Domestic Violence and Abusive Relationships

Domestic violence is the term used for a broad range of offenses that occur between two people with a personal relationship. This relationship can be between parent and child, siblings, two family members, close friends, or two people involved in a personal relationship. This type of violence is not limited to spouses or those involved in a romantic relationship only.

Types of abuse that fall under Domestic Violence category include:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Stalking
• Harassment
• Disorderly conduct
• Child abuse
• Simple or aggravated battery
• Violations of restraining orders
• False imprisonments

Other types of circumstances may fall under this category. However, these are the most common charges associated with domestic abuse and violence charges.

Charges Of Domestic Abuse Can Quickly Become Complicated

It is very important to understand that domestic abuse and violence charges can quickly become complicated for the person standing accused. In the past, too many law enforcement officials overlooked real domestic abuse cases and many people were hurt because of their actions. Now, all domestic cases are taken seriously, even if they are really nothing more than an argument between two people.

Wisconsin has what is referred to as “no drop” policies for domestic abuse situations. What this means is that even if the person who was the victim of the alleged abuse wants to drop the charges law enforcement has the ability to still arrest the individual and the prosecution can still charge them with a crime.

When law enforcement pushes through a domestic arrest, the situation becomes quite complicated. It is at that very point that the person who is accused of the crime should seek legal representation from a criminal defense lawyer Waukesha.

A Domestic Violence Conviction Can Change Your Life

The first thing to remember is that if you have been arrested of a domestic crime you have only been accused. This is different than a conviction. A conviction occurs after you have gone to court and the outcome of the case is a guilty verdict. It is important to seek legal representation as early as possible after the arrest to protect your rights as the accused.

Being convicted of a crime will have a serious impact on your life. In addition to facing a jail sentence and a large fine, you will also face many new difficulties in your life. Everything in your life from that point forward has the potential to change.

You would have to consider yourself a convicted felon under many circumstances. This means that you will have difficulty securing new employment. You also may not be able to continue working in the profession of your choice because of this classification.

If convicted, you may have a hard time renting an apartment, establishing credit, or joining community programs. You may be prohibited from voting or taking part in other activities. You may also have additional rights stripped from you based on the conviction. A conviction will also place serious stress on current and future relationships with your family members and friends.

With so much at stake, it is easy to understand why it is so very important to make sure that you have the right criminal defense attorney handling your case.

What To Look For In A Criminal Defense Lawyer Waukesha

When you are looking for a criminal defense attorney to handle your case, there are some very important things that you should look for in that attorney. Selecting the right criminal defense lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of your case.

• Feel Comfortable With The Attorney. One of the most important things that you will have to do is be able to connect with your attorney on a working relationship level. You must feel comfortable with them and you must be willing to take their advice and follow their instructions. If you do not feel that you can have a working relationship with the attorney, you will want to move on to another lawyer. You both will need to have a solid working relationship to create the best defense for your case.
• Know Their Legal Background. All attorneys are different. You will want to work with an attorney that has a working knowledge of your type of case. An attorney that is familiar with the type of offense you have been charged with will know how to build the best defense.
• Look For An Attorney That Does Not Make Promises. This may seem like the absolute last thing that you would look for in an attorney. However, it is very important that you work with a lawyer that is not promising or guaranteeing you any outcome to your case. It would be legal malpractice for an attorney to guarantee you what is going to take place for your case. You will want to work with a lawyer that tells you all of the possible scenarios that could take place and what their plan is to make the case end with the best possible outcome. Honesty is crucial to a good working relationship with your attorney.
• Ask Your Attorney About Their Strategies. You will always have a better outcome to your case if your attorney is aggressive and creative with their defense strategies.

Your attorney should be one that is non-judgmental, compassionate to your cause and determined to give you the best representation.

Always Work Closely With Your Attorney For The Best Results

Domestic cases are all unique. Each one must be addressed and defended based on the specific details and circumstances of the event that led to the arrest. Because of this, it is crucial that you work closely with your attorney so that they can build the best defense.

You will want to provide as much information as possible about you, the event, the relationship and the background to the event. You will also want to comply with all of their requests for building your defense. Your attorney may ask you to attend drug or alcohol rehabilitation, anger management courses or even domestic abuse counseling prior to going to court to help build your defense. Comply with these requests for the best possible outcome to your case.