Gavel, Scales of Justice, and PaperworkYou face harsh punishments if you are convicted of domestic assault and battery in Virginia. Your actions after your arrest can directly impact the strength of your defenses and the outcome of your criminal case. Here are four mistakes you should avoid making.

Four Mistakes That Would Hurt Your Defense

If you want to get the charges against you dismissed or reduced to a less serious offense, you need to do everything you can to help a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer defend you. Here are four mistakes that could make it harder for a lawyer to help you:

  • Talking to the police. Many defendants in domestic assault and battery cases think they can clear their name if they talk to the police. However, answering a police officer’s questions or trying to explain things to them is a mistake. Your statements could be used against you in court.
  • Contacting the victim. You may want to contact your family or household member to apologize or try to work things out. However, it is unlikely that you will improve the situation, and you could still face criminal charges. You must cease all communications with the victim once the police are contacted.
  • Violating a protective order. The victim could also obtain a protective order against you that prohibits you from having any contact with them. This could lead to additional criminal charges for violating the order.
  • Not retaining the right lawyer. You should not try to defend yourself or hire a lawyer that does not have experience defending individuals charged with domestic assault and battery. You need an attorney who understands the laws and effective defenses that apply in your case and that will aggressively defend you.

Are you facing assault and battery on a family or household member in Virginia? You need the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will mount a strong defense strategy to fight the charges against you. Call our Manassas office at 888-DUI-LWYR or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your free initial consultation to learn about our track record of success in these cases and how we can assist you.

 

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