Being Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence Doesn’t Mean You’re Going to Jail
However, being falsely accused of domestic violence is a stressful event—one that requires support, the truth, and the help of an experienced domestic violence lawyer. Being falsely accused of domestic violence is a more common occurrence than you would guess. There are several reasons someone might do this. It’s important not to dwell on someone’s motive, but to take the right steps to avoid jail time or the loss of your belongings, job, or gun rights.
Domestic Violence and the Punishments
Domestic violence is defined in NRS 33.018 as an act of aggression against someone you have an intimate relationship with including a spouse or former spouse, any other person related by blood or marriage, a person with whom you are residing or have resided, a person you are dating or have dated, someone with whom you have a child in common, or the minor children themselves, or legal guardians or custodians of minor children. The list of acts committed against these victims are lengthy and include battery, assault, sexual assault, arson, trespassing, stealing, and destruction of property. Being convicted of domestic violence can cost you your marriage, custody of your children, your job, hefty fines, and even jail time. Recent changes in the law also include stalking, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, injury or killing an animal, false imprisonment, unlawful entry of the other person’s residence, or forcible entry against the other person’s will if there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of harm to the other person, and compelling the other person by force or threat of force to perform an act from which the other person has the right to refrain or to refrain from an act with the other person has the right to perform.
What You Need to Do Immediately After Being Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence
1. Contact an Experienced Domestic Battery Lawyer
It is possible to defend yourself after being falsely accused of domestic violence. However, this is considered such a heinous act that proving your innocence will take the help of an experienced criminal lawyer that does not have the same emotional involvement that you do. They can help you navigate the legal system, making sure not to miss any steps.
2. Contact Family and Friends
Even if you are innocent, you may not be able to escape the stigma of the accusation. It’s best to contact close family and friends to keep them current on your situation. They will be more apt to believe you and stand by your side as the case evolves.
3. Hide all of Your Personal Belongings
In the event of malice, accusers can and do manipulate evidence using resources within their reach. Make sure to keep your privacy and limit your partner’s access to your resources. This can sometimes mean hiding your bank account information, car title(s), electronics, jewelry, or other items of value that can be easily liquidated.
4. Change all of Your Login Passwords
Be sure to change the passwords to all your social media, credit cards, electronic devices, email, applications, and any online shopping outlets, as these can sometimes be misused by the person accusing you.
5. Begin Recording and Making Notes of All Interactions with Accuser
Contact should be avoided with your accuser until approved by your domestic violence lawyer. However, if you must interact with them, be sure to retain all written interaction including texts, email, messages, etc. It’s important to remember not to let anybody else read these except your lawyer. Make sure your lawyer is present when answering any formal questions related to the case with law enforcement.
Common Reasons People Falsely Accuse Others of Domestic Violence
- Malice – Someone, either male or female, is seeking revenge or vindication for actions against them. This is usually the result of an angry or spurned lover.
- Police Misconduct – Instead of open-ended questions, the police sometimes use leading questions and aid in creating a fictitious event in the victim’s already stressed mind. They might ask “when did the perpetratorenter the window?” instead of “how did they get in the house?” They may also already have their minds made up despite what you or the alleged victim says.
Ways Defendants Can Prove They Have Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence
- Discredit the Accuser – A good domestic battery lawyer researches every aspect of a case and will identify where the victim’s testimony is too unreliable, inconsistent, or implausible to sustain a conviction.
- Compile Evidence Favorable to the Defendant – Character witnesses, photos, written communications with the accuser, and other evidence can be gathered to show that you have no track record of this behavior.
Jesse Kalter is Ready to Fight for Your Freedom
Proving your innocence after being accused of domestic violence can feel like an uphill battle. You can make the journey easier by calling on the professional help of a domestic violence lawyer. Jesse Kalter has a tenacious pursuit of justice that has gotten countless domestic violence cases dismissed, reduced, or beaten at trial. He is knowledgeable and ready to defend your case in a court of law. Jesse Kalter is available to serve the people of Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fallon, Fernley, Dayton, Yerington, Douglas County, and all other Northern Nevada rural counties.
Assemble a Winning Defense Against False Domestic Violence Accusations
Contact Jesse Kalter Today for a Confidential Case Evaluation and Consultation
CLICK HERE to Contact Him Online or Call 775-331-3888
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