Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Waukesha County 

 Posted on December 22, 2021 in Criminal Law

A domestic violence-related conviction may carry severe penalties, including prison time and fines. Offenders may also be subject to a protective order. Having a conviction on your record can seriously damage your reputation. Thankfully, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and people charged with a crime have rights.

What to Do If You Are Accused of Domestic Battery

Your decisions in the immediate aftermath of a domestic battery charge are critical and may make the difference between conviction and exoneration. Here are three pieces of advice:

Watch What You Say - Be very careful with your words, especially when talking to the police or the victim. Your words can and will be used against you. If you are taken into police custody, the police may try to get you to make confessions or admit guilt. Remember, you have the right to remain silent and consult with legal counsel.

Hire a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney - If you are charged with domestic battery or another offense related to domestic violence, it is critical that you hire an attorney right away. An attorney can represent you during legal proceedings and craft a defense strategy for how to proceed.

Avoid Contact with the Accuser - Do not attempt to work things out with the accuser. Contacting the alleged victim often only leads to more confrontation. At worst, the accuser may try to gather evidence to use against you.

You May Be Subject to a Restraining/Protective Order

If you are accused of domestic violence, the accuser may petition the court to have a protective order (also called a restraining order) imposed against you. The order prevents you from contacting the victim in any way. You may also be required to move out of your residence if you share a home with the accuser, surrender any firearms, and meet additional expectations. Violating the order is a criminal offense.

Hiring a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Is Critical

Domestic disputes are complicated – tempers flare, emotions run high, people make rash decisions. A lawyer can hold police and prosecution accountable for any procedural errors in the case. He or she can launch an investigation to uncover evidence and use it to builda strong defense. They can also identify flaws in their case, which may lead to the charges being dropped.

Contact a Waukesha County Criminal Defense Attorney

Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP understands that domestic violence cases are often traumatizing, heart-wrenching ordeals. Our lawyers will listen to your side of the story and identify a strategy that gives you best chance of dismissal or aquittal.

We believe communication is at the heart of the lawyer-client relationship, which is why we make ourselves accessible to our clients in a way not seen at other firms.

If you are looking for a Brookfield, Wisconsin criminal defense attorney, contact Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP today at 262-232-6699 for a free initial consultation. 

Source:

https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/CircuitCourts/CivilCourt/RestrainingOrders/domestic-abuse-restraining-order/