hire an attorney as soon as possible.
You may be facing serious charges and penalties. You need an attorney who will help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process and advise you of which course of action to take throughout the proceedings.
The sooner you obtain representation, the better.
Often, allegations can have serious implications, including court orders of protection. Your attorney may be able to mitigate some of these consequences early on through a plea bargain or negotiation with the prosecution.
Time is of the essence when facing allegations of domestic violence, so do not wait to hire an attorney.
Cooperate with Law Enforcement
Regardless of whether the accusations against you are false, it’s important to cooperate with police officers who may be investigating the case. Being uncooperative can do more harm than good for your case.
If you’re facing charges, make sure that you attend all court hearings and follow all court orders, including restraining orders.
Make sure that your attorney is advising you every step of the way to ensure your rights are protected and you avoid saying anything that can be used against you.
How to Choose the Right Attorney
One of the most important steps to take after being accused of domestic violence is to hire an attorney.
While there are many factors to consider when hiring an attorney, some of the most important ones include:
- Experience with domestic violence cases. Cases involving domestic violence are often complex. You need an attorney who understands the nuances of defending against these charges and how to overcome roadblocks that may stand in your way of achieving a favorable outcome.
- Clear and effective communication. Domestic violence is a serious charge, and the penalties you face can affect your life in many ways. Your attorney should explain your rights and the legal process in a way that’s easy to understand. They should keep you informed on the progress of your case and respond to your messages in a timely manner.
- Positive reputation and track record. Look for an attorney who has a proven track record of success and positive client testimonials.
Attorney Nathaniel Pitoniak leverages his past experience as a prosecutor to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a strong defense to achieve the best possible outcome.
Nathaniel has extensive experience handling cases involving domestic violence and will advocate fiercely on your behalf to protect your rights, negotiate a plea deal (if it is in your best interest) or take your case to trial if necessary.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and speak with an experienced attorney.
