Domestic Violence

A person has willfully inflicted bodily injury upon his/her spouse, or the person they are cohabiting with, and the bodily injury resulted in a traumatic condition.

Consequences for the conviction of Domestic Violence may potentially include:

• Domestic counseling
  
• Probation or parole
  
• Imprisonment
  
• Anger management class
  
• Significant fines
  
• Loss of the right to own a deadly weapon
  
• Other

• Prior similar convictions
  
• Any other prior convictions
  
• Currently on probation or parole
  
• Attitude of community and court toward this type of crime
  
• Degree of media attention on case
  
• Mitigating/aggravating circumstance
  
• Other

• Self defense
  
• Insufficient evidence
  
• Factual innocence
  
• Other

• Gather documentation of your good character (reference letters, employment history, community service, etc.)
  
• Exercise your right to remain silent
  
• Retain qualified counsel as soon as possible
  
• Keep a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses (this information will help your attorney prepare the best possible defense)
  
• DO NOT investigate your own case

• Early preparation, including legal research and defense identification
  
• Early investigation and identification of all facts helpful to your defense
  
• Interview police to minimize or eliminate the case
  
• Interview the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
  
• Interview all witnesses
  
• Reduce or eliminate bail requirements
  
• Provide emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are continually updated as to the status of your case
  
• In appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
  
• Obtain an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist (to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
  
• Coordinate a private lie detector test
  
• Develop appropriate motions to dismiss the case
  
• Develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence

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