Short Hills Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

In New Jersey, prosecutors tend to take allegations of domestic violence seriously. If you have been accused of domestic violence, it is crucial to get representation from a dedicated attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and clear up any misunderstandings.

You have the right to defend yourself against these allegations. Given what is at stake, you should use every advantage available to you. Working with a Short Hills domestic violence defense lawyer at the Williams Law Group, LLC could provide you with the best chances of a positive outcome in your case.

Who are Protected Individuals?

Domestic violence charges are unique from other criminal acts because the alleged victims in these cases are considered protected individuals. For that reason, an act that would otherwise qualify as simple assault could be treated as domestic assault if the complaining witness is considered one of these protected individuals.

Contrary to popular belief, protected individuals include more than just spouses in New Jersey. A person is considered a protected individual if they are in an intimate relationship with their alleged abuser. Additionally, a person falls into this category if they reside under the same roof, even if they are not currently or previously in an intimate relationship.

A domestic violence charge could even result from an altercation between two people who previously lived together in the same household. This is true even if they no longer live together and do not have an intimate relationship. The same is true for individuals that have children together regardless of their current relationship status.

Viable Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges

The distinction of a protected individual is important, as the consequences of a domestic violence charge can be much more significant than a standard criminal offense. When these allegations are made, a domestic violence attorney in Short Hills could advocate for the accused using various potential defense strategies.

No two cases are the same, and the specific fact patterns will determine what defenses might be viable in a given case. A knowledgeable attorney at our Short Hills office could evaluate a domestic abuse case and develop the strongest possible defense strategy.

False Accusations

When tensions in a relationship are high, a domestic violence accusation could be falsified or exaggerated. Showing that these allegations are false is a strong defense.

Self-Defense

Just like with any violent crime, a person accused of domestic violence has a right to defend themselves. If the reporting witness was actually the aggressor, a lawyer could argue that the defendant was acting in self-defense.

Accident

Domestic violence is an intentional criminal act. Sometimes, injuries occur due to genuine accidents. Showing a judge or jury that the injury in question was accidental and unintentional could result in a favorable outcome at trial.

Contact a Short Hills Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Today

Allegations of domestic violence could impact your rights, reputation, and freedom. Regardless of the facts surrounding the case, you are entitled to a vigorous defense against these charges.

Do not put your future at risk. Let a Short Hills domestic violence defense lawyer fight for your rights during every stage of your case. Call the Williams Law Group, LLC today to get started on your defense.