What Should I Do If I Have Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence?

 Posted on November 23, 2020 in Domestic Violence

Being blamed for something you did not do can be infuriating, especially if the act you are accused of involves violence against a family or household member. If you have been accused of domestic violence, you may be unsure of how to handle the situation. Should you confront the abuser and try to defend yourself, or stay silent? Should you comply with a restraining order that was founded on lies, or fight it? If you have been accused of stalking, harassment, assault, or another crime related to domestic abuse, you could be facing significant criminal penalties. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer for help as soon as possible.

Never Confront the Person Who Accused You

When someone says something about you that is not true, it is only natural to want to set the record straight. However, if you have been accused of domestic violence, confronting the accuser may make your situation much worse. He or she may use even a nonviolent confrontation as an excuse to make further allegations of violence or threats. Do not call, text, visit, or otherwise communicate with the person who has accused you. Instead, reach out to a defense attorney with experience handling false claims of domestic violence to receive personalized guidance.

Comply With Any Restraining Orders or Protective Orders

A criminal order of protection is a court order that is issued against someone who has been arrested for family violence. Civil restraining orders, on the other hand, may be issued even if the subject has not been arrested or charged with a crime. In Connecticut, an individual can request a civil restraining order via an “ex parte” hearing. This is a hearing in which the petitioner, or person requesting protection, explains his or her reasons for requesting the restraining order, but the subject of the order is not present to defend himself or herself. Protection orders and restraining orders may prohibit you from communicating with the alleged victim or coming within a certain distance of him or her. They may also order you to move out of your own home, stay away from your children, or surrender your firearms.

If you are subject to a protection order or restraining order, it is imperative that you comply with the order, even if you believe it is unjustified. Violating a protective order or restraining order is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000.

Contact a Stamford Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of assault, stalking, threatening, or otherwise harming a family member or household member, you could be facing criminal penalties, including jail time. Contact an experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner to start building a strong defense against these accusations. Call us today at 203-348-5846 and schedule your confidential, free consultation.

Source:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_952.htm#sec_53a-40d