In the State of Alabama, alleged crimes of domestic violence can take many different forms. These include menacing, stalking, assault, reckless endangerment, harassment, and others. It’s important to understand that you do not need to commit an act of domestic violence to be charged with a domestic violence crime; in fact, attempting or even threatening to do so can result in an arrest.
Alabama Domestic Violence Attorney
What distinguishes domestic violence from other violent crimes is the relationship of the accused to the alleged victims. Victims in domestic violence cases are generally the children, parents, roommates, or current or former spouses of the defendant concerned. Depending on the seriousness of the charge, domestic violence crimes can be felonies or misdemeanors, but in either case a conviction can yield serious consequences including jail time, expensive fines, and mandatory counseling. In some circumstances (such as when you are cohabitating with an alleged victim), you may be prevented from returning to your home following a conviction. If you have children, a conviction for domestic violence may adversely affect any child custody orders and visitation rights. Finally, even after you have paid all necessary penalties and served time in prison, you may have difficulty renting an apartment, seeking gainful employment, or even owning a firearm after being found guilty of an act of domestic violence. By partnering with a dedicated Alabama domestic violence attorney as soon as possible following your arrest, you stand a much better chance of avoiding a conviction and the consequences that follow from it.
Protecting your rights during emotional and difficult times
Any experienced domestic violence lawyer knows that it doesn’t take much for an argument or misunderstanding to get out of control and result in an arrest on domestic violence charges. For example, if one spouse tells a law enforcement official that the other harmed them, this assertion is sufficient to result in the arrest of the alleged aggressor. There does not have to be any physical evidence (such as a bruise) for an arrest to occur. What’s worse, once you have been arrested for domestic violence, you can expect to be prosecuted even if your accuser recants and tries to get the charges dropped. Speak to us immediately if you have been arrested for stalking, harassment, or another domestic violence crime. We can help you protect your rights and safeguard your relationship with your loved ones.
