What To Do If You’re Accused of Domestic Violence in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re accused of domestic violence, you must tread carefully. False accusations can quickly escalate when defendants don’t know the correct defense strategies to employ during the criminal investigation process. A domestic violence lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can walk you through exactly how to respond in your situation, though in general, you should follow these steps:
1. Stay Calm
When you’re first served any paperwork or restraining orders, you may feel shocked, confused, or betrayed by the accusation. However, it’s vital to keep your cool and comply with police officers. Resisting arrest, raising your voice, or lashing out in any way will only worsen the situation and harm your credibility assessment.
2. Comply With Orders
In Florida, officers follow a preferred arrest policy, meaning they are not mandated to make arrests for domestic violence, as many conditions affect these decisions. To protect your case, we recommend complying with officers’ orders. Whether you’re taken into custody or simply asked questions, it is in your vested interest to respect law enforcement and stay calm.
If you’re arrested, you should call a domestic violence lawyer in Fort Lauderdale as soon as possible before relaying any specific details about the situation. Your attorney can walk you through the next recommended steps.
3. Do Not Contact the Accuser
The domestic violence accusation might include a restraining order, which means you cannot contact the accuser, or you will incur serious criminal penalties. Even without an explicit restraining order, you still must not contact the accuser, as all communication between the two of you will be explicitly scrutinized during evidence gathering. Any attempt to contact them could be seen as a threat.
4. Stay Off Social Media
False domestic violence accusations can harm your reputation. You might feel tempted to take to social media to give your side of the story, but this can quickly backfire.
Sharing any details online could break your restraining order and lead to further negative claims against you. Stay quiet and only discuss the case with your domestic violence lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.
5. Secure Your Financial Accounts
Sometimes, people accuse their spouse of domestic violence during custodial disputes or divorce proceedings in an attempt to secure a more favorable outcome. At the same time, they might tamper with your financial accounts to fabricate evidence or to make your life harder. Whether or not you have reason to suspect (or expect) this, securing your shared accounts might still be a good idea.
6. Gather Evidence
Evidence can be challenging in domestic violence claims and often boils down to word-of-mouth claims. Depending on what the accuser claims, you might be able to take photos of personal injuries, property damage, or messages between the two of you to support your side of the story. You can also request statements from potential character witnesses or anyone who may have been present during particular incidents.
7. Hire a Reputable Attorney
Building your defense begins with hiring the right domestic violence lawyer in Fort Lauderdale. Your attorney can help you gather evidence and fight for your rights in court. Consulting an attorney before you attempt to communicate with anyone else is the smartest thing you can do.
Call Michael White, P.A., Today To Discuss Your Options
Domestic violence is a serious accusation. As such, it requires serious legal representation. Michael White, P.A., leverages his state prosecutor experience to develop a robust defense for clients facing criminal charges.
If you need a domestic violence lawyer in Fort Lauderdale to defend your case, call Michael White, P.A., at (954) 707-0850 to schedule a consultation.
