Being accused of domestic violence is a serious situation that can quickly spiral out of control if not handled correctly. The emotional turmoil and legal complexities can make it hard to think straight, but avoiding common pitfalls is critical to protecting your freedom and your future. You really want to make sure you're not making things worse for yourself.
Don't try to contact the alleged victim. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. If a protective order is in place, any contact—even indirect, like through a friend or social media—can lead to new charges and more severe consequences. It's imperative to respect protective orders, no matter how unfair they might seem.
Avoid posting about the case on social media or discussing it with friends. Anything you say or write can be used as evidence against you in court. Keep all communication about your case strictly between you and your attorney. Maintaining silence is a powerful defense strategy.
Don't resist arrest or obstruct justice. While your emotions might be running high, cooperating with law enforcement during an arrest is crucial. Resisting can lead to additional charges that complicate your defense and increase potential penalties. Remain calm and assert your right to remain silent and to counsel.
Avoid minimizing the charges or thinking they’ll just 'go away.' Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously by prosecutors and judges in San Diego County. Even if the alleged victim wishes to drop the charges, the state often continues to prosecute. You need a proactive defense, not a passive one.
Don't wait to hire an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer. The sooner you get legal representation, the better. An attorney can start investigating immediately, gather crucial evidence, communicate with prosecutors on your behalf, and work to get protective orders lifted or modified. Trying to handle these complex legal matters on your own can be devastating. Angelo J. Reyes, APC has the expertise to defend you against domestic violence allegations.