Domestic violence should never be taken lightly. Nearly one in four women and one in seven men have been victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. But, just because someone is charged with domestic violence doesn’t mean they are guilty of it. The accusations could be completely untrue, they could be victims who were defending themselves, or there could be other reasons why they may have been accused of domestic violence. No matter what the truth is, it’s imperative the accused reaches out to an attorney right away to get help.
As Soon as Charges are Possible
If someone suspects that there are pending charges for domestic violence or that they may be charged in the near future, it is a good idea to speak with an attorney immediately. Suppose the person’s spouse has stated they will talk to the police and have the person charged with domestic violence. Even if there isn’t any evidence, if there is the threat of charges, it’s a good idea to go ahead and speak to an attorney to see what can be done.
Immediately After an Arrest
If someone is arrested and charged with domestic violence or domestic assault, they will need to start working with an attorney right away. Evidence can disappear if it is not recorded properly, so the faster someone can start working with an attorney, the better. If the accused can contact an attorney immediately after their arrest, it is possible the attorney can start working on the case right away as well as help with bond and other issues.
At Any Time After the Arrest
If the accused did not hire an attorney immediately after their arrest, it doesn’t mean now is too late. If they have not been convicted yet, there is still a lot the attorney can do to help them. At any time after their arrest, the accused can contact an attorney to explain the case and see what help is available for them. The attorney will review the case carefully, look into existing evidence, and see what can be done to eliminate or minimize the possibility of a conviction and a lengthy sentence.
Consult Without Hiring
Those who are worried about domestic assault charges but who have not been arrested or charged yet can always have a consultation with an attorney. They may not hire the attorney right away if there is no need to, but they can at least get answers to their questions. This can help them feel more confident in what may happen in the future as well as help ease their worries. If they ever do need to hire a lawyer, they will already have someone to call.
If you’ve been arrested and charged with domestic assault or believe you could be charged, now’s the time to speak with one of the Domestic assault attorneys about your case. It’s never too early or too late to at least see how a lawyer can help or what the options might be for someone in your situation. Contact an attorney now to learn more.